Build Your Dream

You can start to dream with a vision statement---a phrase or sentence that tells what you are about. Here's an example of a vision statement: "I live a life that will bring encouragement, optimism and hope to all I meet." Note that the statement is in the first person, present tense indicating that the future begins now.

As you consider your vision statement, be certain you're using your own measuring stick-not your mother's, or father's, or your wife's, or your husband's, or your friend's. What do you want out of life? What's important to you? What are you about?

Here are some questions to help define your vision statement. As you answer these questions you'll be able to understand what motivates you:

• What three activities are most important to you?
• What three activities give you the most enjoyment?
• What three things do you want written on your tombstone?
• What three things do you want to do for others?
• What three things would you change about your life?
• What three qualities would you most like to see associated with your reputation?

  Make a dream list here:

Now study everything you have written so far.  Sum up, in one or two sentences, a concise description of who you want to be. Write your vision statement in the first person, present tense.

I am a person who:

Formulating a vision statement and writing down those things you desire helps you focus on your plea­sures, your talents, and your bliss. Once you've expand­ed your vision, your expectations will direct you toward fulfilling your dreams.

It helps to put your dream statement on the refrig­erator. Read it regularly. Cut out pictures of the things you want to enjoy. Look at the pictures several times a day. See yourself becoming your dream and living the life you want to live.

Dream Big

Who snatched our aspiration to be in charge of our lives? Who hampered our desire to go as far and as high as our spirit and character could take us? The govern­ment? Corporate America? Our boss? Our friends? Our family? Television? Laziness? Procrastination? Disorganization? Low self-esteem?

Some may have forgotten how to dream-or never learned. Others may just watch visionaries build their dreams - and think it's impossible to have what they have. A few people walk around saying, "What's happening? Who's dreaming?"

We surrender our dreams for many reasons. Whatever the cause - social or psychological - a meager number of people know how to dream big. That's sad, because we limit our potential when we won't allow our­selves to dream. No matter who (or what) caused us to relinquish our dreams, we - each of us - have the ulti­mate responsibility for deciding to dream again. Our desire determines our destiny.

All of us would do well to open our minds to our dreams-and to expand our dreams. Why? Because the bountiful dreamers, and those who plan and organize their dreams, have a life of abun­dance.

They are fulfilled. Productive. Enthusiastic. Energetic dreamers look forward to each new day. Dream builders have all the money they want to help others. They contribute to society and savor the fruits of their labor. They have time to enjoy life. Time and money give them lifestyle-the freedom to take vacations when­ever they want, the opportunity to choose how to live their lives, the privilege to raise a family without restraint, and the capacity to develop their talents.

Prodigious dreamers have the greatest motivation to plan and organize their lives to fulfill their dreams. Message: Dream liberally! Dream lavishly! Dream luxu­riantly!

If you've lost your dream, resolve to change now. Expand your vision. Open your mind to unlimited possi­bilities. Learn to dream again. Success and fulfillment always begin with desire.