A dream is an ambition or ideal to aim. For some people, it gives their life direction and meaning. For others, fulfilling it is a way for them to be of help to the people around them and the community at large.
So what does it say about a person if he or she doesn’t have a dream? A recently-concluded nine-year study on Filipino youth revealed that seven out of 10 Filipino teenagers do not have a dream.
“Do you have a dream?”
Dream Project PH, the organization behind the study, and its founder, Prim Payon, interviewed 614 teens from every socioeconomic class in 54 provinces. Payon asked the basic question to which 70 percent of the respondents replied with a “no.”
The results alarmed Payon: he believed there’s little hope for a nation whose younger generations do not dream of greater things.
A Loaded Question
The findings certainly grab attention. I wonder, however, if there’s more to the respondents’ “no,” than a clean-cut, “no, I don’t dream because of hopelessness.” After all, not everyone can say with certainty and conviction what they want to do in the next five, 10, or 20 years.
Most of the time, people have a vague idea of what they want to be, but no clear plan on how to get there. Others develop new passions as time passes. There are lucky ones who have several choices ahead of them, while there are indeed some who are still unclear about their dreams.
A Practical Approach to Dreaming
How about you, do you have a dream?
If you find it hard to answer, you’re not alone. But take heart: there are people who’d be happy to give you a nudge in the right direction so you can dream without hesitation or fear.
Here are some practical tips from women who dreamed, succeeded, and are now inspiring others to make their own dreams a reality.
“The things that excite you are not really random. It shows you your calling.”
– Blu Pingoy, Nurse and Pilot
Dreams don’t appear out of thin air; they’re always rooted in an interest, experience, or desire. If your life goals are still unclear, ask yourself: what excites you? The answer might clear things up for you.
“Your friends, families, siblings, and parents will help you identify your strengths.”
– Arianne David, Sulit.com.ph Co-Founder
When your thoughts and feelings regarding your dreams get muddled, it pays to listen to others. But choose the right people to ask for opinion. Those who know and care for you should be able to give an honest assessment of your skills, strengths, and weaknesses. When you’re too scared (“I’m inexperienced”) or too insecure to dream (“I can’t do this.”), these people may help appease your fears and hesitations.
“If you have this crazy idea and you can’t sleep thinking about it, don’t just throw it aside. Write it down.”
– Abbie Victorino, Stylegenie Founder and CEO
Don’t be quick to dismiss your ideas and wishes. Ignoring them might be ignoring an important part of yourself. As some dreams stand out clearly than others, writing them could put things into clearer perspective.
“Know what you don’t like, and eventually you’ll find out what you really want to do.”
– Tal De Guzman, Risque Designs Founder and Designer
The process of elimination is another approach in finding a dream. What doesn’t excite you? Take them out of the equation until you’re left with the goals you value and can make you happy the most.
“You have to declare your intention to the universe.”
– Wiji Lacsamana, Maker of Books, Tattoos, and Illustrations
Know what you want to be and what you want to do; and when you have the answer, own it. Telling the world your dreams is not just an exercise in self-empowerment; it’s also a strategic move. The people who can open doors for you and give you a leg up might hear you. You never know, they might decide to help you achieve your dreams.
“First, you have to dream. Next, you have to put it into action.”
– Juliet Chen, Serenitea Co-Founder
A dream will stay a dream if you do nothing to make it a reality. The ball’s in your court now. What are you going to do with your dream?
“Whenever a person would tell me otherwise, that I can’t do it, or give me negative feedback, I would turn that negativity into a challenge.”
– Ginger Arboleda, Manila Workshops CEO and Taxumo COO
Sometimes starting is the hardest part. But don’t let fear stop you. As you progress, face challenges, and learn from your mistakes, things will eventually become easier.
Also, the first step is not always the most obvious or easiest choice. But what’s important is you go out and do it. Take that first step, and the rest can follow.
“Set something achievable, but don’t limit yourself to that.”
– Mina Esguerra, Romance Novel Author and Publisher
When you dream, dream big; then you plan. Set bite-sized goals and when you achieve them, make new and bigger ones. Just don’t lose sight of your dream; make it your guide in setting achievable goals.
“Think of your dream as stages. Take those small steps to reaching your goal.”
– Liz Lanuzo, ProjectVanity.com Founder and Editor-in-Chief, In Her Elements Skin Care Founder
Not everyone gets shortcuts. Some of us have to work harder than others. But instead of focusing on the workload, focus on the goals.
Dreams are only out of reach if you make them so. It’s just like setting achievable goals, only this time, each goal takes you a step closer to the top.
“If you don’t know where to start, always look at what resources you have now.”
– Kassy Pajarillo, After Six Club Founder and LinkedIn Trainer
Play to your strengths. Use what you have to reach your achievable goals. If you don’t have the materials you need, don’t let shyness or pride keep you from asking for help.
“As long as I don’t make the same mistakes twice, as long as I make new mistakes, I know that I’m going towards the right direction . . . If you’re not scared, you’re not dreaming enough.”
– Tracy Ignacio, KMC Solutions COO
Let’s get real: sometimes you won’t have someone who’ll hold your hand and guide you every step of the way. Not knowing if you’re doing the right thing can make even the best of us feel insecure, unsure, and lost.
You’ll need to shake yourself out of that mindset. In the absence of a mentor or a defined path, make the rules and set the standards yourself. It’s better than seeking approval from people who may not be qualified to instruct you to begin with.
“Create your own schedule. Create your own opportunities.”
– Alessa Lanot, Lifeafterbreakfast.ph Surface Pattern Designer and Founder
Visionaries and innovators are called as such because they pave new paths. They are the ones who found that there’s no easy way to achieve their goals, yet they still pushed forward. Moreover, they laid their own tracks. What’s amazing about innovators is that their efforts to reach their dreams often create new opportunities for others as well.
Don’t be afraid to take on a different route if necessary. When your present path seems unclear and unrewarding, you might be meant for other — greater — things.
“It’s a conscious effort, a conscious decision that this is the path [you choose].”
– Kooky Tuason, Spoken Word Artist, Radio Host, and Educator
Dreams inspire you, but you also need to feed them. You need to make a conscious decision to work hard for them and make them real.
” . . . Try and try again. Even if you have to fail several more times.”
– Reese Fernandez-Ruiz, Rags2Riches, Inc. President and Co-Founder, Things That Matter Co-Curator
Challenges are learning experiences. They might scare you, but they’ll also make you stronger. So take your fear and run with it. When you’re scared, take it as a sign that you’re aiming for something great.
These are the women from Belle de Jour’s Magic of Dreams Campaign, an initiative created to inspire Filipinos to dream. It is in line with the company’s vision of helping people live life to the fullest. Learn more about this initiative on their Facebook page.