A New Conversation About Dreams - The Power of Intention

It's time to change the way we think and speak about our dreams. Transforming a conversation, just like manifesting a dream, begins by setting an intention. Your intentions will assist you in taking greater control of your life.

A working definition for intention is: "to have in mind a purpose or plan, to direct the mind, to aim". Lacking intention, we sometimes stray without meaning or direction. But with it, all the forces of the universe can align to make even the most impossible, possible. My intention is to transform the conversation around dreams from fear and doubt, to hope and possibility, followed by action and results.

Some might say this is not the right time to dream. The media and masses say, "It's time to be realistic." Consider this. Without our dreams all we have is our present reality. Reality is not a bad thing. We have to know where we are so we can design the appropriate strategy for getting to where we want to be. The challenge is our attitude around "reality" and being "realistic" and what being realistic has cost us. Often that's our passion and joy, our hopes and dreams.

Given the unknowns and sometimes craziness of life, there's never been a more important time to dream and setting your intention is the first step. When should you set an intention? You could set an intention every day. Your intention could be to work less and make more, or to find a new career that you are passionate about. It could be to get healthy and physically fit, or to spend more quality time with loved ones or alone. It can be specific and about something in particular or more like a quality, such as to be more relaxed or involved with life.

At seventy, Bessie set an intention to become a world famous photographer. Although many thought she was too old, she didn't. She entered a photo contest where she won the first prize of $10,000. Her prize-winning photo toured around the world with a Kodak exhibit. She told me, "We're never too old to make a dream come true."

People set intentions on all kinds of dreams; to get married or have children, to get a job or make a career change, to write a book, lose weight, or move to a foreign country. When you set an intention and then act on it to demonstrate your commitment, amazing things occur. Intention can also give us fortitude for dealing with tough times.

I am currently rebuilding my home. I simply wanted to add on a new bathroom, but with all the surprises an old (and charming) house can offer, every turn has been a shock, sometimes even a nightmare. It looks like the entire building may need to be rebuilt. My intention is to live through this process with dignity and grace. I am tested daily. It's often not easy, but this intention has helped me maintain composure, sanity, and on a good day, a sense of humor. Intention can be used for community or social issues, global events or (literally) in your own backyard.

For example:

? Before you get out of bed, you can intend to have a fun or productive day.

? Before you leave the house, you can intend to have quality time with your family or roommate.

? Before you start your car, you can intend to have a safe ride to work.

? Before you enter your workplace, you can intend to learn something new or be helpful.

? Before the meeting begins, you can intend to be brilliant or calm.

First Steps:

1. Get clear about something you want and write it down.

2. Share your intention with someone in a way that will supportively hold you accountable to taking action.

3. Do something today to demonstrate your commitment to your intention.

4. Acknowledge that you did what you said you would and then, take the next step.

By setting an intention, you make it clear to yourself and others, just what you plan to do. Set an intention to redefine what it means to be serious about your dreams.

Marcia Wieder is a best-selling author and speaker who is known as America's Dream Coach®. She's known for giving inspiring and moving talks to AT&T, The Gap and American Express. She appeared several times on Oprah and The Today Show. She's also a syndicated columnist for The San Francisco Chronicle. For more information, to receive a free audio e-book, "Jump Start Your Dream", or to join her community of Dreamers, visit http://www.dreamcoach.com. Come Experience a Powerful Weekend Designed to Help You Exceed Your Expectations & Achieve Your Dreams, visit http://www.dreamcoach.com/dream_weekend.htm to register for the event.

---

When Life Takes A Detour ? 4 Signposts That Will Guide You Back On Track

It happens a lot 'round about now. One by one... Read More

How To Create Your Very Own DREAMWALL!

A great way of attuning yourself daily to what your... Read More

Goal Setting and Goal Getting: The BD3 Approach

Most people have no problem setting goals. At the same... Read More

5 Steps to Make the Rest of 2005 Extraordinary

So here we are in July. Where did the first... Read More

Is that W-A-L-R-U-S?

A few years back, I went to London, England. I... Read More

Goals - If You Don?t Know What You Want, Then How Are You Going to Get It?

Recently, I spoke with a client who wanted me to... Read More

How to Improve Your Life Every Day

Growing Towards ExcellenceWould you like to become a better person?... Read More

Put Wings On Your Dreams

We Need DreamsDreams are important. Not the dreams you have... Read More

Why You Must Stop Setting Goals

My goal in life is to have no goals. They... Read More

Achieve Your Goals And Dreams By Using Excel Spreadsheets

Do you think your life is passing you by and... Read More

Goalsetting: Must We?

All goals take time to accomplish. But most people are... Read More

What is The Right Action That Leads To Your Ultimate Goals?

What is the right thing I need to do to... Read More

Is There An Anxiety Solution For Those Who Fail To Keep Their Resolutions?

In a nutshell... YES!I've given a lot of thought recently... Read More

Great Things Materialize Once We Start to Visualize

Watching the Olympics last week really amazed me. The feats... Read More

Goals ? The Forgotten Success Element

Goals are extremely important and are the key to any... Read More

Do Your Goals Match Your Passions?

Making sure our goals are properly aligned with our passions... Read More

Manage Your Expectations ... And Raise The Bar On Your Quality Of Life!

When I was a newbie in 'the game of life,'... Read More

The Importance Of Having A Goal In Life

At the age of twenty two, I read a book... Read More

Keep Your Attention On What You Want

Have you ever wondered: "How does this 'Law of Attraction'... Read More

Make Your Dreams Reachable

All too often, we may be envisioning a level of... Read More

Money, a Session With Joseth on Abundance and Money (Channelled)

(Channelled) (This communication with Joseth happened more than a year... Read More

Productive Goal Setting

There's been a lot written about goal setting and there... Read More

Is it Focus or Tunnel Vision?

To achieve success you must narrow your vision on your... Read More

Why, When You Set Goals, Do You Fail to Reach Them?

Why is it when you set goals for yourself most... Read More

Mind Over Matter -- The Power of Thoughts

One of the greatest challenges in life is understanding just... Read More

Clarity and Self Improvement ? Why We Must Know What We Want

One of the biggest reasons that many people have trouble... Read More

Planning for Success

The purpose of having an analytical brain is to use... Read More

Obtaining Your Desires

For one to achieve their goals or obtain their desires,... Read More

One Stroke at a Time

"One stroke at a time." In an interview, Tiger Woods... Read More

If You Dont Know Where Youre Going, Any Road Will Get You There

What do you want to achieve?Before you actually set up,... Read More

The 12 Commandments of Goal Setting

Many professionals have a basic idea of what they want... Read More

19 Ultimate Success Tips for your Online Business

1. Your first ultimate start must include written goals and... Read More

Goal Setting or How Being SMART Isnt Always the Right Objective

Over the years much has been written on the subject... Read More