Before I go any further, let me clarify that I am a big fan of dreaming. Not so much the vague sort of dreaming that moves randomly from thought to image, but a more structured and defined dreaming; let's call it linear dreaming. Within the scope of linear dreaming, you begin with a desired outcome and allow yourself to dream on from there. Often this practice can lead to questions that help make your dream even more specific. For example, if I wish to consider a change in my life or business, I start off with a statement, such as "I want to change my life in way that allows me more flexibility and time to pursue other interests." What follows is a trail of thoughts and considerations; for example:
1. What are my interests?
2. Why are they important?
3. Why are they important now?
4. Who is impacted by my decision to change my work schedule?
5. What would I need to do to ensure this change will not negatively impact others?
6. Is there anything I need to know in order to move forward?
7. Are there any aspects that require further consideration or research in order to make my decision
8. When does this need to happen?

Once I have finished my contemplation, I have essentially created a plan. I know the why, the what, the who, and the when. It is conceived, considered and date activated. This concept of linear dreaming has great appeal in Financial Life Planning. It is the beginning phase of creating your preferred future.

Several weeks ago, I met with a husband and wife who were in various stages of retirement. He had retired several months ago and she was still working but thinking seriously about the next stage. Our conversation centered on their retirement vision; which we had been working on together for the last few weeks. Retirement is one of life's most significant transitions but it can sneak up on people. To help prepare clients for the transition ahead, I use a worksheet that includes some of these important questions:

1. How do you plan to change your lifestyle when you retire?
2. What will you miss about the job you have today?
3. What are your biggest fears about your retirement?
4. What are you most looking forward to about your retirement?
5. What are the top five to ten goals you would like to accomplish/experience in your lifetime?

The couple had spent quite a bit of time contemplating these questions, which essentially forced them to think about their current life and acknowledge the good things as wells as their fears around the next phase of life. Their answers painted a picture of a fully engaged life, intellectually, socially, physically and spiritually. They were able to translate their dreams onto paper, creating a framework for their preferred future.

Our conversation was meaningful and focused. Their list of goals became a beacon of the rich life ahead. And then I asked,"When do you expect to begin actively working on these goals? They are wonderful, meaningful and rich, but unless there's a when involved, it's just a dream." Their reaction was silence. For all the considerable thought that went into creating the answers to these important questions, there was no start date.

"For you to realize your dreams, you must take it beyond thought to action. In order for you to live your dreams, you must start," I said. "Consider if there are any factors which might be keeping you from that first step."

How about you? Do you know what your dreams are? Are you living them? If not, when do you plan to start? The concept of turning one's dreams into reality is not reserved for retirement, but applies to all life decisions; from going to college or graduate school to career changes to the desire to provide an education for your children. When does one begin saving for their child's college education? When does one look for a new or better job? The steps are the same; all that's needed is the process of linear dreaming and turning thought into action.

Years later, the slip of paper with that eloquent piece of wisdom still resides under the clear plastic desk mat in my office. It reminds me daily that I too must walk the line or suffer the consequences of inertia. So, pass the hot mustard and hold the MSG; I've got work to do and it's almost Thursday!