A few days ago, I stumbled across an old blog post from over 15 years back. My kids are now grown, with little ones of their own, and while my struggles have shifted, challenges still linger—as I’m sure they do for you. Reading that post was a heart-tugging reminder to hold fast to my dreams, no matter what life throws my way. I’m sharing it here, hoping it sparks that same fire in you.

Some Time Ago…

We all feel the weight of challenges. Right now, as I type, I’m locked in a stare-down with my daughter’s box of chocolate-covered almonds calling from the pantry. ARGH! And there, taped to my desk, is a ledger paper screaming DREAM in bold ink, daring me to stay focused.

As I fight the urge for instant gratification, I read those letters and pass their wisdom to you:

DREAM

D – Decide what you really want.
R – Realize wishing won’t make it happen.
E – Engage in daily actions toward your goal.
A – Accept setbacks and keep moving.
M – Make it a true lifestyle change.

D = Decide What You Want

It’s time to reset your goals or dream up new ones. Reflect on how far you’ve come and where you’re headed. Reached your last goal? Set another. There’s always room to grow, improve, or shift direction.

• Tip: Ensure your goal still fits. Lost motivation? Maybe it no longer aligns with your heart. That’s okay! Re-evaluate regularly to chase what you want, not what others expect.
• Tip: Believe you can do it. Losing weight or healing from illness can feel monumental, but every day you stay committed, you’re closer to success. You’re worth it—your dream exists for a reason.

R = Realize Wishing Ain’t Gonna Make It So

Simple but brutal truth: positive wishing doesn’t make it so—positive believing does. I can think, “I’m happy, I’m happy, I’m happy,” but if I don’t believe it deep in my core, I won’t feel it. Belief comes from the inside, not just your head. It’s what you focus on and feel that turns a thought into a belief, and those beliefs either move you forward or stop you cold. First, find that reason to believe that will propel you to move—then take action. Awareness is only half the battle; action seals the deal. As James 2:20 reminds us, Faith apart from deeds is dead! So, shake off the fear and get moving—and it doesn’t have to be a monumental leap. Find the first simple step and just take it.

E = Engage Daily in Goal-Driven Actions

Do one thing each day to inch closer to your dream. Check that your daily and weekly mini-goals still point toward your big vision, and follow through.

• Tip: Before deciding or taking action on something, ask: “Will this move me closer to my goal or pull me away?” Choose wisely, and if you slip, at least it’s not blind.
• Tip: On days I feel like a failure, I play the “as-if” game, role-playing like I’m someone I admire. I ask, “What would they do?” and channel their confidence until I’m strong as me again.

A = Accept Setbacks and Move On

Setbacks aren’t excuses to spiral—they’re moments to pause, reset, and restart now, not tomorrow. Don’t beat yourself up or judge; just catch yourself before the slide. And be thankful—you’re not where you were.

• Tip: Play the “I wonder” game. Don’t dwell, don’t judge, just ask, “I wonder, what was the reason this happened?” Listen to your inner wisdom and then prepare for the next time. If you overate at dinner because you skipped lunch, pack a quick lunch for tomorrow (like some sauerkraut, soaked almonds, and raw cheese).

M = Make It a Lifestyle Change

Find a purpose bigger than yourself for lasting change. For me, it’s being healthy to chase my kids, dance with passion, help others, and inspire with my life. But if I’m sluggish from overeating or skipping exercise, I can’t shine for anyone.

Find your why—it’s your fuel to keep going.

Keep It Alive

The chocolate craving’s fading, and I’m plotting my next move: call a friend, flip through a fitness mag, journal, or play with the kids. If all else fails, I’ll sip tea and demand a foot rub from my husband. Worst case? Bed with the kids, then a fresh start tomorrow.

Some days, chasing your dream feels electric, unstoppable. Others, it’s a slog from A to B without tripping. There are moments of awe and joy, and days like today—just connecting the dots. Thank God for tomorrow.

Today…

Challenges shift with life’s seasons, but they never vanish. That’s life. Yet, by anchoring to our dreams and purpose, we can conquer anything.

• Tip: Don’t know your purpose? Try my Discover Your Why exercise to fuel your motivation. Knowing your why swaps willpower for purpose—A game-changer that makes turning from self-sabotage to success feel nearly effortless.

Connect with Being the Leading Lady

Becoming the Leading Lady is about living the life you were designed for—leaving a legacy that inspires generations to come. Ready to step out of the shadows and into your light? Click here to grab your Discover Your Why worksheet and click here for a little DREAM reminder

Want more real-talk wisdom? Dive into my newsletter and podcast, Sharise Uncut, for holistic living tips and inspiration. Let’s dream, aspire, and live like it matters—because it does.

~inspired by a life of dreams and determination.