I am a visual person. When I imagine a goal, I see it as a picture. As a result, I reinforce my goals through pictures, but not all people are visual.

We all imagine our future through different methods.

• If you are aural then you need audio reminders of your goals. A sound, a voice, or some other verbal reminders help you achieve your goals. Find ways to incorporate sound that motivates you into your daily routine. Sounds that remind you of where you are going.
• If you are textual, you need your lists and words. You can look at a list and it will motivate you. Words do something for you. You’re view of the future might be a short paragraph or even a slogan or motto. For me a motto does nothing unless it’s the caption to a stimulating picture.
• If you are visual, you will need a clear picture of what your future might look like. If you can picture something vividly, you can achieve it.

Several years ago, I set getting my pilot’s license as one of my life goals. The first thing I did was change my computer background to photos of airplanes that I might fly. I wanted to be reminded of what I would achieve.

Remember though that just having a dream in no way guarantees it’s success. If you focus incorrectly on the future (or the past for that matter), you lose the enjoyment of the present. Then there is the risk of becoming a daydreamer. All talk; no action.

So in addition to your dream, you need a plan and some motivation.

Here’s the latest image of my dream from this morning. That’s me on the right with my instructor on the left. I’m 4000 feet above ground in a Cessna 172. In case you can’t tell, I’m flying! My picture perfect dream is now becoming my reality.

How do you imagine your goals and dreams? What’s the best motivator for you? Let’s talk.