1. Identify what you need to give up. What are you willing to give up to follow your dream? Could your modest lifestyle be made even more modest? Examine which material ‘needs’ and ‘wants’ are less compelling to than your dream.

2. Do your homework. Let your fingers do the walking on the Internet. With the Web as one of the fastest and most resourceful research tools in town, you can soak up a lot of information fast. For example, if you’re hoping to launch a new business, you can quickly scope out competitors. Interested in eco-travel? Check out the travel Web sites. Everything you need to know is in front of you.

3. Start slow. Before you take the big leap, test-drive your idea. If you are launching a pie business, bake a few pies before you start mass market producing and trying to sell them. Looking to dive into a business in swim coaching? Reach out to athletes and health clubs in the area and experiment by holding a few coaching sessions.

4. Look for signposts. When you announce to the universe (and to yourself) that you want to move in another direction, small and subtle things and people will start appearing on your path. Lessons arrive when we are ready for them. Pay attention, follow your heart, and you will learn everything you need to know to move forward. Signposts lead us to some pretty unexpected  —  and wonderful  —  places.

5. Muster the will to achieve it. The distance to our next place, to reinventing ourselves, is usually much further than we think. But, remember, change is the result of our attitudes. Stay positive  —  where there is a will, there is a way.