PERSONAL SPECIAL ......................The 5 Traits That Turn Dreams into Reality

The 5 Traits That Turn Dreams into Reality

Everyone has dreams--but how many actually get fulfilled? Here are five common traits that turn dreamers into doers.

We all have dreams. But how many of us actually fulfill them? Making dreams come true is the cornerstone of the American Dream--we idolize those that have managed to realize the impossible. Hundreds of books have been written about success, and yet, similar to the art of losing weight, people still clamor tofind the secret formula.

The reality is that each person's definition of success is different--and their paths are as well. However, in my work helping corporate types and entrepreneurs alike actualize their dreams, there are five common traits I've seen that turn dreamers into doers:

1. You believe in yourself.

This is the most important of them all. Success and dream-creation come down to how much you believe in yourself. Not occasionally, but every day. Ask those that are living their dreams and they will tell you that believing in themselves is a regular practice. We all have negative thoughts--and if you consciously reverse them, you will be more likely to succeed.

2. You don't get sidetracked by failure--you learn from it.

Failures, disappointments, and hearing "no" are all inevitable realities of fulfilling any dream. How you deal with them is an indication of your aptitude for success. If you dwell on setbacks and then dismiss them without any self-reflection, then you miss the lesson or information you need to pivot your approach. If you take the time to process them, learn, and then reintegrate the lesson with your goals, you will be a dream-making machine.

3. You have a clear vision, which gives you purpose and fulfillment.

You understand what your ultimate goal is--for both your career and your life--and what dreams need to be achieved to get you there. This vision makes you feel fulfilled because you know you're having the impact in the world that you desire. A vision also helps you stay focused in the face turmoil or hardship because you know where you're going, so you don't mind how rough the road that takes you there may be.

4. You hire people with skills that compliment your own.

You are clear about what you're good at--and what you're not. You find people to support you in the areas where you don't excel. In addition, you understand the need for support and don't hesitate to seek it at the right time.

5. You never give up.

When you have those days where nothing seems to go right, you don't give up. When you have those days where everything is right, they remind you that you're on the right track. No matter what, you never throw in the towel. Innovate, pivot, and persevere? Yes! Give up? No way.

Incorporating these five traits may seem easy, but in reality, they are challenging. First, figure out which of these are personal barriers for your dreams. Then figure out a process or a support system to help you overcome your specific performance barriers.

Don't just tell yourself to do these things--make a commitment to them. As Abraham Lincoln once said, "Commitment is what transforms a promise into a reality." Commit to making your dreams a reality, and pretty soon, they will be your new reality.

By Laura Garnett

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