From Burn out to Brilliance: Strategies to Reclaim Your Dreams
Neglected dreams don’t die; they corrode the soul.
The tragedy of serving others is forgetting how to dream for yourself. Looking to the interests of others sometimes morphs into self-neglect.
Servant leaders aren’t martyrs.
Strategies to reclaim your dreams:
Beware of the pendulum. People over-respond when the lights go out. Self-care is an example. We forget the purpose of self-care is maintaining energy to serve others. You can care for others and reconnect with personal dreams. Anything less insults generosity and dignity.
Begin with daily reflection:
Set aside a few minutes every day to respond to one of the following questions. Use pen and paper.
Sample reflection questions:
- What are the most important values in your life?
- What beliefs or fears might be holding you back from pursuing your dreams?
- What small steps can you take now to start moving towards something you’re passionate about?
- Ask people who know you what they think your dream is.
- What have you learned from your past experiences that can help you shape your future?
How to begin:
- Choose a quiet comfortable place.
- Set a timer. Dedicate just 3 minutes each day to this exercise to begin. Go longer if you feel like it.
- Choose one of the above questions or your own.
- Write whatever comes to mind. If you can’t think of anything, write that.
- Reflect. At the end of the week, notice any patterns or new insights.
A week or two of morning reflections is a beginning. Neglected aspirations may be shy.
After reflection time, start trying things. There’s wisdom in action. Ambitions without plans are frustrations.
Why:
Dreams are the source of energy. The most important thing you manage is personal energy. Reconnect with vision when you feel dead inside.
Tip: Be patient with yourself.
How might people who have forgotten how to dream for themselves reconnect with their dreams?
Dig deeper:
The Dreamer’s Dilemma is Dissatisfaction
How to Discover Your Dream | Dr. Michael Wayne
I recommend reading The Vagrant as a tool to rediscovering what’s truly important to you.
The Vagrant provides structured self-reflection exercises that elevates readers beyond naval gazing to practical action. Order your copy today.
Dan, I love this sentence. “Everyone who dreams imagines who they might become.”
I am a big fan of writing things done. It helps clarify your thinking, and in this case–your dreams.
Thank you, Paul. If I can write a couple of good sentences a day, I’m thankful. “Writing things done,” is wonderful.
It seems simple, “Boundaries” we have to remember we are just as important as those we care for, serve, lead. We lead by example, yes? Boundaries – a short and simple way to hold space for self… self care. To recharge and return to the team with renewed energy. I think seasoned leaders have learned to do this. “Reconnect with vision when you feel dead inside” simple yet brilliant.
Thank you for this post this morning Dan.
Thanks, Melanie. It is about boundaries. Some are people pleasers. Others just lose themselves to something good, serving. Still others lose themselves to applause and begin neglected some important issues of life. I think a midlife crisis is one way most people reset.
I’m always thankful to write a good sentence or two. I appreciate the good word. Cheers
The phase, “anything less insults generosity and dignity” spoke to me. I love the both/and approach to serving self and others. In my mind, this is where synergy happens and either/or thinking stops. Pardon me while, I go for my note pad and pencil….
Hi, Robin. Your feedback is so helpful and encouraging.