Let’s be real for a second: how many Pinterest boards do you have saved with titles like “Dream Life,” “Glow-Up Goals,” or “My Future Self”? If you’re anything like me, the answer is way too many. For years, I was the queen of pinning all the inspiration but never actually doing anything with it. It felt safe to dream about the life I wanted without taking the scary steps to make it real.
But let me tell you something – you don’t have to stay stuck in that cycle. You can turn those dreamy boards into your actual reality. I’m proof that it’s possible, even if life has thrown you every curveball imaginable.
My Story: From Surviving to Thriving
At 19, I became a single mom. I’ll be honest: I felt like my dreams had to take a backseat to survival. Then, two years ago, my partner was killed in a tragedy that shattered my world. For a long time, I didn’t think I’d ever feel joy or hope again, let alone have the energy to work toward my dream life.
But slowly, I realized something: no matter how impossible it seemed, my dreams weren’t dead. They were waiting for me. I just had to take small steps, even on days when getting out of bed felt like a victory. And now, I’m living a life that feels aligned with the vision I always had for myself. I’m still healing, still growing, but I’m proof that no matter how tough your situation is, you can build the life you’ve been dreaming of.
And I’m here to share exactly how you can do it, too. 💕
The Blueprint for Your Main Character Era
Step 1: Clarity Is Queen
The first step to creating your dream life is knowing what you actually want. That sounds simple, but it’s something so many of us skip. We save all these beautiful images and ideas, but when it comes to defining what success or happiness looks like for us, we draw a blank.
Here’s how I got clarity:
- Ask Yourself the Big Questions: What does your dream life look like? Where do you live? How do you spend your mornings? What does your job or career feel like? Journal about it and don’t hold back.
- Create a Vision Board: Yes, a physical one. Pinterest is great for inspiration, but there’s something powerful about printing out images and putting them on a board where you’ll see them every day. My free Pinterest-to-Dream Life Vision Clarity Guide can help you get started.
- Choose Your First Focus: Make a list of 10 goals you’d love to achieve. Then ask yourself: which one would change my life the most if it happened in the next 24 hours? That’s the goal to focus on first.
Step 2: Break It Down with a 12-Week Plan ✨
Big goals are overwhelming. That’s why I swear by breaking them into 12-week chunks. Why 12 weeks? It’s long enough to make progress but short enough to keep you motivated. My Accountability Bestie 12-Week Guided Planner is designed to help you do exactly this. It’s a daily check-in journal that keeps you focused, motivated, and moving forward.
Here’s how to turn a goal into an achievement:
- Set a Clear Goal: For example, instead of saying, “I want to lose weight,” set a goal like, “I want to lose 5 pounds in 12 weeks.”
- Break It Into Weekly Milestones: What needs to happen each week to reach that goal? Maybe it’s working out three times a week or meal prepping every Sunday.
- Track Your Progress Daily: Each day, check in with yourself. Did you follow through on your tasks? If not, what got in the way? The Accountability Bestie Planner makes this super simple.
Step 3: Build a Daily Routine That Aligns with Your Goals
Your daily routine is the foundation of your dream life. If your days are chaotic, your goals will feel impossible. Trust me, I learned this the hard way. Here’s what my glow-up daily routine looks like now:
- Start with Self-Care: I start my day by doing something for me. That means skincare, a light clean makeup look, and putting on a cute but comfy outfit that makes me feel good.
- Fuel Your Body and Mind: I take supplements and natural caffeine to keep my energy up, drink tons of water, and eat high-protein meals to avoid brain fog.
- Plan Your Day: I set up my tasks and calendar the night before, so I wake up knowing exactly what needs to happen. Then I set an intention for the day.
- Tackle Your Goals: I pick 3-5 tasks that will move me closer to my goal and plan exactly when I’ll do them. I use focus music (love me some lo-fi beats) to stay on track.
- Move Your Body: Whether it’s a walk, a workout, or stretching, moving my body helps me stay energized and clear-headed.
- Sleep Like a Queen: I aim for 7-9 hours of sleep every night because rest is just as important as hustle.
Glow-Up Goals That Actually Transform Your Life
If you’re not sure where to start, here are a few glow-up goals that will have a real impact:
- Learn a new skill that will level up your career.
- Clear your skin and build a skincare routine that works for you.
- Save money to move into your dream apartment.
- Start a side hustle you’re passionate about.
- Build a fitness routine that makes you feel strong and confident.
Journal Prompts to Find Your Dream Life Goals
Need help figuring out what you really want? Try these journal prompts:
- What does my ideal day look like from start to finish?
- What are three things I’d do if I had unlimited time and money?
- What’s one thing I’ve always wanted to try but felt too scared to do?
- What do I want my life to feel like a year from now?
- If I could only achieve one goal this year, what would it be?
Turning Dreams Into Reality
It’s not enough to dream – you have to take action. And the first step is believing it’s possible. If I could build my dream life after everything I’ve been through, I know you can, too. You’re stronger than you think, and your dreams are closer than they seem.
So grab your Pinterest boards, your Accountability Bestie Planner, and start taking those small daily steps. Because the life you’ve been dreaming of? It’s waiting for you to make it real.
Xo, Chelsea Elise 💖
