goals

The Difference Between Dreams and Goals (and Why Moms Need Both)

The Difference Between Dreams and Goals (and Why Moms Need Both)
There's an old saying that goes, "You can't have your cake and eat it too." But as moms, we know that's not true. We CAN have our cake and eat it too. We just have to be willing to set some goals first.

Let's face it, moms are dreamers. We dream of a day when our kids are potty trained, sleeping through the night, and eating their veggies without complaint. We dream of a day when we can actually finish a cup of coffee before it gets cold. We dream of a day when we might actually get to take a shower without interruption. But if we're being honest, those dreams often feel pretty darn unattainable.

That's where goals come in. Goals are the bridge between our dreams and reality. They give us a roadmap for how to get from Point A to Point B. And while they may not be as fun or sexy as dreams, they are infinitely more achievable. So if you're feeling like your dreams are just out of reach, it's time to start setting some goals. Here's how to tell the difference between a dream and a goal:

Dreams vs. Goals: The Difference
Dreams are lofty and often include the words "some day." For example, "Some day I will sleep through the night." Goals follow the SMART format (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, timely) with a timeline and a specific, tangible, measurable outcome. For example, "I will sleep through the night by December 31st." 

Dreams are vague and often feel unattainable. Goals are specific and actionable. Dreams inspire us but rarely lead to results. Goals motivate us and help us achieve the results we desire. 

So why do moms need both? Because dreams help us see what's possible while goals give us the tools to make those dreams a reality. Dreams inspire us to be better versions of ourselves while goals provide the blueprint for how to get there. So go ahead and keep dreaming, moms. Just make sure you're setting some goals too!

Moms are dreamers but we can't forget to set some goals too! Dreams inspire us but they don't usually lead to results. Goals motivate us and help us achieve the results we desire. So keep dreaming, moms! Just make sure you're setting some goals along the way.


Meet Paula Henry

 
As a teenager, I was encouraged to go to college, find a career and go out into the world to make a difference. For many years, I had no plans to have children because I had one focus - my career.  

As I neared the age of 30, I started thinking about what I wanted my life to look like in the future. Where did I want to be in 20 years and what did I want my life to look like. That's when I felt a pull at my heart to have children. 

I continued to work in my career while my kids were infants and toddlers. It wasn't until they were both in school that I felt a huge tug to stay at home. But, I had worked so hard to go to school, spent so much money and now I was thinking of throwing it all away? What would people think? Was the money and education a waste? 

I remember having more days at work when I wanted to be home than days at home when I wanted to be at work.  And, that's when I knew things had to change. It didn't happen overnight. We put together a plan so that we would be able to live comfortably on a single income and then we moved forward with that plan.

Once I left my job, I experienced a full-on identity crisis. No longer did I have my career to define me. Now, I had to figure out who I was. It was challenging, and I dove into different projects and small jobs. I was looking for fulfillment in motherhood...and something else. 

I didn't know about personal growth programs. It wasn't until I went to a conference and heard to speakers present on a framework that everything fell into place. Here was a system that I could use to pull my life together. I could use it to determine my identity. I could set goals for myself and have a plan to reach them. I embraced the system and it worked. 

Are you ready to start your own journey to a happier life with more balance between family obligations, self care and everything else in your life? Join me and my group of friends. Contact me now!

Contact

Copyrights © 2025 held by respective copyright holders, including Paula Henry.