I bet 90% of you couldn’t answer the simple question “What do you really want out of life?”

I want to share with you some of the tips and techniques I’ve used to get to the Root of that question, and specifically how it relates to Dream and Goal setting.

Many of these ideas only became clear to me after doing the whole process wrong, and I want to save you some of the pain and frustration.

In this article you will discover some fundamental principles to establish and achieve any Dream and/or Goal that comes to mind.

Rule #1: Always start with the end in mind!

If you’re not clear and sure about where you want to go, I can safely predict that you’ll end up NOWHERE.

Here is one of my dreams; want to be completely Financially independent at the age of 45.

Two things to note here… 1. This is a BIG Dream and 2. It is quantifiable (based on time)

The dream of financial independence is a bit vague, so I’ll clarify what it means to me. I will be completely debt free and have enough money to live out the rest of my days without working if I so choose. I will be positioned to work. only for the enjoyment and relationships involved, and money will no longer be a factor in my decisions.

Rule #2: Allow yourself to dream BIG!

When thinking about your “Dreams,” avoid placing them in the context of your current circumstances or situation. Allow yourself to paint a picture of your ideal life.

Take some time to focus on your Dreams and specifically what your life would be like. The more thoroughly you can do this part… the better.

Go for a drive through the neighborhood you want to live in. Go tour the house of your dreams. Go test drive the car or motorcycle of your dreams. Go to the docks and look at your yacht.

TIP: Grab a digital camera and take some photos!

Rule #3: Keep your dreams where you will see them DAILY!

When you figure out specifically what it is you want, put those things on a “Dream Board” or some sort of collage to serve as a daily reminder.

I have a large cork board in front of my desk in my home office that I look at EVERY day.

I also created an electronic version that I use as a screensaver on both of my computers.

Every day they send me an email with my goals and dreams. I first read this email and take some time to absorb the images and feelings associated with my dream board.

Isn’t this all a waste of time and energy?

If you really take the time to write down your Dreams and Goals… you have already positioned yourself in the top 7% of the world’s population.

If you set up a system to revisit and reflect on your Dreams and Goals on a recurring basis…you are now in the top 1% of the world’s population.

With well-defined goals and dreams, you have a 99% greater chance of seeing them come true.

By following the steps outlined above, you will be amazed at the direction and purpose your life can take. A kind of focused intensity that keeps life’s little problems in their proper perspective.

BIG Goals and Dreams Keep your focus on WHY not HOW

That’s why it’s so important to have BIG dreams or goals! If you have limited goals or ambitions, the smallest of obstacles can throw you off track and open the door for you to get stuck on the “HOW” of getting things done. However, if your goals and dreams are larger than life, small obstacles will hardly be noticed.

Dreams and goals help develop a “rhino-like” intention

If you’ve never witnessed the way a rhino approaches things, it’s worth visiting your nearest wildlife park to check it out…

First of all, the rhinoceros has extremely thick skin. This is critical for those of us who have decided to pursue a life of absolute abundance. To go against the grain and ignore the “status-quo” mentality around you, you’ll need to develop the thick skin of a rhino.

Second, the rhino is so determined and focused in everything he does. He’ll just put his head down and go for what he wants. He will stop at nothing to get what he wants, and heaven forbid anyone or anything gets in his way. I saw one uproot a tree because it was in its path…instead of altering course and going around the tree, this rhino just moved the tree out of its path!

If you can develop the tough skin and focused intent of a Rhino, there is nothing in the world that will stop you from achieving success.