“I want to be a billionaire, so … bad.” ~Bruno Mars
Most people have fantasies. From owning a dream car to traveling the world with nothing more than a backpack, fantasies are a muse for the imagination, giving us a picture of the life we wish we led.
Some people dismiss fantasies as silly and unrealistic thoughts. But this may not be fair. Fantasies may not always be realistically achievable, but they are not useless, and those that know how to examine their fantasies and turn them into actionable ideas often find that their life is better as a result.
How Fantasies Are a Window Into You
Fantasies are not just dreams. They are a chance to examine your desires. They are, in many ways, an extreme version of what you really do want out of your life.
As a psychologist on Long Island, when I hear someone tell me their fantasy, what I hear is a direction for future goals. Fantasies show what someone values. :
- If a person fantasizes about being the CEO of Google, then perhaps they value professional growth.
- If a person fantasizes about opening up an orphanage in Haiti, then perhaps they value children, or helping those in need.
- If a person fantasizes about owning an expensive luxury car, then perhaps they value cars or status in some achievable way.
Once we hear these types of fantasies, we don’t ignore them. Instead, we see what realistic and achievable goals can be established in order to fulfill some fundamental need.
Even the most “childish” of needs can sometimes be satisfied – or may need to be satisfied – in a way that will improve day to day functioning and happiness, and while not every fantasy can be 100% achieved, often you’ll find that the underlying desire can be.
Exploring Fantasies for Life Fulfillment
From goal setting to achievement, there are many different factors that go into living a happier life. Fantasies play a role in that. While the actual fantasy is not always achievable, it is important to look within that fantasy to see what it represents, and why that desire is there.
You may find there was a way to fulfill that fantasy, at least in some small part, that can ultimately help you feel happier about where you are now, and even more oriented towards what will give you a better future. If you are interested in learning more about how to explore these fantasies, please call me today at 516-732-0273.
