Stop for a moment and dream. That's it, just close your eyes and imagine life the way you really want it to be. No stress, no problems, your needs met, relationships healthy... it's your dream. Now comes the hard part--why can't your dream become a reality? It's a simple question with a complicated answer.

Many people have the idea that work is something to be hated. You give 40 years of your life in service to a corporation that is looking for ways to get rid of you before your pension plan kicks in. It's a battle of wills that produces angry people who wear their hopelessness like a badge of honor.

It doesn't have to be that way. As I write this, I am sitting in my home office sipping on a cup of coffee. I work for "Me, Inc." and I love what I do! But I didn't just fall into this situation... getting here involved a process that I'd love to share with you.

1. You need to dream! Imagination fuels creativity and creativity fuels your determination. I'm not sure who said it, but it has become my mission statement--"Only those who see the invisible can do the impossible!" Your dream is that place where stress is minimized, creativity is maximized, and personal peace is realized. In reality, only the lazy among us dream of sitting around the house doing nothing. I work harder today than I ever did when I worked for a corporation. There is personal satisfaction in doing work that matters--and the work that really matters to you might be wrapped up in the dream you have yet to explore. So, dream a little!

2. You need some goals! Goals are component parts of a dream. Your goals might include obtaining more education, getting out of debt, raising your children to adulthood, etc. You might look at goals in terms of the obstacles that stand between you and your dream. If you want to change career paths, you might need some specialized training. Rather than focus on the negative--"I'm not qualified for that type of work"--choose to focus on the positive and use the goal as motivation to sustain your progress. What are the goals that contribute to the realization of your dream?

3. Stay on task! This is where it gets tough. Goals are made up of tasks; and tasks are those activities that can really get on your nerves! I remind my adult students of this fact when they lower their eyes from their dreams and goals and focus on the painful tasks of writing papers and going to class. When you see the task as an end, you rob yourself of the educational benefits of the task in light of your goals and dream. Some of your day-to-day tasks are painful, yet in the long run, they are valuable parts of your goals and, therefore, your dream. As you complete the tasks, keep things in perspective.

Now a word to the parents out there--you can't implant dreams in your children. Many parents live vicariously through their children and push them toward careers that are prestigious and financially promising. Those children, when they become adults, are responsible for the explosion in adult education programs because they are returning to school at age 40 to obtain the education they need to pursue their dreams! It means my classes at the university stay full. Yet students often express their regret over the years they wasted in pursuit of a borrowed dream.

The greatest gift you can give to someone you love is the freedom and encouragement to dream. But, before you can give it away, you first must master the art yourself. Dream big dreams and change the world--what could be more rewarding than that?

Dr. Terry Hadaway is an author, motivational speaker, university professor, and conference leader who is recognized as a leading authority on elearning, decision-making, and adult education. For more information, visit http://www.rapidfirelearning.com