The Great American Dream Challenge


Pull Quote: "the secret to living a "dream come true" life is to believe in your dream simply because it matters to you."

Making Your Dreams Come True

Years ago, people came to America in pursuit of their dreams-work hard, stay focused and you can achieve the American Dream. For many who have attained the basic American Dream-basic freedom, own a home, own a car, have a family, finding a dream that takes us to the next level of achievement can become a fragmented experience. We want this. We want that. We want everything. And ever since September 11th, we want to feel safer and more connected to family, friends and community.

There's never been a more important time to set forth to achieve your dreams. Without dreams and vision, companies and countries fail, and without our personal dreams, hopes and aspirations, life can become meaningless. For this reason, I propose "The Great Dream Challenge" and I encourage you to take advantage of this support system to achieve your dreams.

The Challenge

If we define a dream as something that you want, that has heart and meaning for you and that you believe in, than what are your dreams? Even if you tend to be overly realistic, you still have dreams or things that you want for yourself and others.

Whether you have a dream or are in need of a new one, whether your dream is for yourself, your community or the world, this is your chance to act, to get help in making it happen and to support others in doing the same. The Challenge here is simple, yet powerful. Pick a dream, at least one, small or large, personal or professional that matters to you and make the commitment to achieve it (or a portion of it) by a certain date.

Here's how The Dream Challenge works:

- Identify a dream that you are passionate about-something that matters to you.
- Put it in writing, tell others about it who will support you and is committed to helping you overcome obstacles and achieve results.
- Join an organization or online community that will help you get closer to your dreams through volunteering, helping you to build skills, or providing support.
- Learn to make specific requests that will help you achieve your dreams and then share those resources with others.
- Create a broad "Dream Circle" for support and accountability.
- Take serious action.

Many of us think, "I'll believe in my dream when I see that it's a sure thing or at least when there's proof that it's likely to happen." But the secret to living a "dream come true" life is to believe in your dream simply because it matters to you. In other words, looking for certainty out in the world is not the place to begin. The place to look is in your own heart. Choose to believe in your dream. Then take action to demonstrate - to yourself and others - you really do believe.

My Dream Circle

During tough times or those days when there is no evidence that your dream is possible, much less a good idea, it's essential to have a place to turn for encouragement. It is important to have a support group around you who are also working to achieve their dreams. When we see dreams can come true, we are willing to dream bigger dreams. That is why I encourage you to create a Dream Circle of friends and accountability partners who are committed to be there to spur you on.

The reality is we all have good and bad days. Personally, there are days that I get distracted and forget my dreams. And then there are the days when the doubters and dream killers - internally and externally - become so overwhelming I want to give up. That's when I turn to My Dream Circle who help me remember and reclaim my belief in myself and in my dreams.

This support system has assisted me through many hard times and the great thing is that it is reciprocal. I can to do the same for them daily. My Dream Circle provides support through ongoing encouragement, coaching, inspiration and, most importantly, accountability for taking risks. We are finding new dreams, partners, investors, volunteers, answers, creative ideas, mentors, friends and fellow dreamers. But beyond networking, educating, challenging and celebrating, we are a community with a shared commitment that is profoundly impacting our lives.

Your Invitation to Dream

If we bring our intentions, offer support and resources to aid each other, what could happen? During a time when many have lost hope, are afraid of dreaming or taking risks, this is the essential time for us to be bold. What would you do if you believed in yourself? What might you change if you believed in your dreams? And how would you alter your life if you knew people would stand by and help you to achieve your heart's desire?

Dreams are precious and essential and can change your family, community and the world. Your dreams can make you a better and more passionate human being. If no dream is too big or too small, the real question becomes, simply: What matters to you and what are you willing to do about it?

The Great Dream Challenge is to believe in yourself, create a Dream Circle of support, take action and risk and to encourage others to achieve their dreams along the way. I challenge you to do what you need to do now to achieve your dreams and make them happen. The only thing you have to lose by not doing taking the challenge is your dream.

Marcia Wieder, America's Dream Coach, is a best-selling author and speaker known for giving inspiring and moving talks to AT&T, The Gap and American Express. She appeared several times on Oprah and The Today Show. She's also writes for The San Francisco Chronicle. To receive Marcia's free e-book filled with simple steps you can take to act on any dream. Send a request to: info@dreamcoach.com. To experience a Powerful Weekend Designed to Help You Exceed Your Expectations & Achieve Your Dreams, visit http://www.dreamcoach.com





Latest News:



Site: Yahoo! News Search Results for news
Myanmar's Suu Kyi to get family letters, news mags (Reuters via Yahoo! News)
Detained Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi has managed to wring small concessions from the ruling generals in the form of letters from her family and some international news magazines, her lawyer said on Friday. JCDecaux in talks for News Outdoor Group in Russia (AP via Yahoo! News)
French outdoor advertising firm JCDecaux SA said Thursday it is negotiating to buy Russian rival News Outdoor Group from global media company News Corp. News Corp tightens grip on Premiere with new CEO (Reuters via Yahoo! News)
Rupert Murdoch tightened his grip on German pay-TV broadcaster Premiere by appointing News Corp executive Mark Williams as CEO in a move to get the company back on track. SEC Looks Into UAL Stock Scare; Implications For Online News? (CBS News)
A ton of digits have been devoted to this in other spots but the SEC's decision to investigate takes it to another level. The backstory: a six-year-old news story about UAL declaring bankruptcy made it into the Tribune-owned Sun-Sentinel 's current news flow, was picked up by a Google (NSDQ: GOOG) News bot and, via a reporter for a newsletter, made it onto Bloomberg News. After a lot of buck ... JCDecaux and News Corp. in talks to combine outdoor ad groups (International Herald Tribune)
The News Corp. chief executive, Rupert Murdoch, has recently expressed nervousness about investments in Russia, where News Outdoor generated the bulk of its revenue last year. SEC Looks Into UAL Stock Scare; Implications For Online News? (paidContent.org via Yahoo! Finance)
A ton of digits have been devoted to this in other spots but the SEC's decision to investigate takes it to another level. The backstory: a six-year-old news story about UAL declaring bankruptcy made it into the Tribune-owned Sun-Sentinel's current news flow, was picked up by a Google News bot and, via a reporter for a newsletter, made it onto Bloomberg News. JCDecaux in talks to buy News Corp. billboard unit (AP via Yahoo! Finance)
In a deal that would create the world's largest outdoor advertising company, French conglomerate JCDecaux SA said Thursday that it is in talks to buy Russian rival News Outdoor Group from global media company News Corp. Phila. mayor to announce grim budget news (The Philadelphia Inquirer)
The Nutter administration is expected to announce grim budget news today, which is all but certain to lead to significant spending cuts - perhaps as high as 10 percent - in some city departments, according to three sources familiar with the budget. News Corp says Mark Williams interim Premiere CEO (Reuters via Yahoo! News)
News Corp. executive Mark Williams has taken over as chief executive of German pay-TV broadcaster Premiere in an interim capacity, News Corp. said after the move led to renewed takeover speculation. News Corp. says Mark Williams interim Premiere CEO (Reuters via Yahoo! News)
Mark Williams, a News Corp. executive named late on Wednesday as chief executive of German pay-TV broadcaster Premiere, has taken over in an interim capacity, a News Corp. spokeswoman said on Thursday.

Site: news - Google News
New Voices in Congress Will Change the Tone of the Democratic Majority - New York Times

USA Today

New Voices in Congress Will Change the Tone of the Democratic Majority
New York Times, United States - 15 hours ago
The latest on the presidential transition and other political news from Washington and around the nation. Join the discussion. ...
Video: Burris Reflects on His Trip to Washington AssociatedPress
New Senate takes shape - with 2 missing pieces Boston Globe
Power, pop, and probings from ABC News Senior White House ... ABC News
The Associated Press - USA Today
all 9,842 news articles
Amid Gaza violence, a new task for Obama - USA Today

ABC News

Amid Gaza violence, a new task for Obama
USA Today - 1 hour ago
Instead, the new spate of violence "will empower every anti-Israel, anti-US and extremist movement in the Middle East and the Islamic world," says Anthony ...
Video: Gaza families mourn dead after UN school bombed - 07 Jan 09 AlJazeeraEnglish
Israel Mulls New Gaza Cease-Fire Proposal CBS News
News Analysis: How far to Gaza ceasefire? Xinhua
The Associated Press - Xinhua
all 28,547 news articles
We'll wait for Barcelona for Zune/Mobile news - CNET News

Sydney Morning Herald

We'll wait for Barcelona for Zune/Mobile news
CNET News, CA - 3 hours ago
No Zune news at all, in fact. And not much on the mobile front either. I guess we'll have to wait for the GSMA Mobile World Congress in February. ...
CES: Microsoft announces new search deals with Dell, Verizon Seattle Post Intelligencer
Windows Live Essentials released, more Windows Live news from CES LiveSide
Microsoft's Ballmer touts new Windows, search deal MarketWatch
CNNMoney.com - CNBC
all 609 news articles
Phil Schiller bringing the news at Macworld - San Francisco Chronicle

Telegraph.co.uk

Phil Schiller bringing the news at Macworld
San Francisco Chronicle,  USA - 7 hours ago
We get going at 9 am and we'll be delivering the news as it happens. 8:53 am Just a few minutes away. Listened to some Killers music on the way in. ...
Video: Steve Jobs Weight Loss Due to Hormone Imbalance AssociatedPress
O'Brien: Apple's final appearance at Macworld signals new era San Jose Mercury News
Apple disappoints: No Jobs or big news at Macworld Reuters
PC World - New Zealand Herald
all 2,848 news articles
New Sony Hard-Drive HD Camcorders - PC World

PC World

New Sony Hard-Drive HD Camcorders
PC World - 6 hours ago
The SR line will live on, however, with three new standard-definition units. Pictured above is the Sony Handycam HDR-XR520V ($1500, available in March). ...
Sony Announces Four New High-Definition and Three Standard ... CameraTown.Com (press release)
New Sony Camcorders Do GPS, Too PC World
Sony Unleashes 60X-Optical-Zoom Camcorders PC World
PC World
all 43 news articles
Madoff, SocGen, Sun Pharma, Axel Springer, Apple in Court News - Bloomberg

Madoff, SocGen, Sun Pharma, Axel Springer, Apple in Court News
Bloomberg - 1 hour ago
Madoff, 08-mag-2735, US District Court, Southern District of New York (Manhattan). Jerome Kerviel, blamed by Societe Generale SA for its record trading loss ...
Samberg?s Pequot Said to Face New SEC Insider-Trading Inquiry - Bloomberg

Samberg?s Pequot Said to Face New SEC Insider-Trading Inquiry
Bloomberg - 1 hour ago
8 (Bloomberg) -- The US Securities and Exchange Commission opened a new investigation into whether Pequot Capital Management Inc., the hedge fund run by ...
Hedge fund Pequot faces new SEC probe - Bloomberg Reuters
all 10 news articles
Sony Ericsson's new W508 Walkman phone - CNET News

CNET News

Sony Ericsson's new W508 Walkman phone
CNET News, CA - 6 hours ago
Sony Ericsson expanded its Walkman phone line at CES with the announcement of its new W508 music phone. Sporting a flip phone design that reminds us of the ...
Challenges for the New Chief Performance Officer - Washington Post

New York Times

Challenges for the New Chief Performance Officer
Washington Post, United States - 12 hours ago
When Bernie Madoff's $50 billion Ponzi scheme hits the news, we realize the Securities and Exchange Commisssion needs to step up its enforcement. ...
Breaking News: Obama names first CPO FCW.com
Will new 'CPO' truly cut massive waste? Troy Messenger
Live-blogging Obama's news conference Minnesota Public Radio
FCW.com - Washington Post
all 402 news articles
New York Gov. David Paterson And Caroline Kennedy's Slowing Race ... - CBS News

Calgary Herald

New York Gov. David Paterson And Caroline Kennedy's Slowing Race ...
CBS News, NY - 7 hours ago
By Bonnie Erbe I have written previously in this space in support of Caroline Kennedy's bid to replace Hillary Clinton as New York's junior United States ...
NY-Sen: Did Caroline Campaign Too Much? Washington Post
Cuomo Aide Is Said to Try to Slow Kennedy Bid New York Times
Kennedy Falls Behind Cuomo In New Poll Western Queens Gazette
CBS News
all 252 news articles

MORE RESOURCES:
Site: Yahoo! News Search Results for goal setting
GIRLS? SOCCER: Giants? goal? School record 15 (Marion Chronicle-Tribune)

ANDERSON ? Marion won its first girls? soccer match Wednes-day in record-setting style. The Giants set a single-game scoring record and completely dominated host Anderson Highland, 15-0. Tamara Barrett, Jackie Roorbach and Alex Lester each had three-goal hat tricks for the Giants. Soft-spoken Syd'Quan not shy in setting big goals for Cal and himself at cornerback (Contra Costa Times)

Thompson is tied for the NCAA lead in interceptions with three after two games, and three picks is his goal for each game, including Saturday at Maryland. A's setting sights on second place (Oakland A's)

A's setting sights on second place Archdiocese sets fundraising record (St. Louis Post-Dispatch)

The St. Louis Archdiocese said local Catholics contributed more than $13 million to its annual fundraising effort, surpassing its goal by more than $1 million and setting a record for the 59-year-old campaign. United Way sets goal at $935,000 (Great Falls Tribune)

United Way of Cascade County kicked off its annual fundraising drive Tuesday, setting a goal of $935,000. United Way launches campaign for $2.2 million (The Hendersonville Times-News)

The United Way of Henderson County volunteers, staff and community officials kicked off the 2008 fund raising campaign at 7:30 a.m. today at the Historic Courthouse, setting a goal of $2.2 million to meet needs of the community in health care, social services and other areas. RI residents oppose mass housing (Quad-City Times)

Rock Island?s Housing Authority, or RIHA, wrapped up hours of goal setting for its next fiscal year Thursday night. But controversy is building about one of the agency?s proposals. Sallie Mae to turn on $10B private tap (Baltimore Business Journal)

Sallie Mae is rushing into a market many are deserting by setting a goal of making $10 billion worth of student loans that are not backed by the federal government. (SLM) On the agenda (The Fort Collins Coloradoan)

September Symposium 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Friday, Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia St. Attend these free sessions on a wide variety of topics ranging from avoiding burnout, performance appraisals, conflict resolution, small business leadership, goal setting, marketing and more. Reservations are required. For more information, visit www.larimerworkforce.org Going for the goal (Bangkok Post - Thailand's English news)

Goals are one of the most important elements of success at any level and in any field. Having clear goals helps us know exactly what we want to accomplish in what time frame. Goals can also inspire us and get us excited and motivated. Site: goal setting - Google News
A strategic plan for goal setting - Santa Rosa Press Democrat

A strategic plan for goal setting
Santa Rosa Press Democrat, CA - 10 hours ago
The council has done goal setting, but it seems that there are usually goals focusing on pet projects or pet issues of individuals, but there never has been ...
Goal-setting programs make for more active co-workers - DailyIndia.com

Goal-setting programs make for more active co-workers
DailyIndia.com, FL - 20 hours ago
"They had individual goal setting - a common technique - but they also had group and organizational goal setting, which provided the peer encouragement that ...
Wellness programs benefit from management support Business Insurance
all 4 news articles
Frugal Duchess: Goal-setting - Bellingham Herald

Frugal Duchess: Goal-setting
Bellingham Herald, WA - Jan 6, 2009
Goal setting is an annual exercise as we try to whip our home and other fiscal assets into better shape. And so we crunch numbers and try to tone up our ...
Hall gets uniform Lions' Hanson wore setting mark - Chicago Tribune

Hall gets uniform Lions' Hanson wore setting mark
Chicago Tribune, United States - 6 hours ago
Hanson kicked a 51-yard field goal Dec. 15 in the first quarter of the Lions' 31-21 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. It was his 41st career field goal of 50 ...
Employer-Sponsored Workouts Boost Workers' Health - Washington Post

Employer-Sponsored Workouts Boost Workers' Health
Washington Post, United States - Jan 6, 2009
Key to the program's success may have been the use of group and organizational goal-setting along with individual goals, because they provide vital peer ...
The Goal: A Farm At the White House - Washington Post

The Goal: A Farm At the White House
Washington Post, United States - 13 hours ago
Before setting off on their journey the pair contacted Waters, who blessed the venture. They set up a platform bed in the back of the bus, ...
Missoula officials offer New Year's goal setting tips - KPAX-TV

Missoula officials offer New Year's goal setting tips
KPAX-TV, MT - Jan 2, 2009
Missoula City-County Health officials say the new year is a great time to re-commit to new health goals. Here are some goals they recommend striving for ...
Setting effective financial goals for 2009 - The Punch

Setting effective financial goals for 2009
The Punch, Nigeria - Jan 3, 2009
For instance, Dr. Ron Dontroy, a leading human resource expert and author, The Art of Future Management, likens goal setting to a compass that provides the ...
Eric L. Wesson - Kansas City Call

UKMedix Health News

Eric L. Wesson
Kansas City Call, MO - Jan 6, 2009
Goal setting are reaching those goals is going to be a second language at THE CALL. CALL publisher Ms. Donna Stewart says that her New Year?s goal is ...
Be truthful in setting your New Year?s resolutions Bradenton Herald
Don?t waste time on resolutions; set goals instead The Tribune-Democrat
Hang in there: Tips to help keep your New Year?s Resolutions The Rensselaer Republican
Ludington Daily News - Evening Sun (subscription)
all 71 news articles
Tips on Achieving your Goals in 2009 - Cayman Net News

Cayman Net News

Tips on Achieving your Goals in 2009
Cayman Net News, Cayman Islands - 2 hours ago
As you begin to flesh out the plans of your goal setting and time management, there is another important aspect of the process you should not ignore. ...
Home | Site Map | Resource Links