By Krystal Grant
What do you do when the thing you’ve been dreaming about finally comes to fruition? You celebrate! And that’s just what my husband and I did at the book launch party for my new book Under The Palmetto Tree. We had a blast celebrating with family and friends. It was truly a magical night. And none of it, not the publication of my book, the launch party, nor the book sales would have been possible without the guidance, support, and encouragement of my husband. So if you live with a dreamer, let me give you tips on how you can help your spouse realize his/her dreams.
1. Learn to listen. Chances are, your spouse will be consumed with talk about his or her dream. And your significant other will probably talk about goals more than you want to hear. But you must engage in the conversations. Be attentive to your spouse and respond with positive, thoughtful feedback.
2. Believe that your spouse can do it. Oftentimes, a person’s dreams can seem farfetched to an outsider. I’m sure when Garrett Morgan told his wife about his plans to create the traffic signal, she gave him the ultimate side-eye. But sometimes, the support of family and friends is just the push that a dreamer needs to get over the hump of self doubt.
3. Remain confidential. People don’t need to know everything. So make sure that those late night pillow talks about goals and dreams remain between you and your partner. You never want to break a spouse’s trust by prematurely divulging information to others.
4. Give them time to work on their dream. Writing my book took time. And I’m thankful my husband found creative ways to give me the time I needed to sit in a quiet space and write. So, find ways to make your living situation conducive to your spouse’s dream. If he/she needs a night to study then order pizza for the kids, give them baths, and put them to bed. If your spouse wants to attend a conference or trade show discuss ways you can both save money in order to pay for the trip.
5. Be their biggest cheerleader. During my book release party my husband was glued to the registration table selling books and gathering attendee’s emails. Now, he keeps a box of books in the trunk of his car and returns home daily with reports of the many copies he sold to his coworkers. So, whether your spouse accomplishes his/her goal or not, you must be their strongest ally and biggest cheerleader.
BMWK — Do you support your spouse when it comes to their dreams?
Krystal Grant is the author of Under The Palmetto Tree. She lives in the Atlanta suburbs with her husband and three children. Krystal blogs at www.KrystalGrant.com .
…and to think, women don’t like the word “submit” New Flash: This is how Submission is done RIGHT in a marriage!
Great pointers. You’re on to something there.
Great tips! Thank you for this. This is really helpful to me. My husband is good at everything he does but he doesn’t believe in his work and don’t seem to have the confidence. I know he will be able to achieve his dreams but he needs that little push. I am doing my best in giving him all the support that he needs.
Nothing like have the full support of your spouse!