So when you're reaching for that ultimate Geek Career, Otariiman ambition, or pro-fan plan, here's something to ask yourself: how are you staying aware of your dream?

We usually think we're aware of our dream.  We say we have a dream.  We know of it.  However when we stop, too often we're not making any progress towards our dream.

Staying aware of your dream is not like knowing where your car keys are.  Being aware of your dream is like focusing on a star for navigation.  It's not a passive awareness – it's active awareness.

Are you actively aware of your dream so you can keep steering your way towards it?  If you can't answer 'yes' for sure, then you may want to rethink how to stay actively aware.

Staying actively aware of your dream requires two elements: attention and navigation.  These two go hand-in hand and you can't have one without the other.

Attention to your dream requires you to remind yourself of it constantly.  Maybe you have a memento that reminds you, a morning ritual, or an experience burned into your mind.  I myself actually keep a personal "vision document" that I review regularly and I also brainstorm regularly about my dreams.

Secondly, you need to navigate towards your dream constantly so it isn't forever a dot on the horizon.  You need to make and complete plans and measure success.  Each measure, each plan completed, moves you forward – and keeps your dream in mind.

If you can see your dream and move forward, you can realize it, hold onto it – and make it real.  However without awareness and motion, ALL a dream will be is just a dream.

- Steve