# Shift from Dreams to Goals: My Journey in Writing
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Chapter 1: The Reality Check
It took me nearly a year to understand that Denzel Washington was spot on: dreams without goals merely lead to disappointment.
Dreaming alone won’t cut it. When I began my journey on Medium, I was like any other aspiring writer, filled with grand ambitions in this vast world of opportunities. With my mind brimming with idealistic thoughts, I envisioned becoming one of the most celebrated authors. But how would I get there?
Without conducting proper research or a thorough analysis of the market, I was left in the dark about how to climb the ladders of success. I had no plan, and before I knew it, a year had slipped away.
Section 1.1: Reflecting on My Medium Experience
As I approached my unofficial anniversary on Medium, I found myself questioning my purpose on the platform. It wasn't existential in nature, but rather a reflection on my writing journey.
I asked myself, "What am I really doing here?" This led to a flood of thoughts:
- "Is writing truly my calling?"
- "Why does it take me so long to complete an article?"
- "Why am I spending more time editing than writing?"
- "Am I wasting my time?"
These questions echoed in my mind like incessant notifications on my phone.
Subsection 1.1.1: The Struggle of Self-Doubt
Eventually, one question loomed larger than the rest: Should I even pursue writing? After a mental struggle, I decided to document my thoughts.
Section 1.2: Rediscovering My Passion
When I finally pressed 'publish' on my reflections, clarity washed over me. I realized that my motivation for writing stemmed from pure enjoyment. It was a simple yet profound revelation: I love to write.
With this newfound perspective, I was ready to turn my aspirations into reality. This is where Denzel’s words came back to me—dreams need goals to become realities.
To truly understand what setting a goal meant, I dove into research. A goal, according to Wikipedia, is a desired outcome that an individual envisions, plans, and commits to achieving.
I broke it down:
- Envision: I had already pictured my ambition of becoming a top writer. It might take time, but that vision was clear.
- Plan: I shifted from haphazardly typing to jotting down every idea that came to me in my notes app. This helped me organize my thoughts and learn from other writers.
- Commit: This was the toughest part, akin to maintaining a workout routine. Initial motivation can dwindle quickly, so I took advice from a friend. Having a backlog of drafts helps maintain consistency during busy times.
Chapter 2: Setting My July Goal
The first video, "If You Want To Succeed, Forget About Dreams and Have Goals," emphasizes the importance of turning dreams into concrete objectives. It discusses how to effectively set and pursue goals.
Now that I had everything aligned, it was time to set my first goal for July: to write every day.
A story each day keeps writer's block at bay. So far, I’ve been successful, even managing to draft three unpublished pieces.
Do you notice the transformation in my approach? This shift from merely dreaming to actively pursuing goals has made all the difference.
The second video, "How to Talk About Your Goals and Dreams in English," offers insights on articulating ambitions and objectives in English, helping viewers convey their aspirations effectively.
That's the beauty of focusing on goals rather than just dreams.