Have you ever had an idea in your head then tried to share it with someone else who has a hard time seeing what you envision? I have often felt frustrated by the many times this has happened to me. The reality is that people aren’t always going to see what you see and that’s okay. You just need to learn to accept it with an understanding that no one is actually letting you down. Nothing is easy, but it also doesn’t have to be a point of conflict. It’s only difficult if you see it that way.

What makes people think your dreams are unachievable?  Maybe it is a lack of belief in themselves, based on past failures which made them feel hopeless. This results in only looking for and trusting absolutes — experiences with known results. Yet, dreamers have the ability to vividly visualize and see the potential of what is possible.

Of course, you need to seize upon opportunities when they present themselves. I was shopping at Canadian Tire looking for a mundane household item when I happened upon a desk. I felt this pull to buy the desk so that I had a place to write, so I bought it. When I got home and opened the box, the instruction booklet headline read, “You could write a novel on this.” I thought, “Wow!” Here’s where it gets interesting — I had been gathering my thoughts and ideas for a book that I have wanted to write for years. That project is now close to completion!

A wonderful example of visualization is central  to the movie Rudy. which is based on a true story, Rudy dreamed of attending Notre Dame University and playing for its football team. However, every time he mentioned his dreams to his immediate family and his teacher, he was told that he didn’t have what it would take and he couldn’t do it. After high school, he worked hard to save his money to get into his ideal university. A few years later, his belief was reinforced when his best friend, Pete, gave him a Notre Dame jacket he found at a secondhand store. Pete said, “You were born to wear that jacket.” Rudy responded, “You’re the only one who took me serious, Pete.” Pete responded with one of the most profound statements: “Having dreams is what makes life tolerable.”

The turning point for Rudy was when his friend was killed on the job. He resolved to no longer waste any time and to act on making his dreams a reality. First, he had to stop listening to the naysayers. Imagine trying to move forward and the sandpaper effect that naysayers have; they slow you down. What I admire about Rudy was his determination and ability to follow his heart’s desire. We all want to be fully supported by those we love the most, but the reality is that it isn’t always possible. It doesn’t mean that they don’t care about you. Chances are high that they care so much about you that it will hurt them if you fail.

Remember, it isn’t about them — it’s about you.

What do you do when faced with this? Love them and get the strength to forge ahead. It’s not up to you to change their minds and seek their approval. Once you realize that, you will be amazed at the additional supporters who come out of nowhere to be your cheerleaders.

Some of you may be thinking, “What can I do to help me learn how to visualize?” Here are two things that I would recommend: create a vision board and begin to journal.

A vision board typically contains pictures or phrases that represent what you want. It helps you to clarify your dreams and desires. In the past, I would cut out inspiring articles or pictures from magazines, which can be time-consuming, but things have changed. My friend suggested to me to use Pinterest to create a vision board — brilliant!

Journaling does not have to be in written form. You could create a video journal if that works better for you. The key is to use your imagination, then to write or talk about whatever you desire without judgment and in the present tense. Pick whatever feels natural for you and go with it.

Vision boards and journal entries reinforce your belief system. As entrepreneur Mike Dooley once wisely said, “Thoughts become things.”

A question that often arises is this, “How do you know that you’re on the right track?” The answer is simple: evidence. Along your path, you will be presented with people, objects or situations that indicate you are where you should be.

The key is being able to recognize evidence when it presents itself. I highly recommend creating a section in your journal to record evidence as it comes along.

You will have moments where you may doubt yourself and wonder how long it will take until you see results. You need patience. Understand that some of our aspirations may take a little more time. The key is to not lose sight of your ultimate goal. We all have had moments where you just want to give up. Then you will be left with the question, “What if?”

Getting back to the movie Rudy, his dream and ultimate goal took time, hard work and patience. Perseverance goes a long way. We are not always meant to understand how we are going to get where we want to be. The main thing is to be able to adapt to each direction with ease and know you are right where you need to be.

Albert Einstein had the right idea when he said, “Life is like a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.” When you fall off your bike, dust yourself off, get back on and don’t look back. Focus on what lies beyond the lens of your eye and use that inner compass that guides your spark.

No one can extinguish your dream but you. Are you ready to live your life by divine design?