So many creative people have wonderful dreams and a true desire to share their talent and their creations with the world. The problem is that the rigors of day to day life seem to sap the life from those dreams. So here is a reminder to help you actualize the life you have always wanted.

1. Acknowledge Your Dreams.

If you already know what they are then you can skip ahead to step 2. If not read on. Way too often, by the time we have families to raise, mortgages to pay, and other responsibilities, we have packed our dreams away. By slowly justifying their demise we may have buried them so deep that it will take real effort to bring them to the surface again. The good news is that our truest desires never disappear entirely, no matter how hard we try to make them. Acknowledge them, even if you can't remember exactly what they were. They will soon make themselves known.

2. Write Down Your Dreams.

I will never forget the first time someone asked me to do this most important step. "Sure," I thought. "I can do this in about 5 minutes." The truth was far different. I realized for the first time in my life, that I couldn't articulate my life's dreams and ambitions. And if I can't articulate them to you, I am not communicating them to the universe. Search your soul for your true dreams, not what you've settled for, and then write them down in exquisite detail.

3. Take Your First Step.

All accomplishments in life happen when you take the first step. It's a declaration of intent and contains tremendous power in its doing. It doesn’t have to be a big one, but it must get you moving. Small steps immerse you in your dreams; then like magic, one day you realize that you have arrived.

4. Don't Resist That Which Keeps You From Your Dreams.

What we resist persists. Don't complain about your present circumstance. Simply practice changing your focus. At first it may only be seconds and then minutes a day. Begin to look at what and who you want to be rather than what or who you are. Don't deny your reality, just affirm your desired results. For many, this will take much practice. Think of how long it took for you to gain your greatest skill, whatever that might be. Then imagine that learning to keep focused on your desires, rather than conflicting circumstances will also take some effort.

Here's a handy tool to use which one of my mentors refers to as a "flip switch." Whenever you are feeling down, use that to signal yourself to throw up a caution flag. Then ask yourself, "What am I thinking about." Most often when you are not feeling good you will find your thoughts are directed on something you don't want rather than on what you desire. The second you make that realization consciously flip your thought switch to that which you do desire. Keep your attention manually focused on what you desire for as many seconds as you can. Smile, then relax. Over time this will not be a manual operation and will serve you well in getting where you want to go.

5. Find People Who Will Support You.

A movie music agent once said to me, "Make a list of all the people in your life who don't support you... (a long pause) and stop calling them." Another, local radio personality and success coach says it this way, "You are the sum total of the 5 people you spend the most time with." Do you need to uplevel? Only you can decide that, but one important question you need to ask and answer for yourself: Who you hangin' out with? Are they people who love you and cheer you on as you move toward your dreams? If they are, make sure you tell them how much you love and appreciate their support. No one can do this all alone.

6. Applaud Your Successes.

Reward yourself as you progress! A huge part of living your dreams is enjoying the journey. Every accomplishment, coupled with your reward, is a reminder that serves to keep your focus on your ultimate desired outcome; a critical piece that is truly the ultimate insurance of your success.

7. Be a Student of Success

We all have doubts and fears that creep in, regardless of how well we have trained ourselves to be certain of and stay focused on our success. Even when we surround ourselves with positive and supportive people, criticism will get through and we will hear it. And even though we are doing all the right things we will occasionally stumble. Let those who have gone before you light your way with their words of wisdom and advice. Study the masters and never stop being a student of success. Even when fear and doubt do creep in live your dreams anyway! There are never any guarantees in life, but the rewards are plentiful if you believe in yourself. One thing for sure: No one is going to live your dreams for you. It's up to you to create your own life. Why not make it the one you dream of?