Your Guide to Dream-Setting

With a New Year comes a clean slate, 12 months stretch before us waiting to be filled with adventure, challenges, growth, and fun. But if we don’t take a moment to pause, it’s easy for the days to bleed into the next. February, March, and April flip by, before we know it, we turn around to ourselves and say: “How is it already the summer?” 

That’s where dreams-setting comes in. Taking a bit of time to map out our wishes and intentions can help carve out a plan for not just the year, but more broadly our lives. It can give the time deeper meaning, provide something for us to look forward to, and ensure that we feel like we’re growing in a direction that aligns with our heart.

 Keep in mind that the very act of dream-setting may help us grow more than simply achieving a goal. As Carol S. Dweck explains in her book Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, “In the fixed mindset, everything is about the outcome. If you fail—or if you’re not the best—everything’s been wasted. The growth mindset allows people to value what they’re doing regardless of the outcome. They’re tackling problems, charting new courses, working on important issues. Maybe they haven’t found the cure for cancer, but the search was deeply meaningful.”  

That’s why this year, BRANWYN is bringing you a new guide to dream-setting. Think of this like a goal-setting exercise without the pressure the word “goal” brings. Our dreams can be concrete plans (think plant a vegetable garden),gifts we want to give our future selves (aka forgive myself more quickly when I say the wrong thing), or ways we want to break through our limiting beliefs to find the truest version of ourselves (maybe you’ve always thought of yourself as timid… but what if that wasn’t true?) . 

At BRANWYN we celebrate the many ways in which women #FindAWay. While the path is rarely straightforward or smooth — it is always an adventure. If you can dream it, we are here to loudly cheer you on. 

Use the template below to get your wild and adventurous juices flowing — or DOWNLOAD YOUR DREAM-SETTING PDF HERE to start dreaming and scheming whenever you wish. 

2025 GUIDE TO DREAM-SETTING: My Dream Journey Map 

Get-Started Exercise 

Before we start, try a short exercise to bring yourself into the present moment. This can help us connect with ourselves and notice any barrier our mind may erect. Take a few moments to mentally scan your body from head to toe. Notice any sensations or tensions as you go. Next, reflect on these three areas: 

1. Is there anywhere in my life I feel stuck? 

2. When I think about these areas, what does my internal dialogue sound like? 

3. Ask “why” to any negative beliefs that may pop up. 

4. Remember to be compassionate to yourself as you go. 

My Dream Theme for the Year
Dream Theme: ______________________________________

(Example: "Wild & Rooted," “Leaning Back, Letting Go,” “What’s in My Heart?”)

Dreams for Personal Growth 

• Mind: A dream I have for expanding my knowledge:
  Dream: ______________________________________
  (Example: Write a book or take a creative writing class)

• Body: A dream I have for feeling strong and energized:
  Dream: ______________________________________
  (Example: Dance for 5 minutes every morning or complete a 3-day hike)

• Spirit: A dream I have for deepening my connection to myself:
  Dream: ______________________________________
  (Example: Create a gratitude practice or explore mindfulness retreats)

Outdoor Adventure Dreams

• Dream Destinations I Want to Explore:
  Dream: ______________________________________
  (Example: Backpack through a national park or road trip along the coast)

• Adventurous Challenges I’ll Take On:
  Dream: ______________________________________
  (Example: Surfing lessons or kayaking in a new river)

• Everyday Nature Connection:
  Dream: ______________________________________
  (Example: Build a windowsill herb harden or watch every sunset for a month)

Dreams for a Kinder Earth

• Ways I Want to Live More Sustainably:
  Dream: ______________________________________
  (Example: Switch to bulk cleaning products or advocate for green policies in my community)

• Community Actions to Protect the Planet:
  Dream: ______________________________________
  (Example: volunteer for a beach clean up or start a recycling program at work)

Unwinding Limiting Beliefs 

• Strengths I Want to Bring With Me
  ______________________________________
  

• Limiting Beliefs I Want to Leave Behind 
  ______________________________________
  

My Celebrations Along the Way

• Small Milestone Joys:
  (Example: Buy myself fresh flowers after exploring a new trail)

• Big Dream Achievements:
  (Example: Take a hot air balloon ride after reaching a sustainability goal)

Dream Whisper to Myself

• A phrase or affirmation to keep me dreaming big:
  Example: “My dreams are my compass, and I’m ready for the journey.”
  Dream Whisper: ______________________________________

Capture Dream Moments & Milestones

• Use photos, sketches, or journal entries to cherish your progress.

This template is designed to bring excitement, creativity, and joy to the process of turning your dreams into realities. ✨ Keep dreaming boldly!