Do you dream about flying? Do you want to become a pilot? Do you want to go up there alone or with your friends? If the desire to fly an airplane is so strong that it actually hurts, than it's the time to get your Recreational or Private pilot license. In different parts of the world laws and regulations may be different. Here are general steps to get a Private pilot license (PPL).

[edit] Steps

Determine how far into training you want to go and what kind of PPL you want: fixed or rotating wing, single or multi engine, or land or water. Unless you are interested in helicopters or wanting to do a lot of water training, you should start with a single engine land with a fixed wing.
Analyse your financial situation figure out how much you are willing to pay for training - flying can be expensive. A realistic price for a PPL in the US is between $7,000 and $9,000. In Europe, prices are about 1 1/2 times as expensive. This is if you want to get a PPL rating on a single engine with a fixed wing aircraft. Helicopters are about twice as expensive.
- Sources for money can be: out of your own pockets, parent's pockets, grants, loans, work in exchange for training, or a combination of methods.
Determine when and where you are going for training. The general factors that needs to have thought put into are the weather conditions, the quality, the price, and any future goals.
Start your training when you have everything set up.

[edit] Tips

Flying two-three times a week should be the optimum and it will guarantee you a PPL in 3-4 months.
The specific requirements for PPL are not the same for different parts of the world. Generally, you will have to complete ground section (the theory and the regulations), dual flight training (flying with an instructor) and solo training (flying alone. You will have to pass a written test and practical (oral and flight) test.
Finding a nice FBO or school for your training is very important because catching up with a wrong place can delay and/or make your training more expensive. Make sure they have enough instructors and planes to fit you in on your schedule.
Many flying clubs allow student pilots and provide planes and instructors at a more reasonable price.

[edit] Warnings

It is strongly advised that you obtain at least CLASS III medical before starting your training, because you can't fly solo without it. You can search and find aviation medical examiner around your area to get this. Before making any investments in your flying you want to know in advance that you will be allowed to. If you have any disabilities, or you are taking any prescribed medication you should definitely see a medical examiner before starting your training. Not all conditions are disqualifying but you better know it in advance
If at any point during your training there is something you don't understand ASK; don't wait for a disaster to happen.
If you are not getting along with your instructor talk to him/her or get another instructor: remember you are paying for your training.