How big is big enough?  Tavis Smiley, one of our 42 contributors, explains it best, “If people don't laugh at you when you share your dreams, then you're not dreaming big enough.”

If your Dream is big, the next step is to make sure it is your dream and yours alone.  Our dreams are influenced by others—our parents, siblings, grandparents, teachers, employers—and that is fine. While others may influence your dreams, only you can create them. After all, only you know what really makes you excited and ready to work hard.

Your big dream will be in an area of your life where you have talent and interest. Talent is an important element because it is unique to you and provides you with the ability to perform better than others in the same area. A genuine interest is important too because it allows you to be passionate about your dream rather than trying to make yourself work toward a goal that doesn't interest you. Very few of us have the discipline to become masters in an area we dislike. Choose a dream that fits your passion.

If you have a big dream that is yours – it is time to begin making it a reality by setting a deadline.  When obstacles occur, view them as challenges rather than frustrations and roadblocks.

A few years ago, one of my Big Dreams was to become a columnist.  With an MBA in finance, and a background in corporate finance and planning, it might appear to be an unusual dream.  But, as an avid reader and lover of words and their impact and meaning, this dream fits my interest and passions.  I wrote my first column in November of 2004.  Ongoing practice, writing and rewriting, getting up early and working late and putting in the time and effort, have moved me closer to this big dream.

After identifying your big dream and turning it into measurable goals with deadlines, put these goals in a place where you will see them daily. This will remind you of where you are headed and allow your subconscious to continually work on ways to help you achieve your goal.