An infographic showing what participation or exploring means. On one side is a cloud representing our dreams. On the other side is a box that represents turning our dreams into reality. In the middle, are footsteps that represent the literal and figurative steps or journey we must take to reach our goal.
To make our dreams a reality, we must take lots of steps of action.

How to turn dreams into reality

A simple 4-step formula

When I returned home from my bicycle trip around the world, people wanted to know how they could have a similarly extraordinary life. To answer this question, I’ve spent decades developing and refining this simple formula for turning dreams into reality. It works for everyone and anything, whether you are young or old, or whether you want to be an adventurer or a cupcake baker.

For more info on each step, click on the illustration.

Step 1 — Get inspired. Dream big or little

As you can see, dreams are just outside of reach until we commit to pursuing them. (Actually, this is just the ideal first step, but you can start with any step. See the illustration at the bottom of this page.)

An infographic showing what a dream means. An arrow points to a box with the label "Who you are." An arrow points to dashed circle around the box with the label "What you believe possible." And a cloud outside everything with the label "Dreams."

Step 2 — Plan your adventure

To me, everything is an adventure. Even if we have a plan, we’ll need to learn to adapt. Hint: Can you read the hidden message in Plan C?

An infographic showing what a plan means. Plan A is just a straight line from start to finish. Plan B takes into account going around obstacles. And Plan C is a squiggly line showing what a realistic plan might actually be. This squiggly line is cursive writing that says, "Where there is a will, there is a way."

Step 3 — Go explore!

To make our dreams a reality, we must take lots of steps of action. In this step, you live your dream, share your adventure, get support and inspire others.

An infographic showing what participation or exploring means. On one side is a cloud representing our dreams. On the other side is a box that represents turning our dreams into reality. In the middle, are footsteps that represent the literal and figurative steps or journey we must take to reach our goal.

Step 4 — Grow!

Reflect on your successes and “failures”. Each thing we achieve in life, whether it is a success or a lesson learned from mistakes, helps us grow and reach for bigger and better.

This is actually a new step in my process. I used to think growing was part of exploring, but at this stage, your physical journey is over. It is not until you have some time to digest what you have just done that the real growth begins. You can also call this stage Gratitude, because you will always have a memory to cherish.

An infographic showing what it means to grow. The infograph shows you, represented by a box, growing bigger each time you realize a new dream.

Where to start — A backup plan

Actually, you can start with any step. My favorite first step is to explore or play and discover the mysteries of life. Eventually, you’ll find something you are passionate about, and it will inspire many dreams.

An infographic showing that you can start at any step. You can begin with a dream. You can begin with a plan. Or, you can begin playing. Just try anything and see how it feels.

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