Often when I speak with students, I discover they are searching for their own path as much as anyone else of any age.  Humbled, I realize and say, “Dream and do.”  Every dream has potential when you put a little energy into it.    Make a list of dreams, learn what you need to learn to do it and then as each dream is realized – cross it off and then keep adding to the list.

I recall meeting Steven Spieldberg at an awards dinner in Los Angeles years ago.  I asked him, “How do you create?”  His answer was, I dream and then I do it.

Premier gifted athletes tell of visualizing where they want to go, tirelessly training and then trying their best.  Sage advice follows, don’t be afraid to fail.  Failing is just another way to make adjustments to your training.

When Betrand Piccard speaks of his successful journey around the world, he starts with his previous failed attempts.  His dream to be the first to fly around the world in a balloon was so strong, that he kept trying.  Success was achieved on the third attempt with Brian Jones as his partner.

Thomas Friedman recently wrote, “societies that can nurture people with the ability to imagine and spin off new ideas will thrive.”  His New York Times column of November 21, 2009 shares a global perspective of the value of imagination, creativity as well as social responsibility.

Extraordinary people dream, learn and then do.

By Keri Douglas, writer/photographer, Washington, D.C.