In life, many of our movements are transactions.  We do something to get something.  We go to work to make money.  We go to the gym to stay in shape.  We eat food to fuel our body.  We may interact with a co-worker who isn’t our favourite because they can help us move forward on our journey.

Before we make decisions, we may think, “What’s in it for me?”

As Samuel Johnson once said, “Life cannot subsist in society but by reciprocal concessions.”

However, when it comes to something we love, we often can’t help ourselves.  We might do things for someone who doesn’t return the favour.  Or delve into our hobby even though we aren’t earning anything doing it.

Those transactions are not as obvious.  Because you see we are still getting something out of it.  Our peace of mind.  It makes us feel good to do something for a person we care about.  It lights a fire inside us when we produce something with our talents, even if it doesn’t hold value to someone else.

But do you realize that you need to focus on the transactions that will bring your dreams to life?  You can build a vision board but are you talking about it?  Are you seeking out others who can help make it a reality?

Victor Hugo once said, “He, who every morning plans the transactions of the day, and follows that plan, carries a thread that will guide him through the labyrinth of the most busy life.”

What is on your transaction list today?  How many of the items will help you survive and how many will help you thrive?  As Bo Bennett once said, “A dream becomes a goal when action is taken toward its achievement.”