The Song
Dream a Little Dream of Me is a standard song I’ve performed for years, originally written in 1931. The highest chart ratings were by the Mamas and the Papas in 1968, but others included Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole, Doris Day, Dean Martin and many others.
Defining a dream job and schedule is not the main theme of the Dream a Little Dream song, but it is all about pursuing something or someone you love. Consequently, I think the song is a wonderful comparison to pursuing your dreams! (especially important at halftime! How Do You Know You’re at Halftime)
In this article, we will talk about five areas: define your values, define where you want to be, define challenging tech issues, define your personal habits and define your commitment to growth.
One: Define Your Values
What do you stand for? In other words, what is the most important aspect of your life and business? Integrity? Hard work? Excellence? Your core values can include a combination of many things but try to narrow them down to three main qualities.
I’ve been going through Donald Miller’s Business Made Simple online courses this year and he stresses the importance of core values for business, for your personal life and even for your home. I found it extremely beneficial to spend time on all those areas. Those values help me steer and direct all other areas of my life.
Two: Define Where You Want to Be
Dream a little Dream for five years down the road and imagine what you want your life and business to look like. Do you still want to work the same job, have the same relationships, live in your current location?
We can’t fully know the truth of how those dreams will be manifested, but most of the time when we’ve defined a dream, we surpass even what we imagined. In other words, we may be thinking too small! No matter what the outcome may be, plan, plan and plan. I plan at least the next quarter (90 days) and reverse engineer to accomplish all tasks, a small step at a time. It is how I’ve produced every album, book, musical and multiple other projects. It really works—try it!
Three: Define Challenging Tech Issues
What is holding you back from pursuing your dream? Do you have a fear of tech? Maybe you’re thinking the world is passing you by, moving faster than you can ever keep up? (I’m a little envious of those who can text lightning-fast with their thumbs!) I’ll let you in on a little secret…every generation has thought those same thoughts!
We are so used to getting in our vehicles, pressing a button to turn them on, then driving to our destination. If all you knew about was a horse and buggy at the turn of the century, you may have felt the world was moving way too fast—passing you by. But it wasn’t! Today, we wonder how soon all roads will be filled with driverless cars. The challenges are the same.
So as you look at tech issues, realize many of those who have gone before you have faced the same feelings. Imagine the overwhelming feelings it would be for a pioneer woman to hold a cell phone, much less talk in it!
Four: Define Your Personal Habits
How do you start your days? Some of your habits and routines will be based on your values. Do you value keeping in shape? Productiveness? Writing? So many so-called resolutions we make at the beginning of the year are broken and never fulfilled (a whopping 80-85%) because no new habit or routine has been implemented. It’s very valuable to analyze how you spend your time. You may be surprised!
Even very small changes can make a huge difference. Add one thing to your regular routine—maybe it’s just showing up at the gym for ten minutes. Once that is ingrained, you can increase the time! Another one: get up ten minutes earlier to journal. I will guarantee you, small changes like those will make a big difference in your outcome!
Five: Define Your Commitment to Growth
What books have you read this year? What courses have you taken or plan to take? A lifelong learning attitude will carry you through the multiple stages of life with a healthy mindset and willingness to grow and change.
When you dream a little dream defining your dream job and schedule, realize there will be some areas of your life that will need more time to prepare for and change. Remember, if you truly want a four-hour workweek, (like Tim Ferris!) you may have to work eighty hours a week for a short time while you build your four-hour workweek! Don’t let that scare you. If you are looking to make a change to do something you absolutely love, doing the work will be well-worth it and even fun. Then your dream a little dream will become a reality!
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