Ever daydream? Of course you have! Ever get yelled at for daydreaming? Your mind was off in the clouds someplace? Of course you have!

Unfortunately, your teachers and parents have historically thought (and told you) that daydreaming was bad. They were wrong.

People like Albert Einstein failed in school because they were daydreaming instead of paying attention. My daughter Rebecca was accused of daydreaming in the third grade. I met with the teacher and the principal of the school to answer the teacher’s “accusation” and “admonishment.” I asked, “Is Rebecca smart?” “Yes,” the teacher said.

I said, “Rebecca is responding to the fact that you (the teacher) are boring. If you had an ounce of how to present your material in a more compelling way, Rebecca would be at the head of the class. … Suffice it to say, Rebecca switched teachers to a more animated and original one. She LOVED the class. Got straight As, and continued to daydream. 

IMPORTANT NOTE: Daydreaming is a meal ticket for you. IF YOU DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT.

Daydream is the BEGINNING of a journey, an act, a goal, a fantasy. The most important part of daydreaming is to do it. And take note of it. Not just as whimsy, but as a possibility of what might be. What could be.

Daydreaming is not only good. It’s ESSENTIAL. It’s a tool. And it begins to bring thoughts to the surface. Daydreams are for:

Something you want (a vacation).

Something you want to change (a job).

Something you want to achieve (a new position).

Something you want improve (your ability to keep customers loyal).

Something you want to accomplish (1,000 Twitter followers).

Something you want to come true (someone recovering from a health issue).

Something you’re thinking about that you want an answer for (should I move?)

Sometimes daydreams are pipe dreams. Wishing for money is a classic pipe dream. Same with a new house or car. Productive daydreams are about how you will earn the money and what you’ll do that may lead to the achievement.

Here’s how the process can work for you, step-by-step:

Daydream. Pick a quiet place. Have pen and paper with you.

Think general, then specific thoughts. Begin generating thoughts,  any thoughts that “pop” into your mind at first. Then go to specific areas of wondering: family, job, career, future, health, achievement. 

Think: Is this what I really want?

Think: How can I make this happen?
Idea! Write down the thoughts that have become ideas or actionable intentions.

Think: How can I make this happen?

Make a written goal. State your intentions and desire.

Make a written plan. This is how I can make this dream a reality.

Action. Doing something is the only way  to achieve for yourself. “Action” is another word for “work.” You have to work hard for what you really want.

Daydream your way to reality. Picture yourself achieving your dream, and celebrating by carving out more daydream time.

To make your (day)dreams come true, all you need to do is employ the three critical words: Think. Write. Act.

And beware and be aware of the dream killers: Doubt. Whining. Excuses.

You can make your dreams a reality with the famous 1930 Watty Piper quote: “I think I can. I think I can.”