“You can be whatever you want to be. Dream big.” When is the
last time you heard those words?
The chances are you were a kid.
We don’t say that to adults.
People who believe that are naive and just downright
unrealistic. I mean, not everyone can be the President of the United States.
Not just anyone can find the cure to cancer, right?
In fact, if we’re honest most people don’t like other people
who are dreamers. We don’t always like people who combat the status quo or
infringe on our comfort zones. Why? Because quite honestly we probably have
dreams that we’ve already given up on and we feel guilty.
We live in a world where people start out with big dreams
but they’re soon derailed by problems, pain, broken relationships, life, etc.
Our dreams turn into unrealistic fantasies and the pursuit of what can be is
traded for the reality of the “right now.” Our dreams get shelved for another
time, another day, and another place never to be picked up again.
For most of us there is something deep in our heart that pulls at us. If
you don’t know what those things are then ask yourself these questions: What
would you do if money were not a factor? What would you pursue if you knew you
couldn’t fail? What is that cause, people group, or idea that you always think,
“Why hasn’t anyone done something about that?” More than likely what emerges is
a God-given dream.
How many people today get the opportunity to see even a
glimpse of their dream become a reality? I would argue very few, but why?
Maybe because our dreams get killed along the way by one of these assassins...
Dream Assassin #1: Tell your dream to whoever will listen.
I learned this the hard way. I grew up loving to write.
Eventually I thought I might even pursue this writing gig one day. I had written
something I was particularly proud of and decided to give it to an acquaintance
who was both an editor and well-respected writer. She read it and returned it
to me with corrections and comments that might have well said, “Just stop
writing and wasting your time.” It was neither constructive nor beneficial
criticism
I learned my lesson. Don’t just share your dream with anyone
and especially with someone who doesn’t truly care about your growth and development.
I probably questioned my abilities for at least a year after than encounter. If
you share it too early or with the wrong person it could potentially sabotage
or derail your dream forever.
Dream Assassin #2: Wait until everything is perfect.
Guess what? If you’re waiting around for the stars align
before pursuing your dream then you better get comfortable. So many people fail
to step out and begin the pursuit because they need one more degree, they need
to get past a certain stage in life, or all the pieces aren’t in the perfect
order. More than likely even if your dream is years from reality there is
something you can pursue or prepare for today.
Dream Assassin #3: Pursue your dream alone.
Maybe it’s possible but I don’t think I’ve ever seen it
done. When I think back to the greatest innovators and leaders of our era there
were always key individuals that surrounded them. The late Steve Jobs, who will
go down as one of the greatest innovators of our time, may have actually been
best at getting the right people around the table than he was at actually
developing amazing products.
Who will partner with you to see your dream become a
reality? In the trials and opposition that you will inevitably face who will be
a source of strength and encouragement in your life? Seek out individuals,
partners, mentors, colleagues who are committed to you and your dream.
Dream Assassin #4: Interpret roadblocks as a sign.
This sounds pretty simple but it’s by far the number one
reason why dreams are never realized. We face roadblocks or a series of
obstacles and think to ourselves, “I guess it just wasn’t meant to be.” Quite
the contrary, instead, you should think to yourself “this dream must be
something special.”
We know obstacles will come but for some reason we don’t
prepare ourselves to persevere through them. Any runner in a marathon knows
that the dreaded “runner’s wall” will hit them at some time during the race. It
may be mile 19 or 20 but regardless it is downright agonizing. You have to grit
your teeth, endure the pain, and just persevere. Our dreams are no different.
I have no idea what you’re dream may be. It may be for your
family, your career, for a non-profit, or to tackle a social justice issue.
Regardless, it will take you navigating these assassins and developing a
personal resolve to persevere regardless of the circumstances. I pray that you
dream big and that you never settle.
