Counting the Cost
In our family, whenever we go out for dinner, we pass the time by playing games while waiting for our food. My favourite is the Dream Day game. Each of us takes a turn describing our perfect 24 hours in detail, and since it’s a dream day, there are no limits. You can travel anywhere without worrying about time zones, spend time with anyone you choose, and enjoy a limitless budget.
Our dreams are playful and whimsical, with each of us trying to top the last with something even more outrageous. Every time we share, I notice small details change, but much of it stays the same. It doesn’t surprise me; although we originally started this game to entertain hungry kids, I know that our dreams—even the wildest ones—reveal what we desire.
So often, when we think about or share the things we desire, we quickly follow them with a ‘but.’ Many of these ‘buts’ are grounded in real, practical concerns—I’d love to change my career, but how will I make a living or pay my bills? I want to pursue this opportunity, but what will this mean for those around me? I want to learn a new skill, but I don’t have the time. Maybe you can relate?
Do you know what you desire?
Many of us are experts at counting the cost of what we desire. We quickly create and impose our own limitations, even on the things we want most. When I find myself in this place, surrounded by objections and barriers to moving forward, I like to ask myself two key questions.
What is staying where you are costing you?
Take a moment to let that question sink in, and then write your response down.
We’re great at counting the cost of why we should stay where we are, but less skilled at recognising what it is actually costing us to remain stuck in the same place.
My second question is this:
What is one small step you can take today to move towards what you desire?
This could be making a phone call, asking for help, doing some research, or sharing what you dream of with a trusted friend.
Dreaming offers us an opportunity to explore possibilities and to identify what excites us. If you haven’t allowed yourself to dream for a while, can I encourage you to begin dreaming again? You never know what desires for your future may surprise you.
If you'd like support in identifying your desires and developing practical strategies to move toward your dreams, I’d love to work with you.
Contact me at kelly@kellycoopercoaching.com or visit kellycoopercoaching.com for further information.