Pablo Picasso once said, "Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist, once we grow up?”

Just as you can mentally paint a picture of the life that you truly want; you can make your vision a reality.

You can directly apply Picasso's quote to the "art" of dreaming and goal setting. As children, we all dream of doing great things in the future. Ask a kid, "What do you really want out of life?" and he or she will likely give you a mountain of things, both big and small, that they want to do in the future.

So what happens to this bold and ambitious attitude when we grow up?

For some people, it slowly fades away.

Why does this happen? I think it all comes down to your ability to properly plan, practice, and prepare to make your dreams come true. You must be able to visualize the fulfillment of your goal or dream coming true, and then believe in the freedom that comes with it.

What is the difference between the individuals who visualize a dream and resiliently chase after it until they find success, and those who never seem to take action and choose to leave their dreams in dreamland? Where is the mental "gap?"

In order to accomplish your goals and dreams, you must first deconstruct the masterpiece that you have painted in your mind's eye, stroke by stroke, until it is broken down into a collection of smaller and "actionable" goals. You can then use each of these goals as "stepping stones" to success that will take you towards your goals and dreams.

You are the artist who breathes life into the destiny that you seek. So what kind of masterpiece are you painting for yourself? What colors and dreams are you filling your canvas with?

It's not the circumstances of your life that will shape your outcomes; it is the way that you choose to respond to the circumstances that you face.

Remember, you are in complete control of your life, and the formula for ultimate success is tied directly to your ability to think bigger and in more positive terms.

If you're looking for some inspiration that will help you reach for and achieve your goals, listen to my recent interview with Tayo Rockson from UYD Media, where I share personal stories that reveal how you too, can live a life of real intention and purpose.

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