Shawn Maxam transforms the abstract art of dreaming into the tangible act of achievement.

Each man should frame life so that at some future hour fact and his dreaming meet.

-Victor Hugo.

How do we practically chase our dreams in a society where surviving the Great Recession and making money seems to be the only viable option?

Well dreams need not be ethereal. Deliberate practice and mastering one’s craft is essential in building the necessary foundation for resilience when confronted by self-doubt, momentary failures and other existential obstacles.

Dream building is a top-down approach to achieving your goals. You work backwards from your ultimate goal or achievement. In-depth case study of individuals who may mirror your own dreams. Teasing out how these mentors can offer guidance and advice.

An grandiose example would be the ascendancy of Barack Obama. There are not only the president’s own books but other pieces of literature and films that showcase the techniques Obama used to achieve his dream of being a change agent.

Acquiring material assets, participating in social justice, pursuing artistic endeavors, furthering educational desires are all big dreams that can be broken down into incremental steps. Once these steps are broken down into tangible goals a person can begin to to attempt to achieve their dreams.

Seems simple enough. Now I have to go and do it.