As a high school art teacher, I was often deeply inspired by listening to teenagers' dreams for the future. I especially loved watching my students realize that it is ok to dream and be proud of what you have done in your life and where you want to go.

As adults, we need to realize that the power of a dream will enable you to achieve whatever your ultimate "WHY" in life is. By the age of 25, most people lose their dreams and fall into a rut. From the age of 25-65, people generally go back and forth to work and say to themselves, “I wish...if only I could have...if only I knew then what I know now," and numerous other lamentations as to why they do not feel fulfilled in life. The key in life to feeling fulfilled is to simply listen to your inner spirit and do what you love to do, and to continue to dream and work towards achieving your DREAMS!

Ask Yourself

The keyword in that sentence is DREAMS!  Too many people when asked, "Where do you see yourself 2-5 years from now" give the answer, "Just let me make it to this weekend."  The underlying reason that they don’t know where they are going to be is because they have no dreams.  This can be extremely frightening!  

The majority of my high school students had dreams for their life and where they see themselves in the future.  As a teacher, I loved to empower my students to find their WHY in life -- to catapult them to attain their dreams in life.  I also spoke often to my students about how the people you surround yourself with are so important, and I encouraged them to find and surround themselves with a group of friends (aka a mastermind) that will push them and encourage them to achieve their dreams. 

As an overall population, over 95% of adults have no mastermind team but they have a group of so-called friends, who will often tell every reason why they should never try to win and just accept their life.  You need to stop right now and take a personal inventory of your life and ask yourself three life-changing questions:

1) WHAT is my WHY in LIFE!!!  (Why am I getting up each and every day?)

2) WHO is my Mastermind Team?

3) WHERE do I see myself 2-5 years from now?

When you answer these questions you need to be honest with yourself and tell yourself the truth because the truth shall set you FREE! 

Discovering Your "Why"

The first step on the path to finding your "why" is to embark on a journey of self-reflection. Set aside time in your day to pause, disconnect from distractions, and delve into introspection. Ask yourself thought-provoking questions such as, "What brings me joy and fulfillment?" or "What do I value most in life?" This process of self-discovery will help you gain clarity and unearth the passions and desires that drive you.

Curiosity is a powerful compass that can lead you to your purpose. Pay attention to the activities and subjects that pique your interest and ignite your curiosity. Explore new hobbies, read books, attend workshops or seminars, and engage in conversations with people who inspire you.

Each of us possesses unique talents and strengths. Recognizing and nurturing these strengths can lead to a fulfilling and purpose-driven life. Take time to identify your core strengths—what you excel at and what comes naturally to you. Reflect on how you can utilize these strengths to make a positive impact on the world around you.

The journey of finding your "why" is not a linear path. It involves growth, exploration, and adaptability. Embrace change as a catalyst for personal development and be open to new experiences that stretch your comfort zone. Remember that your "why" may evolve over time, and that's perfectly normal. Stay curious, embrace new challenges, and be willing to adjust your course as you gain deeper insights into your purpose.

Finding Your Mastermind Team

Human connection plays a vital role in our pursuit of purpose. Surround yourself with individuals who inspire, support, and challenge you to grow. Engage in deep conversations, share your aspirations, and listen to the stories and experiences of others. Meaningful connections can provide valuable insights, expose you to new perspectives, and even introduce you to opportunities that align with your "why."

Remember, building meaningful connections takes time and effort. Be patient, open-minded, and willing to give as much as you receive. By actively seeking out individuals who inspire, support, and challenge you to grow, you'll create a network of positive influences that can propel you toward your goals and help you become the best version of yourself. Your mastermind does not need to be people you meet with in person. They can be a group you have found on the internet or social media that you connect with virtually. 

Crafting Your Life Plan for the Next 2-5 Years

Building a life plan is like charting a course for the next 2-5 years, allowing us to set goals, prioritize our aspirations, and navigate the path toward a brighter future.

Take some time to visualize where you want to be in the next 2-5 years. Envision your ideal lifestyle, career, relationships, personal growth, and any other areas of importance to you.

Once you have a clear vision and goals in mind, identify the action steps required to achieve them. Break down each goal into actionable tasks and create a timeline for completion. Assign deadlines to hold yourself accountable and ensure steady progress toward your objectives.

Life is unpredictable, and it's important to embrace flexibility and adaptability as you pursue your life plan. Be open to new opportunities, adjust your goals if needed, and learn from any obstacles or setbacks you encounter. Remember that the journey toward your desired future is a dynamic process, and your plan may evolve as you grow and learn more about yourself.

Remember 

The key to living a fulfilled life is waking up each day with a driving desire to achieve your "WHY”.  The key to winning in life is to be part of a winning team and realize life decisions are challenging but very beneficial. Bring your Dreams back to life and embrace the journey!