I met Lisa for the first time nearly two years ago at a networking event.  She said she ran a small graphic design business but was looking into becoming a personal trainer. I offered to introduce her to a friend who was a personal trainer.  She said she would let me know.

Six months ago, our paths crossed again at a community event.  When we were asked to share what we did for a living, Lisa told the group she ran a small graphic design business and was checking into becoming a personal trainer.

A week ago we were seated together at a luncheon.  A table mate asked Lisa what she did, and Lisa replied that she ran a small graphic design business that kept getting smaller and is thinking about working as a personal trainer.

Is your story similar to Lisa’s — thinking yet not doing?

Vision without action is a dream. Action without vision is simply passing the time. Action with vision is making a positive difference.” ~Joel Barker

Without dreams our lives lose luster. Yet without action, dreams always remain dreams.

If you see a little bit of Lisa in your situation:

• Have a chat with yourself:  is this something I still want to do, or has talking about it become a habit?
• If you’re still passionate about your dream, do something proactive today.  Schedule an informational interview.  Request a brochure.  Make a phone call or send an email. Sign up for a class.   Buy a book on the topic.  The super important thing is to do something now. Take that intangible dream and start making it real with action and outcomes you can see, touch, hear.
• Get an accountability buddy. Share your dreams and what you’ll do to make the dream come alive.  Make a pact to talk about concrete action you’ve both taken.  Give each other the “danger zone signal” if/when you slip back into talking about what you plan to do instead of doing.

What one thing did you do today to move your dream closer to reality?