I'd like to give you an example, so you can see what your mom means. World class and Olympic gymnastics athletes begin lessons when they are about three years old. As they grow and learn, their teachers, coaches and parents are usually able to see if they have what it takes to be future champions. The adults are looking for body shape, a go-getter spirit, a child who has goals and reaches for them, and many other things that go into the young child who may be seen on our next Wheaties box. In essence, these youngsters, once they are encouraged and given the tools to succeed, are able to make it wherever they want to go because their mentors (and hopefully themselves) have seen the light at the end of the tunnel and can reach for it.

In your case, you are not looking to one single event for your future, you are looking for a career dream. What you can do right now may have a huge impact on making sure your tunnel is clear!

Of course, education is the number one thing you should focus on right now. Being able to study and learn is the most important thing that successful managers have going for them. Are you doing well in school? If not, what can you do to make things better? That's your immediate concern. The next concern is, where are you going to go to college? Are there any that have excellent fashion design programs? Or, are you just wanting to own a shoe business? If so, where are the business schools you have interest in? Do some research to figure this one out. If you find a college that you want to go to, what is it going to take to get you in there? If you'll need scholarships, that is yet another reason for you to have excellent grades in high school.

The basics of business include creating a business and marketing plan. That is what any single entrepreneur (or group) must write and develop to have a vision of their goal. To write good plans, you need to do more research. Visit other shoe shops, communicate with shoe designers -- you can make a good dent in your understanding of the business just by talking with people!

Visions of our lives change as we grow. I think it's great that you have a plan, and now you just need to spend your educational and formative years learning everything you possibly can so that you can achieve whatever dream you have. Listen....that's the key to success, listening and taking notes! 

Wishing you success,

About the PowerHomeBiz.com Guide:  

The opinions expressed in this column are those of the author, not of PowerHomeBiz.com. Users should not treat the Guide's response as legal, accounting, or professional advice as all answers are intended to be general in nature. Such advice can only be properly given by qualified professionals who are fully aware of a user's specific geographical areas or circumstances, such as an attorney or accountant.