I said “still” because I am fully aware that seeds of doubt exist in the minds of many of our best and brightest in all walks of life today. I said “still” because the fulfillment of a dream is often a function of our commitment. When opportunities abound, dreams flourish, hope lives on, and commitment is less likely to falter. How does that promising college student nourish their dream while averaging $20,000? In debt upon graduation with no job prospects?
The local branch manager of a major financial institution just learned that 30,000 employees will be terminated. The bright and aggressive broker on Wall Street just returned from a meeting with their Human Resources manager – and the news was not good. The times do not inspire. So the question arises in settings from the kitchen table at home to the corporate boardroom.
My response is borne from personal experience: Resolve. You renew your commitment to your dream as often as it takes to keep it alive. If your dream propels you out of bed in the morning, commit to it. If your dream adds a dimension to your life unlike anything else, commit to it. If your dream becomes the raison d’ etre for your life, commit to it.
This is what it takes! Renew your commitment daily because it will provide a shield against self doubt and those who would substitute their ideas for your dreams. There are always those well-intentioned family members and friends who have a “better” or more “practical” plan for your life than they think you do. They mean well because they care for you. Dreams are about choices YOU make, not those someone else makes for you. The nightmare is to realize you have placed your ladder against the wrong wall.
My dreams became my life’s companion; we committed to the journey early in life, and we shared our successes – and setbacks – together. The naysayers we encountered and the obstacles we overcame strengthened the bond between us to the extent we became one. I began to live the dream; there was no other life for me. Resolve. How strong is yours?
I was also very practical – as you will have to be. Develop a plan of action with defined action steps and timelines. This is essential, otherwise your dream does not take shape; it becomes less visible. Share your dream with others so they can hold you accountable to your commitment. The pursuit of your dream will alter some relationships and assist you in developing others. Help others to help you achieve. They cannot if they do not know.
Build flexibility into the plan but do not alter the dream – unless of course you choose to, but do this carefully. Establish benchmarks for success. You will want to measure your progress.
Learn to see obstacles as opportunities to grow, learn, and strengthen your commitment. There will be those moments that test every fiber of your being, when giving up seems more like relief. Look at it this way. If your commitment is deep, you can dig deep when needed; you remain anchored and secure until the doubts pass. And, they will.
Understand what resources, what tools you will need to accomplish the dream. Identify those who can help you, who share your enthusiasm for the success you pursue. These individuals may not seek you out to help you; the onus is on you to seek them out and ask for what you need. “You cannot succeed by yourself. It’s hard to find a rich hermit” notes Jim Rohn. So, help others to help you.
Victory has a taste like no other. The obstacles you overcame enhances the taste, the smell, that existential high that is victory’s traveling companion. When you celebrate, when you share your story, you never know who may be inspired by your example and dares to dream again.
“Goals (and dreams). There’s no telling what you can do when you get inspired by them. There’s no telling what you can do when you believe in them. There’s no telling what will happen when you act upon them.” Jim Rohn
Remember – Dream big! There is no magic in small dreams. The price you pay to achieve both is often the same.
