One of the main problems for why people do not pursue their entrepreneurial dreams is because they have not defined those dreams.  By “dreams,” I mean the visions and activities that take shape when you see yourself having an unlimited supply of money. 

Some people might call these dreams “pipe dreams,” but I beg to differ.

I have written previously about why I think money is simply a means to an end.  Money isn’t the object; instead, a list of dream activities is your object.  Money is a means of achieving and fulfilling that list.

So, a vital and crucial step in pursuing entrepreneurship or in starting a business is DEFINING what you want in your life.  These pipe dreams are realistic and can take many forms.  What is it that drives you?  If you did not have to worry about money, what would you be doing?  What would you be reading?  What would you be eating?  Driving?  Where would you be traveling?

Pipe dreams are limitless.  The key is defining what you would do if money was not an obstacle. 

But you can’t stop there.  You have to write them down.  Make a list of those activities, and use that list as motivation for success.  That list becomes the goal.  And your business or entrepreneurial quest is the vehicle.

Here is my list:

1) More time to spend with my family. 

I spend a grand total of about two to three hours per day with my wife and one hour per day with my one-year old daughter, and I’m sick and tired of it.  I need more time with them, and I won’t settle for less or . . . the status quo.

2) A weekly trip to help/feed the poor. 

I think everyone, if given the time, would want to help out those who are less fortunate than us. 

3) Spend a month living in a house among wine vineyards in northern California. 

I love wine.  Not only is it healthy, but it also provides such a great experience when you drink it.  It exemplifies the natural pleasures the Earth has to offer.  And it’s all around us.  This would be a dream vacation that my wife and I would go for at least once a year. 

4) A house on at least one acre of land.

I don’t want to live in a box.  Is that too much to ask?  There is something to be said for the relaxing calm of an open field of land.  It’s peaceful and tranquil.  It’s also a great place to have dogs (I have two) and to raise a family.

5) Go see one movie every week.

My wife and I discovered a list we created about a year after we started dating.  The list consisted of items we wanted to experience (as a couple) before we died.  We were happy to see that, in the 2-3 years since we had created that list, we had already satisfied some of the items on it. 

However, one of the items we had yet to fulfill was going to see a movie every week.  Now, I know that sounds a bit juvenile.  But, hey, this list is mine, right?  Your list is yours, and it should reflect you and what you’re all about.  In my list, I want to go see at least one movie every week.  I love the experience of watching a film on an ENORMOUS screen.  And I usually pick out decent movies to watch.

6) Join a basketball recreational league.

I enjoy playing sports.  Not too long ago, my wife and I lived in Tallahassee, Florida for about one year.  During that time, I held a government job that provided me with the convenient 9-to-5 schedule that usually can be condensed into a 9-to-11 schedule (i.e., very little work).  I joined a lunchtime basketball league, and I played basketball for about two hours per day three days per week. 

The experience was fantastic.  I got in a great deal of cardiovascular exercise.  I was able to satisfy the competitive juices I have in me (that never go away).  I also got to play a sport that I absolutely love.  If I ever had the time again, I would get back into this at a moment’s notice.

7) Play video games every day.

OK, now I’m starting to sound like a teenager. 

Again, who cares!??!?!  If I had the time, I would jump back into video games instantly.  One of my favorite times in my life was when I used to dominate one of my roommates in law school in our frequent showdowns in NCAA Football on PlayStation 2.  (He would beg to differ, but he’s a liar.) 

Let’s face it.  Grown men play this stuff.  But I’m really good at it, so I owe it to the community to get back into it.  My entrepreneurial goals have a philanthropic purpose.

8) Travel.

This one is a no-brainer.  My wife and I have so many places we want to visit.  If time and money permitted, we would be off exploring every other month.  France, California, Canada, Argentina, etc.  We would have an endless list of destinations. 

As you can see, this list doesn’t just contain material items.  It contains family-oriented desires, lifestyle experiences, and charitable endeavors.  Make your own list, and use it as motivation to acquire wealth.  Use it as the lightning rod you need to buy that first rental property.  Use it to motivate yourself for starting a business. 

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