“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you’ve imagined.”
― Henry David Thoreau
Many of us have dreams. We have desires. We dream about owning or selling a home, or changing where we live. We dream about relationships. We dream about what we can do to look good. We dream, or envision the type of job we really want to do. Dreams. Visions. Desires unfulfilled. Dreams….
Definition of dream: “contemplate the possibility of doing something. Contemplate of doing something. To contemplate means to think about, ponder, consider, to think about something for a long time.” We dream for something that yearns within our souls – a goal to fulfill. Yet, many of us – at the end of our lives – look back with regret with the words “If only I had done….”
Why, then, do people not pursue their dreams? There are many reasons. However, I have observed 6 reasons:
1. Pride. There are people who do not want to pursue their dreams because they are proud – but not necessarily in a good way. What do I mean by that? By pursing a dream, you cannot do it alone. It takes others to help you to get to that point. Somewhere along the way, a person needs to realize they need that help.
2. Ignorance. This is a harsh word for a simple issue: not having the knowledge in how to go about pursing a dream. How do you get from point A to point B?
3. Low self-esteem. What seemed to be prevalent in our teens is just as real for many adults today. When doing a leadership series class, a participant asked me about what to do in regards to her self-esteem issues. Admittedly, I was surprised about her openness. Yet, I was reminded that this issue is still alive for many adults.
4. Apathy. Apathy: an absence of emotion or enthusiasm There are many people today who don’t care whose dream they are building. They feel nothing in their hearts for various reasons, and they do not want to be bothered by it.
5. Finances. It is difficult in many ways to pursue your dreams when you do not have the financial wherewithal to take any action. Many people understand that, especially those who started with nothing or currently have very little finances.
6. Past. Many people are still living in their past. For many reasons, they are unable to move forward in their lives. Yesterday ended last night. “So, today is more valuable to look ahead and prepare than to look back and regret.”
So, what is a person to do? Here are my “Seek Out” suggestions:
To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream: not only plan, but also believe. Anatole France
*Seek out a personal coach. If necessary, a counselor as well. Ask the coach about a personal plan for you. If not, write one out. The counselor can assist in issues beyond the coach’s training.
*Seek out an opportunity to serve others. A good antidote to apathy, pride, self-esteem, indifference.
*Seek out those who are pursing their dreams. Listen to the passion in their voices. Does it stir something inside you?
*Seek out those who HAVE pursued their dreams and did not succeed. Find out what they did wrong, and don’t make the same mistakes.
*Seek out those who HAVE pursued their dreams and did succeed. Find out what they did right, and see how you can include parts or all of those steps in your personal plan.
*Seek out good material to read along the way. One book that has really gotten much interest is “Day Job to Dream Job” by Kary Oberbrunner. (Full disclosure: I do know Kary, but I receive no funds for promoting his book.)
*Seek out other employment that provides a better salary – if at all possible. At least this would be able to provide some extra cash to set aside for your dreams. Maybe consider a part time job as well. Again, if possible as it is not always the best thing to do, nor is it always the practical thing to do.
A dream doesn’t become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination, and hard work. Colin Powell
Very inspiring. Good work!
Thanks, Lamont.