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Planting the Seeds of Your Dreams: Turning Big Goals into Daily Actions

Wendyy Nguyen

This month, I’ve been tuning into "The Professional Creative" Podcast by Bonnie Christine, and one episode really resonated with me—it was all about pursuing big dreams and goals and turning big goals into daily actions. What better way to kick off 2025 than with a little inspiration to chase those aspirations?

 

Do you have a dream or goals that’s been on your mind for a while? Pursuing it starts with asking yourself the right questions to guide your path and, most importantly, being willing to take action. Dreams, like any big goals, often get pushed aside by feelings of overwhelm, imposter syndrome, or self-doubt. It’s easy to picture your dream as a seed with the potential to grow into a tall, thriving tree. But the real challenge lies in showing up consistently—planting, watering, and nurturing that seed day after day.

 

The uncertainty of what that growth might look like can hold us back. It’s tempting to focus on the end result—the fully grown tree—while putting off the small, consistent actions needed to get there. Without that effort, our dreams risk slipping into the background.

 

How often do you hear yourself saying, “I don’t have the time,” “It’s not the right time,” “I can’t afford to pursue this right now,” or “I’ll wait until things settle down”? These thoughts can become roadblocks, derailing us from prioritizing what truly matters. We end up procrastinating, listening to that inner voice of doubt instead of taking the first step.

 

But let’s fast-forward to the end of December 2025. Picture yourself there: What do you want to feel? Do you want to look back and think, “I did it. I achieved something big”? If so, the journey to that feeling starts today.

 

Here are five questions that can help turn your big dream into small actionable steps.

 

  • Who can I look to for support? Big dreams are rarely achieved alone. Having a supportive community—even if it’s just one or two people—can make all the difference. These are the people who will encourage you, hold you accountable, and remind you why you started when motivation wavers. Support also means seeking out those who can help you grow, whether by building your skillset or serving as mentors. Look for people who’ve already accomplished what you’re striving for—those who know the path you’re walking and can help pave the way. Sometimes, it’s about observing and reverse-engineering their process; other times, it’s about reaching out to learn from them directly, perhaps through a course, mentorship, or even just a conversation.

     

  • What can I commit to? Big dreams are built from small, consistent actions. Reflecting on our daily lives helps us understand our capacity and recognize that waiting for the “perfect” moment—a clear desk, a free weekend—might mean we never begin. Instead, start small. Even just 15 minutes a day can make a difference. It might not feel like much, but over a week, that's 105 minutes. Over a month, it’s 450 minutes. Over a year? That’s more than 90 hours dedicated to your goals. We all have 15 minutes; we just choose to spend it differently. The key isn’t the size of the task—it’s consistency. These small, daily efforts build habits, and habits create momentum. Starting is the hardest part, so don’t wait for the perfect conditions. Start today, no matter how small.

     

  • Where will I cultivate this dream? Your environment plays a key role in supporting your goals and setting yourself up for success. A space that inspires you can make showing up easier, but don’t let perfectionism hold you back. You don’t need everything to be just right before you start. Think about the long-term goal and how small changes can help you build the habit of showing up consistently. For example, if you want to draw every day, keep your pens and sketchbook somewhere visible. If you’d like to paint in the afternoon, pair it with an activity you already do regularly. A dedicated workspace with visual cues—like a vision board or inspiring notes—can also help keep you motivated. The key is to make the time and place for your dream simple and accessible, removing any barriers to starting.

     

  • What is my why? It’s easy to lose yourself in the whirlwind of daily tasks, deadlines, and challenges. But staying aligned with your purpose keeps you focused and motivated. Knowing your "why" helps you navigate obstacles, make decisions that align with your values, and create work that feels authentic and fulfilling. Your purpose acts as an anchor during difficult times, reminding you that the effort is worth it. Over time, your "why" may shift and evolve, but it will always remain the core reason behind your goals. So, ask yourself: What is driving this goal? What do I truly want to bring to life?

     

  • Am I ready to let go of perfection? As you chase your dream, you’ll make mistakes. You’ll waste time, money, and energy on paths you didn’t need to take. But that’s all part of the process. The best way to grow is to keep showing up and experimenting. Sometimes, things will turn out completely differently from what you imagined—but that’s where learning happens. Every time you show up, you’re refining your skills, discovering what you love, and getting closer to your vision. Allow yourself the space to play, explore, and make mistakes. Fall in love with the process of creating, rather than clinging to the outcome.

     

    Remember, we all have the same 24 hours in a day. The difference lies in how we choose to spend them. By shifting your mindset from “I don’t have the time” to “I am choosing how I spend my time,” you take back control. How can you structure your day to prioritize what truly matters? Sometimes, it’s as simple as showing up and doing the work that moves the needle ✨.


Botanical Illustration of Australian Wildflowers. Detailed floral watercolour painting

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