For the dreamers, wonderers and fearers: I always had big dreams but even bigger obstacles standing between me and them. Plans, fears, insecurities... Im sure we can all relate. So I never even attempted to pursue these dreams until I had Kizzie. Her vote of confidence and the responsibility of supporting her was the impetus I needed to finally move forward, almost 30 years of dreaming later. Sean Johnson has been my model (whether he realizes it or not). When I was ready to dream in real life, I looked at Seans career and said - I wanna do something kind of like that. So I just started doing things that made sense at the time to try to get as close to it as possible. And I learned some things in the process. Here are a few: 1. Be afraid if you must but keep moving. So many folks never approach their dreams because of the fear of failure.... which is the definition of failure. 2. Stay focused. If youre doing something that people around you (yes, even people you love and trust) cant relate to or dont understand be prepared to filter out a lot of noise and opinions about how you should be doing it, if you should be doing it and what you should be doing instead. Just stay focused and let God direct you. 3. There is no blueprint other than the dream itself. Dont spend too much time or energy comparing yourself to anyone else. Draw inspiration from others, for sure but expect wildly varying results for what you do versus others. Youre different, thats the whole point, right? 4. Be prepared. Always. If youre walking by faith, expect tests. Be game for that, or it will frustrate you. 5. Have a lot of pep talks prepared. Chasing a dream is like running down a dark hallway. You never know how far youve gone or how much further you have to go so some days you will question what youre doing and if its worth it. You will want results and you will not get them. When you live your dream you probably didnt bargain for all of the pitfalls that it comes with but alas.... Make up your mind and be ready to remind yourself why youre doing it. (this is where teammates come in handy - thanks Kizzie) 6. Nurture relationships. Dont burn bridges that dont need to be burned. Be a good friend because more than likely you will need good friends to accomplish what youre trying to. And dont be an opportunist either. Give and get, give and get. If youre given something - look for a way to give it away to the next person who needs it. 7. Dont waste time trying to blow up. Build. Youll need a strong foundation when better opportunities come. 8. There are no small victories. You will encounter a lot of discouragement and a lot of excuses to quit. You have to be hyper-aware of your victories and appreciate them as proof of your potential. Dont puff yourself up - thats not what Im saying but dont be bitter that youre not where you want to be yet. Be appreciative of the fact that youre able to live your dream! When you win celebrate it and use it as fuel. 9. Dont slow down. Work extremely hard because thats the only way to find out if its worth it. Take care of yourself always but expect the workload to be overwhelming all of the time. And dont expect pats on the back for it - let the work be its own reward. Jabee is a great example of the power of persistence. He has been consistently working hard unglamorously for years and right when he considered giving up - opportunity came knocking. And hes still not slowing down... 10. Accept help. Dreams work when teams work. If you find someone who supports you and is willing to support you and go hard for you just because they believe in you and want to see you win - keep that person around and take care of them. Go hard for them. Im not talking about groupies... Im talking about the folks who are willing to get their hands dirty helping you build. They do exist and God has a way of connecting us together to get His work done. 11. Support others and celebrate their victories. 12. Lastly, be available. Someone will need your help. If you chase your dream far enough it will inspire someone else and they will need you. Be available. Peace.
Posted on: Sun, 27 Jul 2014 23:03:12 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015