A time to dream big with Kristina Karlsson

How often do we stop to reflect on our dreams? In today’s fast-paced world, dreaming big might seem like a luxury, yet it’s one of the most powerful tools for personal growth and success. 

Kristina Karlsson, the Founder of the renowned lifestyle brand Kikki K and now Dream Life, knows this all too well. During her recent “101 Dreams Workshop,” Kristina took participants on a journey to explore their dreams and create actionable plans to make them come true. As someone who has built a $650 million retail empire, Kristina’s insights are both inspirational and practical. “If there’s one thing I want you to remember from today, it’s to dream so big, even if you have no idea how to make it happen,” she urged.

In this engaging 30-minute session, Kristina shared her personal experiences, offered practical advice on goal-setting, and encouraged participants to break through their mental barriers. Here’s a closer look at some of the key takeaways from the workshop.

The Power of Writing Down Your Dreams

Kristina’s journey started with a simple act—writing down her dreams. She shared how a late-night conversation with her partner sparked the idea of mapping out what truly mattered to her. “I was lost, frustrated, and unsure of what to do next. My partner suggested I write down what I wanted out of life, and that’s how it all began,” she recalled. From wanting to drive to a job she loved to starting her own business, these dreams, once on paper, became the foundation of her future success.

“The moment you write down your dreams, you take the first step in turning them into reality,” she emphasised. Kristina’s Kikki K journey began from this simple exercise, transforming her abstract desires into a global brand. Her advice? Start by jotting down three dreams, no matter how unattainable they may seem.

Reflecting on Success and Challenges

A critical part of the session was reflection—both on what has gone well and what hasn’t. “Reflecting on your successes helps you understand what you’re capable of, while acknowledging challenges gives you the clarity to move forward,” said Kristina. She urged participants to write down the things that went well for them in 2024, whether in personal, business, or community-related aspects. Equally important was noting the setbacks. From missed opportunities to unexpected challenges like health issues or business downturns, Kristina believes reflection allows people to face reality while moving toward solutions.

Dream Big: Even When You Don’t Have the “How”

One of Kristina’s key messages was not to get bogged down by the details of “how” to achieve your dreams, especially when they seem too big or far-fetched. “Dream big, even if you don’t know how to make it happen,” she encouraged. Kristina used her own example of starting a podcast, a platform she once found intimidating. “I was terrified of starting a podcast. I had no idea how it would work, but I wrote it down as a dream, and today, I’ve done over 300 episodes.”

She further explained how breaking dreams into manageable goals—while staying open to opportunities and challenges—helps turn the impossible into the achievable. “The ‘how’ will often reveal itself once you commit to the dream,” she explained.

Turning Dreams into Actionable Steps

While dreaming big is essential, Kristina emphasised that action is what ultimately drives success. She shared a practical framework for turning dreams into goals, using the following questions as prompts:

1. What would you do if you couldn’t fail?
2. What would you do if you had all the time and money in the world?
3. What would you do if you had all the skills and knowledge you needed?
4. What would you do if you had the courage and self-belief?

The idea is to remove mental roadblocks and envision a life without constraints. From there, participants could identify their key challenges and create a roadmap for overcoming them. “Sometimes the hardest part is simply starting,” Kristina said. She advised participants to start small—writing down just one or two actionable steps they can take within the next 24 hours to begin the journey.

The Role of Habits in Achieving Dreams

Dreams alone are not enough to create lasting change; habits are the critical link between intention and action. Kristina introduced her “100 Days Habit Challenge” to help participants focus on just one transformative habit for the remainder of 2024. Whether it’s waking up an hour earlier or reducing screen time, these small changes, when consistently applied, lead to monumental progress. “If you can change one habit that has a ripple effect on your life, imagine what else you can achieve,” she encouraged.

Surround Yourself with the Right People

One of the often overlooked elements of achieving dreams is the company you keep. Kristina highlighted the importance of surrounding yourself with positive, like-minded individuals who challenge you to grow. “I want to be around big thinkers, dreamers, and entrepreneurs who push me to be better,” she said. The quality of your relationships, both personally and professionally, can significantly impact your mindset and motivation.

Final Takeaway: You Are the Only Thing Standing in Your Way

As the session came to a close, Kristina left participants with a powerful thought: “The only thing that will stop you from fulfilling your dreams is you.” While external factors like time, money, and skills may present challenges, the ultimate barrier to success is often internal. “You won’t regret what you did; you’ll regret what you didn’t do,” she said, urging everyone to take immediate action.

Kristina Karlsson’s “101 Dreams Workshop” provided a powerful reminder that our dreams are within reach if we’re willing to take action. Whether it’s writing down your top three dreams, reflecting on your successes and challenges, or starting a new habit, the tools for creating a life you love are right in front of you. 

With Kristina’s wisdom, inspiration, and practical advice, achieving your dream life is not just a possibility—it’s a reality waiting to happen. Be inspired by Kristina and Dream Life here.