Purpose in Pen, Plan in Pencil

When you have limiting beliefs—thoughts like “I’m not good enough” or “I can’t succeed”—they act like mental barriers

Purpose in Pen, Plan in Pencil
Photo by Glenn Carstens-Peters / Unsplash

I used to dream this sh*t, I made it my day-to-day” – Lancey Foux

This song hits differently these days because I resonate with the lyrics so deeply.

I am currently living my dream life, which was nothing more than a vision when I was 19 years old (back in 2018). Back then, I had no clue how I was going to attain the lifestyle and purpose I have now. The sad reality is that my life currently feels 10 times better than it did in my visions, but looks and functions WAY different than I pictured in my mind.

The wisdom here is that the 19-year-old version of me couldn't understand that attaining material possessions, a nice job title and an attractive partner would NOT make me feel any better about myself, or feel better in general. The process of reaching all the surface-level goals I set for myself, created constant stress, anxiety, and depression over the years until recently (summer 2024).

This was the case because all the goals I had set for myself were externally focused in nature. My 19-year-old brain was naive and impressionable, and therefore I once believed that the goals and desires I had were actually mine to begin with. I didn’t know any better! The reality is that I didn't even know myself enough to set a goal that was authentic to my core and internally focused in nature.

The purpose of this article is to give you a blueprint to live your dream life.

The bare minimum requirements to live your dream life include:

  1. Self-awareness (mindfulness)
  2. Dynamic in your belief systems (open-minded)
  3. Consistent action (grit)
  4. Sense of community (support system)
  5. Patience
  6. Pain in your past

Self-awareness is all about knowing your thoughts, feelings, strengths, and weaknesses. Mindfulness means being fully present in the moment without judging what’s happening around you. When you combine these two, you can see what truly matters to you and make better choices that align with your goals. Plus, they help reduce stress, making life feel more balanced. This powerful duo also improves your relationships by deepening your understanding of yourself and others, leading to more authentic connections.

Being dynamic in your beliefs means being open-minded, flexible, and willing to challenge your thoughts. It allows you to grow and see new possibilities. When you have limiting beliefs—thoughts like “I’m not good enough” or “I can’t succeed”—they act like mental barriers. These beliefs hold you back from trying new things, taking risks, or even believing you deserve success. Over time, they can keep you stuck, blocking progress and stopping you from living a fulfilling life. By staying open-minded, you can spot and break these limiting beliefs. You’ll be more willing to adjust your approach, learn new skills, and stay positive even when things get tough. This flexibility in thinking helps you take the right actions toward your goals, allowing you to live a life that feels meaningful and true to your dreams.

Taking consistent action means making small, regular efforts toward your goals, even when it gets tough. Grit is the determination to keep going, even when things don’t go as planned and you feel discouraged. Being resilient helps you bounce back from setbacks, reminding you that challenges are part of the journey. This perseverance builds your confidence and keeps you moving forward, step by step. Ultimately, consistent action and grit help you create the life you dream of, no matter the obstacles you face.

Having a sense of community means being part of a group where people support and care for each other. This support system helps you feel less alone in your journey, making it easier to pursue your dreams. When you share your goals with others, they can encourage you, offer advice, and celebrate your successes. A strong community provides motivation, accountability, and new ideas, which are all important for reaching your goals. Overall, being connected to others is crucial for staying inspired and focused on living your dream life.

Having patience means being able to wait calmly for things to happen without getting frustrated or giving up. It helps you live your dream life by allowing you to stay focused on your goals, even when progress is slow. Patience is crucial in manifesting your dreams because good things often take time and effort to develop. It helps you learn and grow along the way, making your achievements more meaningful. When you’re patient, you’re more likely to stick with your journey and reach your dreams.

Having pain in your past means you've experienced challenging moments that may have caused you hurt or suffering. This pain can help you live your dream life by teaching you valuable lessons about resilience, strength, and what truly matters to you. It can push you to grow, gain clarity on your goals, and motivate you to pursue what you want. Pain can also build empathy, helping you connect with others and understand their struggles. Embracing your past pain is crucial in manifesting your dream life because it shapes who you are and can inspire you to create a better future.

In conclusion, living your dream life is possible when you focus on self-awareness, remain open-minded, and take consistent action. The journey may not look like what you imagined, but embracing your past pain can guide you toward authentic goals that truly matter. Remember, building a supportive community and having patience are essential as you work toward your dreams. By understanding your experiences and staying committed, you can create a fulfilling life that exceeds your original vision. So, keep pushing forward and believe in your ability to shape your future!