I recently was reading an article by Dr. Robert Anthony about this very issue. The way he put it was that the tide can't come in unless we've first allowed it to go out. Our dreams cannot manifest unless we release them. In other words, we must learn to trust the process in order to live our dreams.
But what, exactly, does that look like? Maybe it's different for everyone. For me, it means deciding what I want based upon my personal values, then putting that dream out to the Universe. After that, I take inspired action, meaning, I request wisdom and divine guidance, then follow the path that slowly, step-by-step reveals itself to me.
It also means that when I cannot see the How, When, Where answers, I choose to trust the process. But how does one stay motivated during this process? When there seems to be nothing but vagueness, chaos, closed doors? When it feels like all one's hard work and determination seem to result in nothing?
One way to demonstrate this trust and remain motivated is by continuing to remain plugged into Divine Source on a daily basis. Whether you commune with your Higher Self, God, the Universe, or any other name for this Source, it's okay to be honest and express your feelings of discouragement, rebellion, or apathy. Then ask specifically for help not only with attaining your dreams but with releasing the negative energy that is bringing you down.
Another way to maintain your motivation is to notice what's going right and take a moment to be thankful for that. It can be so easy to notice what is still missing and overlook the incredible progress you have already made. So, notice what you're doing right and the progress you've made, and continue to take inspired action. Incidently, inpsired action may well include such things as reading inspirational and motivational literature, taking courses that get your energy pumped up again, spending time with positive, inspiring people, or even taking a well-deserved break.
Utilize various techniques to release your limiting beliefs, unhelpful behaviors, and emotional blocks. For example, EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique), The Sedona Method, hypnotherapy, and acupuncture can be exceedingly effective for clearing your body and mind of these energy drainers. Ask yourself what beliefs, blocks, and behaviors are you willing to release in order to live your dreams? This can refuel tired motivation.
Trusting the process is similar to love in that it sometimes is more a choice than a feeling. What if this is also true of one's sense of motivation? If you don't currently feel motivated, can you choose to act motivated nevertheless? What is one thing that you do when you feel motivated? Make the choice to do that when your motivation factor is low and take note of the results.
Finally, an employer I once had was fond of saying, "A change is as good as a rest." Maybe that's all you need to refuel your motivation so you can live your dreams.
Loral Lee Portenier, MS, LCPC, Certified Hypnotherapist, Expressive Arts Therapist, Transpersonal Life Coach, is currently working on her doctorate in psychology. She specializes in helping people live their dreams and make their lives a great place to be. Follow her blog at http://sacreddreamscoaching.com/