A Dream of Life as a Continuous Stream
I hope this personal dream list will be a help! It definitely was for me. Read on for a list of my dreams in life.
I recently wrote a post where I came up with 100 life goals.
In it, I tried to focus on certain goals I thought anybody could benefit from. I wanted it to remain somewhat impersonal- a list for anyone else out there seeking life goal-related inspiration.
However, though it was intended for others, compiling it inevitably got me thinking of my dreams in life too!
I thought it might be fun to put together a related piece. This time, detailing my personal aspirations, my dreams and the aims I have for my life.
Knowing someone's personal goals provides an insight into who they are.
I figured writing this might help you guys get to know me a bit better. Likewise, it's always somewhat inspiring to learn about someone else's goals- it's an encouragement to set goals of your own.
Hopefully, you might feel in some way inspired by reading about mine.
Equally, from a selfish perspective, there's something powerful about writing down the goals in your head. When your life's dreams and goals remain unspoken, it's all too easy to 'forget' they were ever there.
Telling others about your goals is a crucial step to committing to them.
With all that said, here you go: my own personal dream list of 37 dreams for the future.
In the mood for inspiration? Here's my 2-cents on finding inspiration in your life.
[Last Updated: March 2021]
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Knowing someone elses' dreams and aspirations can be a useful source of inspiration for your own. I hope this list of my personal goals comes in handy to you in some way shape or form.
My Dreams in Life: 40 Personal Aspirations and Dream List
My List of Dreams for the Future (…AKA a dream list from someone who wants an amazing life!)
Before I get cracking, I'll note that this dream list is in no way exhaustive. I fully expect it to shift and alter over time.
Equally, these goals are awful as far as proper goal-setting goes.
They make great macro aims, and they definitely motivate me; I'm dead set on achieving every single one of them.
However, the best goals are clearly-defined (aka specific), measurable, achievable, realistic and time-constrained (the classic SMART goal acronym we're always taught about).
The ones below generally tick none of those boxes!
I'm not entirely bothered about this for now though…the main purpose of assembling this list of dreams in life isn't to work out how I plan on reaching these aspirations.
Instead, it's simply to remind me of my primary intentions and to keep me on track by making them public. I intend to address the finer details one step at a time…
Anyway, with all that said, here are 40 of my dreams in life.
Oh, and if you feel stuck in life right now, be sure to check out this post too- it might help!
1. To Work Online (one of my life dreams I'm already doing!)
Technically, this is one of my life dreams that I'm already doing!
And I have no intention of stopping any time soon.
The internet provides an incredible opportunity to break away from the norm, be your own boss, and earn money on the go. I look forward to seeing if I can make it work long term.
2. To Make a Business from Blogging (My Current Dream in Life)
This is my primary focus at the moment.
I aim to make a living through writing, blogging and running websites. I'm still at the start of this journey. However, I feel more motivated about this at the moment than I have about almost anything else in the past.
With the right focus, hard work over time, and a commitment to keep learning, I'm determined to make it happen.
3. To Be Financially Free
This, ultimately, is what I'm working for overall.
I hate money and I love it.
I hate how intoxicating it is. I hate how it often dictates your access to opportunities and what you can do in life. I love (sort of) the process of earning it, saving it and having it in the bank as security.
My overall goal is to get to a point where I'm financially free. For me, that means earning enough each month that I don't have to worry about what I spend.
Again, that's an awful, ill-defined goal! I'm still figuring out the precise details of what financial freedom means for me.
Is this one of your dreams too? You might like this post full of money affirmations !
4. To Be in Control of My Time (my dream of life lived well)
My dream is to walk through life acting like time is my primary currency.
You can get more money. You can't get more time. The fact that it's ticking steadily away with every moment is somewhat terrifying! But it motivates me too.
I want to take full control of it. I don't want others to dictate how I spend my time, unless I'm in a role I'm totally passionate about.
5. To Earn Passive Income
My dream future involves earning a living through passive income.
It's been a focus of mine for a while now.
I'm still at a point where I'm swapping my time for money. But I want that to change!
It's one reason I like blogging as a business model. Right now it's a hefty investment of time upfront. But it offers the potential to earn money with minimal input. And, as I enjoy the process of running them, this seems like a worthy investment.
My dreams in life aren't particularly well defined in this list! But that isn't the idea.
6. To Write a Book
This one is in pole position on my mental list of aspirations.
I absolutely intend to write a book. I'm still working out the details though! Whether it'll be a novel, or work of non-fiction, I don't know.
However, I'm determined to do it. I have the semblance of an idea right now and am beginning the process of reading up on the subject. Fingers crossed I can cross the threshold into further action at some point soon.
7. To Read as Much as Possible
Say hello to another loose goal!
It's definitely a big one for me though. I just think reading is an essential part of writing. And, given that I intend to write a book and make a business from blogging, it seems important!
Equally, I love reading- regardless of what type of book it is. Ongoing learning is vital to a happy life. I try and read every day, but so far it's a work in progress. This is an area I really want to improve in and make a priority.
8. To Have a Book Published
If I'm to write a book, then I'd quite like to have one published too!
It would be cool to write it anyway.
But, if I'm honest, the thought of being a published author resonates with me even more.
9. To Build my Own House
I'd say this life dream is currently in my top 3 aspirations.
I think about it almost every day!
I would have no idea where to begin. But I love the idea of learning how to do it and then setting about the task. I love working hard, learning new skills, and getting stuck into creative projects with a tangible reward at the end. Equally, I like the idea of having total control of what my living space would look like.
The thought of having a base to call my own, which I built, is a lovely one.
Building a house speaks to me for all those reasons and more.
10. To Invest in Property
This one feeds into my desire to earn passive income.
I'll need a hefty amount of capital to begin. But property seems a good investment. Hopefully, over time, I can make this a reality too.
11. To Have a Dog
I am determined to have my own dog at some point.
There's not a lot more to say on this one! I just love dogs, and think having one would be a one-way ticket to a happier life.
12. To Own, Travel and Live in a Van
Van life has appealed to me for a long time now.
I'm on the cusp of making it happen. I'm determined to own one and deck it out so I can travel and sleep in it as I go. The thought of the freedom and simplicity involved really appeals to me.
[2020 Update- after an epic van-packing trip to Australia, I've now ticked this dream off my list!]
13. To Travel around the World
I've done a reasonable amount of travelling now.
But, to date, it's never felt like enough! I'm absolutely set on travelling more extensively. And, now that I'm earning money on the road, I feel I'm set up to make this happen.
14. To Start a Community
This goal is a fairly new one for me.
It stemmed from my desire to build a house. A good friend listened to the idea and suggested I invited others to be part of the project, and to live at the property thereafter.
"Why?" I asked.
"Because what's the point in living somewhere without others to share in it?" He answered.
His response resonated with me. Since that conversation I've thought more about it and think I agree. For now though, it's still something I'm contemplating.
15. To Do Something Valuable for Others (A Big One of My Dreams and Aspirations in Life)
I want to live a life that has other people at its heart.
As far as dreams and success go, this is a big one for me.
I know it sounds lofty and do-gooder-esque (for lack of a better word). However, it's been a goal of mine for at least a decade, since I started considering my future more seriously.
I've been living a life full of self-interest over the last year or two. However, I'm still determined to do some good for others in whatever I end up doing in the future.
Hopefully, I'll end up half as happy and content as this awesome guy was in Cambodia!
16. To Work in Disaster Relief
One area I've thought seriously about is disaster relief.
My rough goal right now is to get to a financial state when I can earn money passively (or have enough saved up) to enable me to travel to places that need support and volunteer my time in any way that might help.
I've done similar work in the past and loved every second. If my blogging business plans don't work out, this is an area I can imagine myself seeking 'real' employment.
17. To Contribute My Time to a Worthy Cause
This is another related goal.
However, it doesn't necessarily pertain to helping other people. It might be a political cause, an environmental issue, a charitable cause, and so on.
I'd like to find a cause I'm passionate about and involve myself in helping out.
18. To Become a Leaf on a Tree
By this I mean being part of something bigger than myself.
My dad was the one to introduce me to the concept.
It speaks to being connected with others, part of a community, and part of a greater overarching task. This relates to my desire to do some good for others and be part of a worthy cause.
19. To Meditate Every Day
I think meditation is a central part of happiness.
I try and start each day with a short mindfulness practice. It doesn't always happen. But I'm always left feeling far more positive when it does.
20. To Remain Present as Much as Possible
Similarly, I want to spend as much of my time feeling present as possible.
I'm all too often caught in the past or contemplating the future. I'm prone to a bit of anxiety and melancholy! I find it all too easy to drift from the here and now.
I hope to improve my ability to stay rooted in the present in a bid to become more content overall.
21. To Become More Politically Aware
I was in no way interested in politics until about 5 years ago!
Since then I've got a bit better. However, I'm still massively ignorant on most political issues.
It's an area I need to know more about.
22. To Live a Minimalist Life
I'd like (and already attempt) to live as simply as possible.
I don't want to accrue things. I don't want to spend my money on material possessions. I just don't think it makes anyone happy in the long term. Instead, I aim to invest in experiences, personal growth, and other people.
23. To Get Out of My Head and Face Outwards
All too often I'm inward facing.
There's a whole world out there with lots of issues that need addressing. I aim to improve at getting out of my head! Excessive introspection is good for nobody.
24. To Learn to Ride a Motorbike
I don't really know why this appeals to me.
I'm actually quite scared of the prospect of riding a motorbike. But I also think it would be exceptionally cool to be able to do it.
I love the idea of owning and riding an old-school motorbike. I'd love to travel around a country on one in the future.
25. To Complete a Crazy Fitness-Related Challenge
As yet undefined!
I have no idea what I'd do. But, somewhere, deep down, I want to do some crazy fitness challenge. An ironman, an ultramarathon, walking around the world…something of that nature.
I like the idea of challenging myself and getting properly fit in the process. I also like the idea of the sense of achievement I'd get.
However, I'm definitely scared of the potential for failure and pain. There's a danger it's a thought I use to make myself feel better somehow- an escape into an identity that's better than I actually am.
Who knows? For now, I think it deserves a place on this list.
The world is full of beautiful places. One of my primary goals is to go and explore more of them.
26. To Do Physical Activity Every Day
This is something I'm okay at already.
I live a fairly active life. However, as I get more involved in my blogging, I'm increasingly tempted to spend all day working on it!
That said, I feel confident I'll always prioritize my physical health. It's definitely a long-term, macro goal of mine.
27. To Prioritize Sleep and Wellbeing
I'm awful on little sleep.
I hate feeling tired! I get grouchy, irritable, and just find it far harder to enjoy my day. Remove caffeine from the equation and I'm even worse!
I need at least 7 hours each night if I'm to be focused and productive the next day.
If I'm truly going to get the most from my life, then I have to prioritize my sleep. Late nights, drunken nights, and so on don't go hand in hand with that.
This links in with my overall wellbeing. I intend to cultivate a positive physical, mental and emotional life.
28. To Practice Gratitude Every Day
Gratitude is a powerful tool.
I aim to regularly remind myself of what I'm grateful for. It's easy to be grateful for the good stuff. The real trick is to find genuine thanks for the hardships that come by too.
29. To Live in another Country
I don't just want to travel the world.
I'd like to set up shop in new countries too. I was born in the UK, but (haven't to date) felt a major compulsion to settle there.
I've 'lived' for reasonable periods in other countries already. However, it's a goal of mine to spend years in other places too. I want to learn their culture, history and ways of life.
30. To Learn an Instrument
This has long been an aspiration of mine.
I love music, and would love to be able to pick up an instrument and play it well.
I can do okay on the piano, but it's definitely not enough to really claim I play it properly! For now, while I'm on the road, a more realistic instrument I could learn is the guitar. It's a far more practical instrument to play while you're travelling than the piano (there's no fitting one of those in your backpack!).
I want to learn the guitar and put the work in to master it.
31. To Learn (and Become Fluent in) Another Language
Likewise, I speak a bit of French.
But it's not enough to say I'm bilingual.
I think having a second language is an incredible skill. Suddenly you're able to communicate with a whole new set of people! It's another major goal of mine.
I've thought about combining this goal with my desire to live in another country. Living in a new place is a great incentive to master the language spoken there.
Likewise, house prices in certain parts of France are a steal compared to England! Something I'm turning over in my mind is the idea to build my house, learn a language, and live in a new place all at once…in France.
32. To Learn How to Cook
Okay, so I can cook.
But I can't cook. I'd love to take classes. I'd love to understand the use of flavours better and how to work with ingredients to create beautiful dishes.
Like music, food brings people together. A chef has the same special ability as a musician- they can bring and bond people together by virtue of their craft.
33. To Learn How to Grow My Own Food
I've been born and raised in the city.
For the longest time I associated food with the supermarket!
I'm absolutely ignorant when it comes to all things horticulture. The thought of being self-sufficient and growing my own organic produce is a lovely one. Combining this with the community venture I mentioned above could be another idea.
34. To Have My Own Art Studio
I've dreamed of having my own art studio since I was a teenager.
I've loved art my whole life and miss having the space and means to draw and paint.
Strangely, I very rarely sit down and do either these days. However, I still intend to have a studio for myself in my future house. Hopefully, that would provide the incentive to start it up again.
35. To Surround Myself with Inspiring People
You're only as good as the people you surround yourself with.
I want to spend my time with people that inspire me. Whether it's by their intellect, abilities, achievements, kindness, compassion, or joie de vivre, it doesn't matter.
I intend to live a life that's full to the brim with experience. Hopefully, achieving anything on this list of dreams for the future will help make it happen.
36. To Have a Family (a Personal Dream for Many!)
At some point, I'd like a family too.
To have my own kids would be a magical experience. Not an easy one, I know, but I can't imagine a future without having my own family around.
37. Prioritise Contentment Over Happiness (Another Biggie in My Personal Dreams)
Happiness is overrated.
It's a relative emotion. To know it you have to experience sadness too. By nature, it waxes and wanes. As such, to pursue constant happiness is to set yourself up for failure.
Contentment is the opposite. There's a consistency to it. Contentment exists independently. To be content is to want for nothing. And that seems a beautiful state to aspire to.
Happiness is great, but, for me, contentment offers the key to longer standing joy. For that reason I intend to cultivate contentedness in my life.
38. Learn to Surf!
This is another relatively new dream of mine, but after my first proper attempt at surfing in Bali last year (…I was awful!), it's something I'd like to do more of!
It seems like another awesome way to spend an afternoon. Not only is it good exercise, but you're out there in the elements, focused on nothing but your board, the upcoming swells…and trying not to drown each time you get rolled by a wave.
39. Complete a Long-Distance Hike
I was on a hike in Italy at the end of last year when I met a girl who'd trekked all the way there from Canterbury (in the southeast of England).
She was doing the Via Francigena Pilgrimage- an epic 1900km thru-hike. She'd been walking for months by the time I met her and was just a couple of weeks away from her final stop: Rome.
Needless to say, she was very cool.
And inspirational.
…And it made me want to do something similar!
40. Do a Silent Retreat
The last item on this dream list of mine is to stop talking for a while…
I want to go on a silent retreat for a number of reasons.
First, because I get tired of how busy my head can be and think a week or two of silence might help. Second, because I know a few people who've done them in the past and they've all said they're amazing, enlightening, (and challenging) experiences.
And, lastly, because I've never done it before! I want to see and feel what it's like; how I'd cope and what I'd learn.
What Are Your Dreams in Life?
There you go then: my dreams in life; a dream list of 40 personal goals and aspirations.
It's been fun to think about and write these down. Having a concrete and public list of goals is a recipe for greater action! I hope they've been somehow useful to you guys too. Were there any on there that resonated with you as well? What is your dream, or what are your dreams in life?
Drop me a comment to let me know! You deserve to give your dreams a chance- I hope this post will help inspire you to do it. :)
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I'll keep you up to date with more posts like this, as well as the interesting things I come across on my journey to figure out exactly what I'm doing.
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