Dreaming is big business. It starts as an idea which turns into a constant and repetitive thought that then forms into a deep desire that either becomes a belief of "this can absolutely happen" or "there’s no way my dream will ever occur." Those two beliefs are equally as strong; the only difference between the two is you and which one you will choose to honor and buy into. Those who choose the mantra of "this dream can absolutely happen" are the ones who in fact end up experiencing their dreams while those who fall prey to negative thoughts do not.

Years ago I decided to approach achieving my dream of living in Spain as I would when establishing a business. I thought it best to create a business plan and follow the same steps to make my dream come alive as I would when writing an official plan for an actual business. Becoming more strategic and well-thought-out with my intentions helped take away a lot of the anxiety and nerves that often come with the risk of taking on such a super-sized dream. As I dove into fashioning my Dream Business Plan, I noticed I was far more focused and my dream felt very serious rather than that of an intangible fantasy. I then put my Dream Business Plan into action and in just 16 short months, my dream was achieved.

Already in just two and half months into this New Year, we’ve seen incredible dreams around the world coming true. From Egyptians ousting 30-year president Hosni Mobarak to Libya, Iran, Yemen, and Bahrain now “rocking the boat” in service of their dreams, I sit here in the Middle East witnessing that anything can actually be possible when one (or more than one!) truly puts their mind and soul into action and relentlessly persists.

While dreaming is big business, this doesn’t mean it isn’t possible. You’ve been calling out to me to share ways in which you can actually make your passions come into play and so now I challenge you to answer these daring questions: What is that one burning desire that has been eating at me for ages that I feel I would regret if I never accomplished? What is the one dream that would send my heart spinning if I allowed it to come to life? How would I feel if I knew I actually took the time to create a plan to help my dream have lift-off?

There’s no time like the present. No more delays. Today, I am going to stand by your side and walk you through your Dream Business Plan. No more excuses, justifying, or explaining away. No more sabotage, drama, and sitting in "stuck." Get out your paper and pen and let’s get started.

Dreaming big with you,

While Valentine's was last week, that doesn't mean we've got to stop the play! Love YOURSELF today: Take advantage of Laurie's Love Package and sign up for one month of personal coaching (for new clients only) at $200 off the normal price!

If you're interested in giving yourself a little love, getting your dreams off the ground, and actually realizing your New Year's resolution's this year, this is the chance for the change you've been seeking! Shoot Laurie an email at Laurie@ExtremeDreamTraining.com and put in the subject title, "Valentine's Special" and we'll get back to you to organize your lovely month of coaching at an unbeatable price.

Offer good until February 28^th!

1. Executive Summary. When writing a business plan they always begin with an Executive Summary. Summarize your strategy, your profit margins (what you will gain by living out your dream), your analysis and your history and background.
   
   
2. Company. View yourself and the dream as the company. Write out the history and background of you and this dream and all that entails. Who are you and what is this dream about?
   
   
3. Vision. All businesses have a vision, what’s yours? Aim high, think and feel big then write!
   
   
4. Mission. What’s your mission statement? Where do you want to go? What’s this all about? Tap into your essence and higher wisdom self and really get underneath the mission of your dream.
   
   
5. Objectives. What do you hope to achieve with your dream?
   
   
6. Strategic Plan. Map out a 3, 6, 9 and then 12-month strategy to get your dream lived out. Each month have milestones you’d like to hit and then summarize each quarter the progress you’ve made toward your personal goals. Businesses always review their “wins” and “losses” quarterly and you can do the same when it comes to Dream-Planning.
   
   
7. Financial Plan. Write up all the expected costs (financials) of attaining your dream. Perhaps you will need to quit your full-time job in order to travel the world; thus, you will need to factor in that loss of income and how much money you will need to save up for example. Get very clear on the financials of bringing this dream to life. Also, businesses have short-term, mid-term and long-term financial forecasting and it is best to do the same when it comes to your dream. For instance, I quit my full-time job to move to Spain and my Dream Business Plan Financials Section took into consideration the amount of money needed to be saved in order for me to live for one year (without seeking additional employment) once I returned to Spain plus the money needed to (the monthly dollar figure I was accustomed to when having a full-time job) operate my business full-time. I calculated all my outgoing expenses (mortgage, electric bills, etc.) and then came up with a figure that felt comfortable for me to save and live off for 365 days once I returned to the US from Spain.
   
   
8. Resources. All businesses need resources to pull from and rely on. Who are the folks you hope to use as a resource during this dream-planning time? What tools will you need and use to help you get this dream achieved?
   
   
9. Print and bind. I highly suggest treating this Dream Business Plan like an official document by typing it up, printing it out and going to your local printing press to bind it. This binding job should cost less than 10 USD. Once your Dream Business Plan is bound, this document will become your constant reference, template and guide and will show you the next steps when heading out to live your dream out in the world. When you forget the steps necessary to make your dream come to fruition, all you’ve got to do is look inside the coveted pages of your Dream Business Plan. Taking this document seriously will demonstrate back to you just how sacred and special this dream is.
   
   
10. Seek funding. Many entrepreneurs, once their business plan is all typed up and looking pretty, start to shop around their plan to potential investors. You may do the same! Let’s say you need some extra financial support, why not take your Dream Business Plan to a friend or family member, share it with them and see if they will supply you with the additional funds you may need to breathe life into your dream.