“Dreamlining is so named because it applies timelines to what most would consider dreams.

It is much like goal-setting but differs in several fundamental respects:
1.    The goals shift from ambiguous wants to defined steps.
2.    The goals have to be unrealistic to be effective.
3.    It focuses on activities that will fill the vacuum created when work is removed. Living like a millionaire requires doing interesting things not just owning enviable things.

Now it’s your turn to think big.”

Timothy Ferriss
from “The 4-Hour Workweek”

It’s worth buying “The 4-Hour Workweek” just for the Dreamlining exercises and worksheets. (Although the rest of the book is packed full of brilliant (and hilarious) ideas for getting’ your Arete? on. Read it yet? Definitely add it to your list!)

Back to Dreamlining.

To get started with the first steps:

Ask yourself “What would I do if there was no way I could fail?!?”

From Ferris:

Create two timelines--6 months and 12 months—and list up to 5 things you dream of having (including, but not limited to, material wants: house, car, clothing, etc.), being (be a great cook, be fluent in Chinese, etc.), and doing (visiting Thailand, tracing your roots overseas, racing ostriches, etc.) in that order. If you have difficulty identifying what you want in some categories, as most will, consider what you hate or fear in each and write downthe opposite. Do not limit yourself, and do not concern yourself with how these things will be accomplished...This is an exercise in reversing repression.”

Try it.

SIX MONTHS:

5 things I dream of having:

1. _________________________
2. _________________________
3. _________________________
4. _________________________
5. _________________________
 

5 things I dream of being:

1. _________________________
2. _________________________
3. _________________________
4. _________________________
5. _________________________

5 things I dream of doing:

1. _________________________
2. _________________________
3. _________________________
4. _________________________
5. _________________________

(Repeat for 12 months dreams)

…

One more plug: Get the book. It rocks. In addition to having worksheets to rock the next steps of this exercise, it’s got a LOT of other “Aha!” and “No sh*t!!” moments that you’ll love.