We all have hopes and dreams that we yearn to come true. We long to reach our goals and can’t wait for the next chapter in our lives to start. However, as time goes on, it feels as if those dreams will never come true, and we become discouraged and begin to lose momentum. When you wait with expectancy, you can sustain yourself during these difficult times.

If I told you that you were going to meet the person of your dreams in 54 days, you would do everything you could to make sure you looked your best. You’d spend most of your time at the gym, your nutrition would rapidly change, and you’d think non-stop about that magical day – It would consume your mind. This is an extreme version of what it means to wait with expectancy. However, notice that when you knew the specifics of the payoff, you would do everything in your power to be ready to meet your partner. Your goals and dreams are just like your dream spouse. You may not know the exact time for when your dreams will come true, but when you wait with expectancy, you are preparing yourself for that special day.

The exciting thing about each day is that we encounter many individuals or are in situations that could launch us into a new direction. I’ve had so many serendipitous moments that have opened and closed many doors for me. However, if I was not looking for these providential moments and held my head down in discouragement, I may not have had my success. Yes, we all struggle with disillusionment and may be discouraged, but remember, today, literally, could be the day that all of your dreams come true.

Often, we think that a closed-door means that we aren’t going to accomplish our goals or that it’s a huge setback. Remember, a closed-door is simply a time for you to pivot. If one door closed, look for another door. Life does not always make sense, but if we allow one person or situation to tell us “no,” were we truly determined to see our dreams come true in the first place?

Theodore Geisel was turned down 27 times from publishers before his first book was published. He was walking home after his most recent rejection and bumped into an old college friend. They caught up for a few minutes and when his friend asked him what he was carrying. Theodore told his friend that it was a book that no one would publish, and he was on his way home to burn it. His friend looked through it and told Theodore that he wanted to publish his book. His friend had just been promoted to the editor over the children’s section of a publishing house. You now know Theodore as Dr. Seuss.

Opportunities are all around us. Are you looking for them? What can you do today to nudge you one step closer to achieving your dreams? Remember, your dreams can only come to pass when you put in the hard work. For example, what happens if you meet someone who can open a door for you, but you’ve not yet written your business plan, or outlined your first book? What can you do today to prepare yourself?

Visualize yourself when your dream does comes true. What image comes to mind? What are you doing? Are you in front of people speaking? Are you in a boardroom? Are you cutting the ribbon to a new building? Are you opening the front door of your new home? When you visualize what you are doing, prepare for it. Are you taking public speaking courses? Are you learning more management skills? Are you improving your diet and exercise for when you are in front of the camera? Are you looking at furniture to purchase for your new home?

Your future starts as early as this moment. When you focus today on what you can do now as opposed to waiting for when an opportunity arises, then you will be more than ready to walk through that open door. There’s nothing worse than not being prepared for the next chapter of your life. Don’t let an opportunity pass you by because you weren’t ready for it.

Today, wait with expectancy. Expectancy gives you the motivation and drive you need to push through those tiring and challenging seasons. Today could be your day!

James Miller is the executive producer and host of the nationally broadcasted and syndicated radio show: James Miller | LIFEOLOGY®. He is a licensed psychotherapist who has been in the mental health field for over 20 years. Visit: JamesMillerLIFEOLOGY®.com simplify and transform your spirit, mind, and body.

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