Following big dreams isn’t easy—and figuring out where to start can be the hardest part. Just recently, I knew I was ready for something different...but I was unsure of what the journey to getting there looked like. I knew I needed to forge ahead, but felt that there wasn't a clear path ahead. Endless podcasts, self-help books, sessions with my therapist(s), workshops, course, successes and failures later - I've come up with a three-step plan that might just make your dreams a reality.

How many inspiring, innovative, sorta cool, and creative ideas have you put on the back burner simply because you didn't know how to take action on them?

I know what it’s like to feel called to do something.

I've always felt lead to use the power of technology to allow others (and myself) to express themselves more authentically. In 1993, at the age of 8, I got my first email address. Soon after, I was writing fan fiction online as a way to put my love for writing (and the British Monarchy, Boy Bands, etc) to practice. Shortly after, I realized I could make leverage the Internet to make money doing things I was excited about...y'know, like the HTML (nerd alert) my PhD dad made me learn at 10 years old. That ultimately turned into selling custom themes online for platforms like Blogspot, Blogger, Xanga and eventually Myspace (s/o to Tom). We can talk about how this career move came to a screeching halt later (hint: it had to do with my dad freaking out because I was receiving quite a few envelopes in the mail with personal checks for $10-$12. Apparently giving strangers online your mailing address when you're 12 years old isn't supposed to be a thing), but the moral of the story is that creating a career online has always been a dream of mine.

But, I didn’t know how to turn my dreams into a reality. I had two Bachelor's degrees, a graduate degree and my MBA under my belt, yet still struggled to figure out where to start. And I already had a job, one that I was really passionate about and proud of. My work kept me really busy and, if I'm being totally honest, really content. I just couldn’t ignore this call though. I knew I had to pursue this dream of creating a community online through my blog, Girl & The Bay. So, I trusted that my desire and willingness were enough to clear the path. One day at a time, I took small actions toward my dreams.

Those small actions added up in a major way. And that’s what I want to talk about with you. How can you start acting on that idea you’ve been dreaming about, meditating on, and talking about with your friends at brunch?

No matter how big your idea may be, transforming it into your reality comes down to 3 simple, powerful steps.

Step 1: Think it

You may have been avoiding thinking about your dream too much. When you don’t know how to act on it, thinking about it can feel frustrating. But that changes now.

Begin thinking the thoughts of the highest good for your vision. Every day, think your way into what you want to create. Consciously think about your dream in positive ways. Your thoughts are very powerful because they affect how you feel. Which brings us to step 2.

Step 2: Feel it

Allow yourself to really feel what it would be like to be doing what you’re dreaming of. What does it feel like to be on your dream career path? To do the work in the world you’ve been longing to bring forth? To spread an empowering message?

The most powerful way to do this is through meditation. For a few minutes every day, sit in meditation and let yourself cultivate the feeling of what you desire. Visualize the details. Don’t hold back. Revel in that good feeling.

This is such a game-changing practice. The feelings that come forth in your meditations will manifest in your life.

Step 3: Take Strategic Action

This is the step that might freak you out. That’s because we take action from a place of ego. We think we have to hustle and make things happen. We push and control and obsess. Then, when we run into obstacles, our ego pipes up with defeating thoughts like, “Come on, what did you think would happen? Who do you think you are? This is unrealistic.” And that big dream is once again put on the back burner.

That’s why it’s so important to take the first two steps before you get into action. Practicing these steps gets you synced up with the energy of the Universe. As a result, you feel a level of confidence that you may not be able to access with your logical mind. Once you are aligned, begin taking small right actions. Simply taking one action each day toward your dream is incredibly powerful. Trust that you are exactly where you need to be and continue taking those steps forward. Remember, you can be a masterpiece and a work in progress at the same time.

Enjoyed this article? I'm talking about this 3 step plan on IGTV. Watch the video and comment there to fill me in on your journey towards making your dreams a reality.