Don't make New Year's resolutions; make plans to start living out your dreams. These five steps will help:

Dream. Is your life in a rut? Zig Ziglar defines a rut as a grave with both ends knocked out. Seriously, are you enthused and passionate about your life? Ask yourself this question, "If money was no object, what would I be doing with my life?" Don't swallow the myth that you can't make a living doing what you love. Reality is that people who do what they are passionate about are much more productive than those who have a J-O-B.

Plan. I realize you can't pay your bills if you quit your current job cold turkey to start pursuing your dreams. But you can plan. Set a goal to be living that dream within three years and start the transition process today.

Learn. Read, read and read more. Offer to buy lunch for someone who is already doing what you dream of. Take notes and learn. The only difference between who you are today and who you will be three years from today is the books you read and the people you meet.

Specialize. Avoid the myth of thinking you need to work on your weaknesses. If you are not good at something, it is probably because you don't have the aptitude or the passion for it. Instead, have fun while specializing in the things you love. If you devote two hours a day to learning more about anything, you will be a world authority on that subject in three years.

Go for it. The coefficient of static friction is greater than that of dynamic friction, which means the most difficult part of getting anywhere is getting started. Once you get started, you will gain momentum, so start today. May this year take you on a path toward your dreams.

JOE PLEMON is a certified financial counselor. E-mail your questions on personal finance to Joe at joe@plemoncoaching.com.