Do You Have Goals, or Are You Just Dreaming?!

October 13, 2024

Do You Have Goals, or Are You Just Dreaming?!

We all have dreams of what we want to achieve—whether it’s becoming a stronger leader, creating a positive impact, or reaching a personal milestone. But there’s a big difference between having dreams and setting real goals. Dreams are ideas; goals are plans. If your goals are too vague or too big, it’s easy to feel stuck and unsure of where to start. To turn your dreams into reality, it’s important to set clear, realistic goals that you can actually achieve, step-by-step. This way, you’ll see real progress and build confidence as you move forward.

One Thought to Keep in Mind

Dreaming big is great, but without a clear plan, it’s like trying to climb a mountain without a map—you can easily get lost or discouraged. Setting realistic goals isn’t about aiming low; it’s about creating a step-by-step path that helps you see progress and stay motivated. Each small step gets you closer to your big dream, one milestone at a time.

Two Strategies to Try

1. Break Down Big Goals into Small Steps

Start by taking your big goal and breaking it into smaller, more manageable parts. Each part should be something you can focus on right now and complete in a short amount of time. For example, instead of saying, “I want to be a better leader,” make it smaller by saying, “I will read one leadership book this month” or “I will spend 15 minutes each day connecting with my team.”

Questions to Ask Yourself:

What small steps can I take this week to move closer to my goal?
How can I measure success in a way that keeps me motivated?

By breaking down big goals, you’re less likely to feel overwhelmed and more likely to see steady progress. Remember, each small win adds up over time!

2. Use the SMART Method to Create Clear Goals

The SMART method helps you set clear goals that are easier to achieve. It stands for:

Specific: What exactly do you want to achieve?
Measurable: How will you know you’ve reached it?
Achievable: Is this goal something you can realistically do?
Relevant: Does this goal align with your bigger plans?
Time-bound: When do you want to complete it?

For example, instead of saying, “I want to improve communication with my team,” say, “I will schedule a 15-minute check-in every Monday for the next 6 weeks to talk about challenges and goals.” This makes your goal clear and easy to follow.

One Question to Reflect On

Think about your current goals: Are they clear and realistic for where you are right now? If not, how can you make them more specific and manageable?

Action Step

Choose one of your current goals and apply the SMART method to it. Write down the specific steps you’ll take and when you’ll take them. Share your new goal with a friend or colleague to help keep you on track.

Final Thoughts

Setting realistic goals doesn’t mean lowering your expectations—it means creating a solid plan to help you succeed. When your goals are clear and attainable, you build momentum and confidence. As you step into a new week, remember that each small action you take is moving you closer to your bigger dreams. Stay focused, celebrate each step, and trust the process. You’re not just setting goals—you’re building your path to success, one step at a time.

Until we meet again: Be a Leader. Be a Learner. Be Kind.

Dr. Roy Bishop, Jr.

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Success Means Nothing If You Miss What Matters Most

By Roy Bishop • July 21, 2025

Hey Good People— Let me tell you what shook me awake last week. We were on vacation. A real one. Not a “half-working, still-checking-emails” kind of trip—but one where I stepped away for real. And as much as I wanted the rest, I wrestled with it. Would things fall apart while I was gone? Would I come back to a mess? Would people think I was slacking off? Those thoughts followed me right up until the moment I let them go. Because what I found in the stillness wasn’t weakness. It was wisdom. The Truth That Hit Me Hard I wasn’t falling behind. I was finally catching up—to myself, to my family, to what actually matters. Here’s What That Break Taught Me 1. Rest isn’t a reward—it’s required. We talk a lot about being driven. But when you’re always on, always solving, always showing up… you forget what clarity feels like. Rest gave me back creativity. Focus. Peace. It wasn’t time off. It was time on purpose. 2. Good leadership means you’re not the only one holding it all together. The fear of stepping away comes from the belief that everything relies on us. But true leadership? It’s building a team and culture that thrives whether you’re in the room or not. I didn’t just trust my team—I needed to trust them. And they showed me I could. 3. Moments > Minutes I didn’t track time. I tracked moments: Laughing with my kids. Listening to my wife. Sitting still—no agenda, no title, no hurry. And Then This Hit Me… I’ve been married almost 20 years. In less than 7, we’ll be empty nesters. And I sat with that. Really sat with it. Because for years, I’ve been building, grinding, leading. But those milestones reminded me—the most meaningful parts of life aren’t achievements… they’re moments. The kind that don’t show up on a resume. The kind that don’t trend. The kind you don’t get back. So Let Me Ask You… What are you rushing past right now? What are you chasing that might cost you more than it’s worth? And when you look back years from now—what do you want to remember: The meeting… or the moment? Leadership That Lasts Starts at Home This isn’t a message to work less. It’s a message to live more. To lead not just projects—but your presence. To stop confusing busyness with purpose. To start building a life that your loved ones are actually in, not just around. Try This: Take five minutes today. Write down: One person you’ve been too busy to fully see. One moment you keep saying “maybe later” to. One way you can be fully present this week. Now—do something about it. Final Word Your legacy isn’t built in the boardroom. It’s built at the dinner table. On the porch. In the quiet conversations when you’re fully there. Success means nothing if you miss what matters most. So take the break. Have the conversation. Be where your feet are. Until next time— Be a Leader. Be a Learner. Be Kind. —Dr. Roy Bishop, Jr. Dr. Roy Bishop, Jr. is the founder of The Be Team—a movement rooted in the belief that leadership starts with mindset, not just metrics. Through coaching, training, and real-talk reflection, he helps leaders step up without burning out. Because titles fade—but presence and purpose leave a legacy.

Rest is not a Reward!!

By Roy Bishop • May 4, 2025

Rest isn’t a break from leadership. It’s part of the many things that make it up. Recharge, realign, and reset. Tomorrow depends on what you give yourself today. #jointhebeteam #SoulCheckSunday #TheBeTeam #RestToLead

Quiet Doesn't Mean Weak!

By Roy Bishop • May 3, 2025

Quiet Doesn’t Mean Weak 1 Truth · 2 Strategies · 1 Reflection Weekly Leadership Spark with Dr. Roy Bishop, Jr. We live in a world that often rewards volume over value, noise over nuance. But leadership isn’t always about being the loudest voice in the room—it’s about having the clarity to lead when no one’s watching and the courage to move even without applause. Quiet leadership isn’t a flaw. It’s a force. And once you learn to embrace that, you’ll stop shrinking and start standing in your strength. 1 Truth Quiet doesn’t mean weak. It means focused. It means grounded. It means leading with clarity, not noise. Some of the most powerful leaders don’t need a spotlight to make an impact—they lead from within, with quiet strength and confident purpose. 2 Strategies to Live It Out Reconnect with your Why. When you’re rooted in your purpose, you stop waiting for the “right” moment—you create it. Lead from within. You don’t need a title or a crowd to lead. Your daily habits, your energy, and your decisions define your leadership. 1 Reflection Question Where have you been shrinking, waiting, or hesitating to fully show up? Don’t wait for perfect. Show up today—as you are. That’s where growth begins. Bonus Action (Optional): Take 5 minutes. Write down 3 things you’ve been putting off because you didn’t feel ready. Choose one—and take the first step this week. Final Thoughts You don’t have to be loud to be powerful. You don’t have to be perfect to lead. You just have to show up with quiet strength and a willingness to grow. Until next time: Be a Leader. Be a Learner. Be Kind. Let’s keep leading together. — Dr. Roy Bishop, Jr. Want more weekly leadership sparks like this? Join The Be Team today to continue to receive our weekly leadership sparks—quick, clear, and designed for busy leaders who want to grow with purpose. Who is Dr. Roy Bishop, Jr.? Dr. Roy Bishop, Jr. is more than a leader—he’s a mentor, strategist, and visionary committed to helping others step into their full leadership potential. With a proven track record in education, leadership development, and systems transformation, Dr. Bishop empowers leaders to take imperfect action and lead from within. At the heart of his work is The Be Team—a movement that redefines leadership for every generation. Whether you’re a student, educator, executive, or emerging leader, The Be Team exists to help you grow from the inside out. Why The Be Team? Because leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about mindset, ownership, and courage. The Be Team is here to remind you: You already have what it takes. Now it’s time to lead like it.

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Do You Have Goals, or Are You Just Dreaming?!