Have you seen the movie Field of Dreams? There’s a voice whispering to the main character (who has a dream) throughout the movie: “If you build it, they will come.”
It’s a step above “fake it until you make it.”
And a couple of steps above visualization.
Capturing my thoughts while sitting at the water’s edge
A great starting point for getting what you want is to write it down.
You can do this in a journal, or on a computer, or on a chalkboard or whiteboard, or simply on a single piece of paper.
Writing is powerful. Seeing your dream or goal in print in your own words helps you clarify what you are asking for — from yourself and from the universe.
When is the last time you wrote out a detailed description of your dream writing life? If it’s been a while, or never, why not take some time today (Mondays are great days for starting fresh, after all!) to think about what a day is going to be like once you are living your dream.
Some questions to help you get started detailing your ideal writing life include:
- What kind of project are you working on?
- Where are you writing? (cafe, room with a view, home, vacation spot, on the beach…)
- Where do you live?
- Are you traveling? (perhaps touring your book, or writing abroad)
- What time of year is it?
- Are you near/with other writers?
- How does your day begin?
- How do you wrap up your day?
Be as detailed as possible. Picture yourself in the moment in time and capture sights, sounds, tastes, feelings, and sensations. Whatever makes the moment real to you.
I bet that as you write about what you want, you’ll discover at least one way to start on the path to getting it.
Nothing to lose, but your dream life to gain! If you imagine your dream life, you’re taking a big step toward realizing that life.
My dream writing life includes a water view, walks in the sand, and kayaking at dawn.
Will you give it a shot?
Lisa J. Jackson is an independent writer and editor who enjoys working with businesses of all sizes. She loves writing about NH people, places, and activities. You can connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and LinkedIn.
Live to Write - Write to Live 
Reblogged this on dheric's corner and commented:
VERY COOOOOL
powerful post.
thank you 🙂
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Reblogged this on 2davesarebetterthan1 and commented:
Not just for writers, the idea of putting in print what you really want is a big motivator. Thanks for this post – powerful stuff!
Thank you so much for such inspirational writing and ideas
You’re welcome. Thank you for being a reader and commenting. 🙂
Powerful post! The best part is that it can be applied to others too not only writers… I sometimes find myself in a situation where I do not know how to put my dreams in my own words but writing and just even jotting down couple of words help me to start being more clear about my thousand thoughts in my head…. Thanks!
Very true, Tea, about applying this to any part of life, not just a writing life. And you’re welcome. 🙂
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Reblogged this on Carina Of Devon and commented:
Lisa Jackson’s practical and inspirational ideas about visualising and creating the future that you want. This isn’t just for writers…we all have dreams.
Thanks for introducing me to Field of Dreams 🙂
You’re welcome – I hope you like it. It’s all about baseball.
Picture perfect!
thank you!
Wow! I absolutely adore this! Thank you for the inspiration!
You’re welcome! Thank you for letting me know it was helpful. 🙂
Reblogged this on Scribing English and commented:
This post was very inspirational to me. While I am of course working on the steps to a writer, am I doing enough writing? By this I mean, am I doing enough writing for myself? Of course I’m blogging, and researching – but my goal in life is to write fiction. When was the last time I did that?
In her post, Live to Write poses some food for thought, some points that writers should consider. I think it’s time for me to do some of my own private, off-the-blog journaling, and trying and get to my scribing roots again.
I’ll let you know how it goes.
Yes, I find that writing has the power to purify one’s thoughts. Things sound more logical and systematic when one puts them down in black and white.
Very true. Writing helps give focus and order to thoughts, and once you have a focus, it’s natural to ‘visualize’ and get deeper into the thoughts.
Reblogged this on Read B'coz It Matters.
Love this. As a physical therapist, I frequently told clients to visualize themselves performing the actions they wanted their bodies to make – even if they couldn’t do it yet. I used many of the cues or tips you listed above. It was amazing how much difference that made! So glad you have prompted me to use this technique for myself and my writing career.
It’s interesting that we can teach others a method with a specific focus and not realize other ways that same method can be applied to ourselves (or different situations), isn’t it? I’m glad you found the post helpful! 🙂
Very inspiring post!
thank you! I’m glad you find it helpful.
Reblogged this on The Orchid.
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I have been doing this a lot lately. I am happy that I have finally been able to make writing a part of my everyday life now. I have to say today it was that picture that brought me in, just…sigh…
Thanks for stopping in, Scorpio. The picture brings that particular August day back to me whenever I look at it. So nice whenever I can write near the water. 🙂
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This is great! I do this periodically and often write it in big print in my journal, so when I am flipping through later it catches my eye and I stop to remind myself what my dream life is. I also like to write down a few logical steps that I can do right now to get to that dream life. That way it seems attainable! Thanks for all the great posts.
CeCe — I really like that idea — write it big to find it easily. Or maybe even using a highlighter or different color ink. thanks for the idea!
Writing down next steps must boost your inspiration to achieve that goal, too. Great stuff. thank you so much for sharing!
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I love this idea of stepping out and writing where you want to be. It can be a powerful motivator to simply see that dream written out. Thank you for the idea!
You’re welcome. 🙂 thanks for the comment!
Love the post!! thanks for the inspiration!
Carla
http://sercuriosa.wordpress.com/
You’re welcome. Glad to be helpful 🙂
I am going to start in on this right now! Great ideas- thanks 🙂
You’re welcome. Glad I can inspire. 🙂
A place at the sea, or in the mountains. Or at the sea. 😉
Ohhh, My dream writing life includes … a beautiful view (either ocean, lake or woods) … Surroundings to either bike or walk on … An outside deck (or three season porch – We are dreaming here, Right?) … And a great window to look out of while writing … Just a few dreams I thought I would share 🙂 ~Kristine
Ahhh, those are nice dreams, Kristine. A walking/hiking/cycling trail is something I’ll add to my dream spot.
So nice that I forgot about the snow and cold outside for a few minutes. Thanks!
I sense a theme. 😉 If I could smell and hear the ocean each day I think that would be heavenly.
Read this on a Wednesday night after attending a life writing course on blogging. I’m not a writer but its a dream. Maybe I should write the dream down and give it a shot!
Do it! It’s a great way to start getting your dreams to come to fruition. 🙂 It certainly won’t hurt to write the dream down!
Great advice!