If you read the newspapers and watch the news you might think that the world is coming to an end in one big economic bailout package — but it’s not.  There’s hope!  There’s change!  And, most importantly, people ARE keeping their dreams and goals alive.

I’ve chatted with some of the most interesting people in the last few days.  The common thread for all of them is that they are keeping their career and lifestyle dreams alive despite the economic downturn and their fears.  Due to privacy, I’m going to give them all pseudonyms.  

There’s Sarah who is currently a gift retailer and is considering starting a wine and beer pub with her husband who works in the IT world!  She’s soon taking a Wine Maker VocationVacation.  Also spoke with Bill from NYC who owns a fast-food restaurant but is going to sign up for our Dream Job Coaching as he still feels there’s something more than burgers for him as he heads into his 60’s.  There’s Joan who just sold her dental practice and will face a serious health issue for the rest of her life and is now going to test-drive her dream job as a Voice-over Artist in December.  She is so inspirational.  There’s John who’s an attorney looking at an “encore career” as a…..tour guide!  I love that one.  Close to my heart.  I still think I want to be a tour guide some day too.  And my favorite today was Alyssa who recently got laid off from her corporate marketing job and plans to do some personal and professional due diligence by taking a VocationVacation as a Fashion Buyer.  She hopes to open her own specialty store.  

The common thread with all of these folks is that they are not sitting idle.  The economy is not pulling them down.  They are taking ACTION.  By attaining a mentor, they are all taking the first step of what might be several to move forward with their dream job goals and dream job lifestyle aspirations.  Travel more, travel less, work from home, work outside, be home when the kids come home from school, have more passion day-in and day-out….and the list goes on.

My call to action for you?  Be careful not to get sucked into analysis paralysis and immobilization during these trying times. Turn off the TV news.  Perhaps not read every depressing story in the newspaper.  Instead, take this time to dream.  Take this time to plan.  Take this time to take your first steps toward the rest of your life.