4 Ways to Follow Your Dreams

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The key to getting out of any hole is realizing that you haven't just fallen; you've fallen into something. In fact, if there were such a thing as an opportunity index, it would stand at about 7.5 out of 10 now, says Guy Kawasaki, entrepreneur and author of The Art of the Start and Reality Check. Despite the recession, he claims it's a better-than-average time to be entrepreneurial and pursue your dreams. Not only is there less "noise" in the marketplace because of fewer competitors, but resources are relatively inexpensive. Plus, if you've recently been downsized, you have time to develop your idea and perhaps even a bit of severance money to help fund it.

"Successful entrepreneurs generally ignore the numbers the government puts out on economic growth and unemployment," says Kawasaki. "I'm not advocating sticking your head in the sand, but what do those numbers really have to do with you? Listen to the reports, know the landscape, plug your ears, and go on ahead." Ready to get started?