5 Questions to Know If Your Dream is Right for You (And Worth Your Energy)
Listen, having a goal is important. But having the RIGHT goal? That changes everything.
Too many high-achieving women chase dreams that look good on paper but feel empty in their hearts. You check all the boxes, climb the ladder, and still feel that ache of unfulfillment.
Why? Because your dream isn’t aligned with your core values and purpose.
Before you invest your time, energy, and life force into any goal, you need to know if it’s truly yours—or if you’re living someone else’s vision of success.
Finding Your Purpose Starts with the Right Questions
Here are five questions that will help you determine if your dream is worth pursuing. Answer these honestly, and you’ll know whether you’re on the right path or chasing something that will leave you feeling empty.
- Does Your Dream Light You Up?
Real talk: When you think about your goal, do you feel alive? Excited? Does it make you want to jump out of bed in the morning?
If you feel passion and emotional connection to your dream, that’s your inner compass telling you you’re headed in the right direction. Your dream should expand your sense of aliveness, not drain it.
If thinking about your goal feels like a heavy “should” instead of an energizing “yes,” that’s your first red flag. We would be happier if we stopped “shoulding on ourselves”.
- Does This Align with Your Core Values? (This is my favorite question)
This is non-negotiable. Your dream MUST align with your core values, or it will never feel fulfilling—even if you achieve it.
If your dream conflicts with what matters most to you, it’s not worthy of your energy. Period.
Ask yourself: Does this goal honor who I am at my core? Or am I trying to be someone I’m not to please others or meet society’s expectations?
- Will This Dream Help You Grow?
Personal growth isn’t just nice to have, it’s the essential element needed for living a life you love.
If your dream doesn’t challenge you to become a better, stronger, more expansive version of yourself, it’s too small.
Your goals should stretch you. They should require you to develop new skills, face fears, and step outside your comfort zone. That’s where transformation happens.
- Is It Bigger Than What You Can Do Alone?
Here’s how you know if your dream is big enough: You shouldn’t know all the steps to get there.
If you’ve got the entire roadmap figured out, you’re playing it too safe. Real dreams require support, collaboration, and resources beyond what you currently have access to.
This isn’t about spiritual bypassing, it’s about recognizing that meaningful goals require you to grow into the person who can achieve them. You’ll need mentors, community, skills you haven’t learned yet, and opportunities that haven’t shown up yet.
- Does Your Dream Serve Others?
The most fulfilling dreams aren’t just about you, they create ripples of good for others.
When your goal is aligned with your authentic purpose, it naturally includes value for your community, your family, or the world. This isn’t about martyrdom or people-pleasing. It’s about recognizing that we’re all connected.
If your dream is purely self-serving, it won’t sustain you long-term. But when it serves both you AND others? That’s where real meaning lives.
From Wishes to Reality: Choosing Your Deepest Desire
Your mind probably hosts dozens of wishes, passing fancies, and “someday” dreams. That’s normal.
But you need to distinguish your deepest desire from fleeting whims.
Here’s your work: Choose the dream that’s closest to your heart. The one that aligns with your values, ignites your passion, and calls you to grow.
Then take one step toward it. And then another. That’s how you transform a dream into reality.
Because sis, you’re not here to live a safe, small life. You’re here to live fully, boldly, and in alignment with who you truly are.
Ready to Get Clear on Your Purpose?
If you’re ready to identify your core values and design a life you actually love living, I can help.
Let’s chat! Book a call with me here: https://loriaharris.com/schedule-your-clarity-call/P.S. Want support in discovering and building your dreams?
In between my coaching and speaking schedule, I carve out a few strategy sessions each month. If you would like a complimentary strategy session (Value = $250), simply contact me here.