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Introduction to Finding Hope After Dreams Fail

Did you know that according to a study by the University of Scranton, 92% of people fail to achieve their New Year’s goals? This startling statistic highlights a common experience many of us share: the feeling of disappointment and disillusionment when our dreams don’t come to fruition. For families pursuing their dreams and facing unexpected setbacks, this journey can be especially challenging. However, there is hope and purpose to be found even in the face of failure.

When our family decided to move to Colorado, we were filled with excitement and hope. We believed we had the perfect plan, the right partners, and a clear path to achieving our dreams. However, as often happens in life, things did not go as expected. Our dreams seemed to crumble, leaving us in a state of disillusionment and despair. Through this challenging journey, we learned invaluable lessons about faith, resilience, and finding hope after dreams fail. In this post, we share 12 lessons that can help other families navigate similar transitions and find hope after failed dreams.

Our Dream That Didn’t Happened….Yet

The Rugged Face began with a dream of purchasing land to create an experience center where people can gather to dream and learn how to live adventurous lives. We moved from Guatemala to Colorado Springs with the expectation that this was the time and the place to pursue that dream.

As we came to learn, this was not the time. We were soon called back to Texas to help a business recover from the brink of bankruptcy. While we were disappointed that our time in Colorado was so short, we also trusted God’s timing in all of this.

As I write this, we’ve been back in Texas for 15 months, and our dreams are more alive than ever. Not only are our dreams continuing to percolate, we’ve gotten so much clarity as to what our dream is going to entail. When the timing is right, we will look for land to buy. Until then, we are continuing to write content that is hopefully encouraging to our readers to pursue their dreams while we continue to pursue ours.

1. Setting High Expectations

Moving to Colorado was supposed to be the start of a new chapter filled with adventure and spiritual growth. Our expectations were sky-high, believing everything would fall into place effortlessly. However, we quickly realized that high expectations can sometimes lead to significant disappointments. It’s essential to dream big but also to prepare for the unexpected.

Practical Application:

• Set Realistic Goals: While dreaming big is important, balance it with setting achievable goals that can provide a sense of progress. We utilize the EOS framework for setting these types of goals.
• Plan for Contingencies: Have backup plans in place to manage potential setbacks.
• Stay Flexible: Be ready to adjust your expectations as circumstances change.

2. Facing Unexpected Challenges

Despite our meticulous planning, reality did not align with our dreams. We faced numerous challenges, from finding a supportive community to adjusting to a new environment. These obstacles taught us the importance of flexibility and resilience. Sometimes, the best-laid plans don’t unfold as expected, and that’s okay. Embracing the unexpected is part of the journey.

Practical Application:

• Stay Positive: Focus on the positive aspects of your situation and look for lessons in every challenge.
• Adapt and Overcome: Develop a mindset that embraces change and finds creative solutions to problems.
• Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to ask for help from friends, family, or professionals.

3. Seeking God’s Guidance

Throughout our transition, prayer and seeking spiritual guidance were our anchors. We believed that our decisions were aligned with God’s will because we felt peace and saw doors opening. However, as circumstances changed, we learned that seeking God’s guidance is a continuous process. Maintaining a close relationship with Him and trusting His plan, even when it leads us down unexpected paths, is crucial.

Practical Application:

• Daily Prayer and Meditation: Make time each day for prayer and meditation to stay connected with God’s guidance.
• Scripture Study: Regularly read and reflect on scriptures to gain insights and strength.
• Spiritual Community: Engage with a spiritual community for support and shared wisdom.

4. Understanding Divine Redirection

One of the most profound lessons we learned is that God’s plan can differ significantly from ours. We initially thought our move to Colorado was “the thing,” but it turned out to be a step towards a deeper purpose. This redirection, though challenging, brought us closer to God and strengthened our faith. It’s important to remain open to divine redirection and trust that every step is part of His greater plan.

Practical Application:

• Stay Open to Change: Be willing to change course if you feel God leading you in a different direction.
• Reflect and Pray: Regularly take time to reflect on your journey and seek God’s guidance.
• Trust the Process: Have faith that every step, even those that seem like setbacks, is part of a larger plan.

5. Living Open-Handedly

Living open-handedly means relinquishing control and trusting God with every aspect of our lives. During our planning phase, everything was placed in God’s hands—the who, what, when, where, and how. When we lost sight of this, the burdens became heavier. We learned that by living open-handedly, we can find peace and clarity, knowing that everything we have is His.

Practical Application:

• Release Control: Consciously practice letting go of control and trusting in God’s plan.
• Surrender in Prayer: Use prayers of surrender to hand over your worries and plans to God.
• Gratitude Practice: Focus on gratitude for what you have and trust that God will provide for your needs.

6. Embracing Community

Isolation was one of the hardest challenges we faced in Colorado. We quickly realized the importance of having a supportive community. Building connections in a new place takes effort, but it’s crucial for emotional and spiritual well-being. Joining local groups, participating in community events, and actively seeking out friendships helped us build a network of support.

Practical Application:

• Join Local Groups: Look for local community groups, clubs, or organizations that align with your interests.
• Attend Events: Participate in community events to meet new people and build connections.
• Volunteer: Volunteering is a great way to give back and meet like-minded individuals.

7. Maintaining Authenticity

During tough times, it’s easy to put on a façade and hide our true struggles. However, maintaining authenticity is essential for personal growth and meaningful relationships. We learned to be open about our challenges, which helped us receive the support we needed and fostered deeper connections with others.

Practical Application:

• Be Honest: Practice honesty with yourself and others about your feelings and struggles.
• Seek Genuine Relationships: Build relationships based on mutual authenticity and vulnerability.
• Share Your Story: Don’t be afraid to share your experiences and lessons learned with others.

8. Dealing with Doubts and Anxiety

The journey to a new life brought with it a fair share of doubts and anxiety. Worry and stress became frequent companions. Through prayer, meditation, and seeking counsel, we managed to cope with these feelings. It’s important to acknowledge these emotions and address them through faith and practical strategies such as journaling, talking to trusted friends, and focusing on positive affirmations.

Practical Application:

• Journaling: Write down your thoughts and feelings to process and release them.
• Talk It Out: Share your concerns with trusted friends or family members.
• Positive Affirmations: Use positive affirmations to combat negative thoughts and reinforce your faith.

9. Strengthening Marital Bonds

Our marriage faced significant strain during this transition. The stress of new challenges tested our relationship, but it also provided an opportunity to strengthen our bond. We made a conscious effort to communicate openly, support each other, and seek marital counseling when needed. Maintaining a healthy marriage requires intentional effort, especially during times of change.

Practical Application:

• Open Communication: Make time for regular, honest conversations with your spouse.
• Seek Counseling: Don’t hesitate to seek professional counseling if needed.
• Quality Time: Spend quality time together to strengthen your bond and create positive experiences.

10. Rediscovering Motivation

When our initial plan failed, we struggled to find new motivation. It was a period of soul-searching and rediscovery. We focused on our core values and passions, which helped us realign our goals and reignite our motivation. Sometimes, setbacks can lead to new beginnings and fresh perspectives.

Practical Application:

• Reflect on Core Values: Identify and focus on your core values and passions.
• Set New Goals: Create new, meaningful goals that align with your values.
• Celebrate Small Wins: Celebrate small achievements to stay motivated and build momentum.

11. Recognizing God’s Hand in Every Step

We came to understand that every step of our journey, including the setbacks, was part of God’s plan. Recognizing His presence in our lives brought us comfort and strength. It’s crucial to trust that God is at work in every situation, even when things don’t go as planned.

Practical Application:

• Daily Reflection: Take time each day to reflect on how God has been present in your life.
• Keep a Gratitude Journal: Document blessings and answered prayers to remind yourself of God’s faithfulness.
• Trust the Journey: Embrace each part of your journey as a valuable experience that contributes to your growth.

12. Living with a Sense of Adventure and Faith

Ultimately, we embraced the idea of living with a sense of adventure and faith. We decided to approach each day with openness and trust in God’s guidance. This mindset shift allowed us to find joy and purpose in our journey, regardless of the circumstances.

Practical Application:

• Embrace New Experiences: Be open to trying new things and stepping out of your comfort zone.
• Practice Faith: Actively practice your faith through prayer, worship, and service.
• Find Joy in the Journey: Look for joy and meaning in everyday moments and experiences.

Conclusion to Finding Hope After Dreams Fail

Our journey to Colorado taught us invaluable lessons about faith, resilience, and the importance of community. By living open-handedly and trusting in God’s plan, we found strength and purpose even in the face of challenges. We hope these lessons inspire and guide other families as they pursue their dreams. Remember, every step is part of a greater journey, and with faith, you can navigate the twists and turns with confidence and joy.

We’d love to hear your experiences and lessons learned during your transitions. Share your stories in the comments below!

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