"What One Thing Would You Do If You Knew You Could Not Fail?"

It is never too late to follow your passions.

Here's what I know for sure: you already possess everything within you to make your "what if" a reality. I am 100 percent certain that life is not meant to be a struggle and that if you have a dream in your heart -- it wouldn't be there unless your were capable of achieving it. I feel so strongly about this, that I trademarked the term, "Focus On The Dream."

So the question isn't whether you can achieve your dreams -- rather, it becomes, what are you willing to focus on, in order to make them a reality?

Now, before you say, "I know where she's going with this; she's going to tell me I have to cut out everything that I enjoy doing and sell my first-born child, to make the necessary sacrifices to fulfill my dreams. No, no, no!

Okay, so now your thinking, "That's great, Karen; how do I go do what I'd really like to and still make money to support myself and my family?"

I'm glad you asked. The first key is to spend some alone-time with a journal or notepad and really get clear on what it is you do want. Here's a great little exercise I borrowed from my friend, Sandy Grason, best-selling author of "Journalution" and host of "The Road to Fabulous" on LA Talk Radio. I actually did this when I was coaching with Sandy; it was part of the process that helped get me crystal clear on what has now become my life's work and passion.

First, make sure you're clear of distractions and you're not feeling pressured or rushed. Start with a little daydreaming and then start writing (or drawing). What is your idea of a perfect day in your life? Start with the morning and describe your perfect day in exquisite detail, right until you drop into bed at night. Be sure to record your emotions, sights, smells, sounds -- are you alone or with certain people? When I did this exercise, I actually had to break it down into chunks because I was able to imagine and write in such detail, that it took some time to get through my perfect day.

Next, once you know what a day in your perfect life would look like, you need to put away your old paradigm of why you can't achieve it, and make a massive shift in your thinking. Ask and answer yourself truthfully -- "If others have achieved their dreams, why not me?" There is always a story behind the story, of people who have achieved their dream lifestyle. It almost always includes the same doubts, fears and challenges that you're worried about right now.

Were those people brighter, smarter or better-looking than you? Not likely. But what most successful people have in common is that they think creatively and then move quickly. They don't wait for the timing to be perfect, or their bank accounts to be large enough to weather the storms. They just jump right in, knowing that there will never be that perfect time. As Canadian singer, Michael Buble says, "I'll succeed and I'll fail, but at least I'l never have to say I settled."

I believe that the second biggest key to success in focusing on, and achieving your dreams, is to be in your own business. Don't misunderstand me, there are plenty of people who are working in their dream job, loving what they do. But the huge reality today, is that if you don't have 100 percent control over the decisions that affect your future, you are still vulnerable to the whim of those who do.

If you're currently in a job, look for ways to start your own business. While you feel secure in your job and it's paying the bills, that's the perfect time to start something on the side, with a definite plan of how and when you'll be able to leave your job and go full-time in your own venture. (There are also some great tax benefits to starting a business while you are still working.)

Lastly, it's very difficult for most people to make massive shifts in their life, without the help and support of others. Seek out a mastermind group, or a coach or even a "do it yourself" program that has some structure and will help you work through the process of finding your bliss. Don't look to friends and family, many of whom are probably not happy with their lives -- and all too often, are happy to tell you why you can't make the changes that you need to, to enjoy a blissful and abundant life. [Editor's note: Click here if you'd like Karen's FR*EE report to identifying and focusing on your passion.]

Will it be easy? No, not always. But will it be worth it? Read over your wonderful, vibrant, blissful perfect day -- and you tell me:>)

©2009 Karen Dodd International

Karen R. Dodd publishes the weekly e-zine 'In Focus: Success & Marketing Highlights' for solo-preneurs. If you are looking to jump-start your marketing, get true time leverage and have more fun in your business -- get your FREE tips now at www.KarenDodd.com