I think we all have an idea (or two,) a dream or deep desire that has been relegated to the back burner for a while. Perhaps it was not the right time, or the money was not there to be invested; there were many other priorities at the time which made following that dream impossible.

Today, I’d like you to sit back and bring that desire back. I find that when I am going after something I really want, I feel alive, I feel in charge of my destiny and I feel good about myself. I think that these dreams are true and honest representations of our human condition. We deserve a good quality of life and we deserve to enjoy the fruits of our hard work and labor. What I am saying to you today is that it is OK to have wants and it is OK to follow our dreams with actions that are going to lead us to seeing those dreams come to life.

I also think that one of the reasons we do not follow our dreams is because so many of us, are not performing to our fullest potential. Some reasons may include low self-esteem, being overwhelmed by stress and difficulties, inability to cope with challenges and lack of flexibility or unwillingness to manage change. Granted, sometimes we are faced with extremely difficult circumstances. There is no question that there are tests out there that will shake you to the core…yet, when you believe in yourself and when you are true to your values and what you want; then nothing can change the fact that you have the capability to overcome and bounce back.

There are many ways to start to manifest your true potential; but today I want to focus on these:

* Take time to reflect on what you want; what you really want. Knowing what you want is an imperative part of this journey. If you are only living today and do not have a true sense of direction, you will continue to see limited results.

* Visualize the path. Once you know where you want to be, what you want to become or achieve, you have to start visualizing and experiencing the benefits of your success. Imagine things are the way you want them; think about that dream as soon as you wake up in the morning and make that part of your bedtime routine. Keeping that dream alive in your mind will fuel you to continue on the path to seeing it come true.

* Be proactive. Think outside the box and absolutely always, think of ways that you can take your game to the next level. This is one of my big philosophies and surely, it is not for everyone but if you are reading this article is likely that you are not happy with the stage that you are currently at and you are searching for the next chapter of your tale. Take it to the next level…

Many of us know what it means to have to wait until something else happens in order to pursue our own goal. We know that when we have families or we are helping others, our own deep wishes often are dismissed and in fact, sometimes we even feel guilty that we want something for ourselves. Today the mission is simple; retake that dream…that wish or goal and come to terms with the fact that today is the first day of the rest of your life. If you don’t do it, will you regret it? So, set time aside today, do not wait another day to develop a plan to make your dream come true. Be Ok with it, celebrate it and go for it. Today is the day to follow your dream, don’t wait!

If you are stuck when it comes to articulating your dream, if you are not sure how to move on or what steps to take to take your game to the next level, Life Coaching might be for you.

© 2010 Maria Martinez

Maria Martinez is a Professional Life Coach; she works primarily with individuals seeking to identify areas in which they want to increase their level of awareness and take life to the next level. By providing support and accountability, individuals reach higher and greater goals; balance life at work and at home; and enjoy time doing things they most love. ‘Create the life you want; Start within.’

For more information about Maria Martinez and coaching services go to www.inneractivecoachingonline.com or via e-mail: inneractivecoaching@gmail.com