Are You Living Your Dream or Just Getting Through the Day?
It started with an innocent question in a room full of business peers: "Are you living your dream?" My planner, open to the month’s page boldly stating "LIVE YOUR DREAM," seemed to mock me as I quickly answered, "No, this isn’t my dream."
I was talking about my job at the time, but the truth went deeper than that. It wasn’t just about work; it was about the quiet discontent that comes when you know there’s more, but you haven’t made space to chase it.
The Lie of the Lucky Few
In that same conversation, another peer commented that dreams are for the lucky — the lottery winners, the athletes, the stars. It was said so emphatically as if “ordinary people” are meant only to survive, not thrive.
But weren’t all those extraordinary people once ordinary? Didn’t they have jobs, bills, and fears too? The difference isn’t luck. It’s faith in action.
We must silence the notion that dreams are reserved for a select few. Every remarkable achievement begins with an ordinary individual who dared to take a step forward, despite the obstacles. The truth is, success doesn’t come by chance; it is crafted through determination, commitment, and intentional actions.
Ordinary believers can do extraordinary things because we have a God who can do the impossible.
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.” (Ephesians 3:20, NIV)
When Reality Challenges the Dream
Later that evening, a repairman at our home unknowingly added another layer to the theme. He was friendly, full of life, and excellent at his job. But when asked if he loved what he did, his answer stunned us: “Actually, no.” His real passion? Creating and building. But life — kids, bills, and the sheer weight of responsibility — kept him from pursuing it.
I shared with him something I’ve learned the hard way: Start now. Start small. But for the love of your purpose, start. You don’t need everything to be in place, you just need intention.
Dreams grow when we water them, even if it’s just a drop at a time. Here’s some other things to keep in mind:
Visualize the Vision
When distractions creep in, and they will, visual reminders are powerful tools to recalibrate your focus. I’m a fan of vision boards. Whether digital or physical, their presence pulls me back to purpose. Each picture, word, or symbol reminds me: God gave me this dream for a reason.
Faith Over Fear
So what’s stopping you? Fear? Complacency? A false belief that it’s too late or you’re too limited? Reflect. Ask yourself: What was the goal? And does your current path lead there? When I did this exercise, I wrote down who I believed God said I was — by faith.
Guard Your Time Like Treasure
Dreams have no room to grow on cluttered calendars. Protect some of your hours so they can be reserved to work on the dream. Say ‘no’ where possible so that you can say ‘yes’ to you.
Keep Learning
You may not have finances to take the course but you can learn in so many ways. Whether it’s through books, podcasts, or mentions, remain a student of your dream. Your learning will be conducive to expansion.
Invite God Daily
Your dream isn’t separate from your faith. It’s an extension of it. Begin each day asking for direction, wisdom, and strength. Allow Him to lead the way.
Take Action on Your Dreams
What dream have you set aside because of practicality, fear, or fatigue? This week, take 30 minutes to create a vision board or journal entry about your dream. Write one small step you can take in the next 7 days to reignite that fire. Don’t overthink it. Just begin.
When I couldn’t say “yes” to living my dream, it stirred a holy discontent in me. It made me realize how many of us are drifting, not dreaming. Friend, God placed that dream in you. Don’t wait for permission, a paycheck, or a perfect season. Begin where you are. Rome wasn’t built in a day, but it was built.
Drop me a comment or prayer request if you’re ready to start dreaming again. I’m walking this road too. Let’s go together.
