“Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.” Thomas Alva Edison. My father-in-law had a dream. He talked about this dream a lot. He would go back in his mind remembering when the dream was still alive. He would tell of how close he got to his dream with a slight memory smile on his face. Then, when he got to the part of the story where he decided to give up on his dream, his face and voice took on the sadness of incredible regret. He would justify his decision; of course, telling and retelling why he felt that he had to give up on his dream.
My father-in-law gave up on his dream because the he was too afraid to take a risk. He was afraid to have faith in himself. His dream would have required him to learn new things, take a pay cut for a while and there was no guarantee that he would have been successful. So, he stayed in his comfort zone and gave up on his dream. But, he died with that regret.
You will regret it if you give up on your dream.
The only people who fail are the ones that either give up or don’t learn from their mistakes. Giving up insures that you won’t get to your dream. There may be no guarantee that you will achieve your dream and become successful if you try. But, there is a 100% chance that you won’t get there when you give up. Giving up is choosing failure.
You don’t have to have an ‘all or nothing’ proposition when it comes to your dream. In fact, it’s not wise to throw the old away before you have an established new. My father-in-law could have kept his day job. Then he could have taken some classes, and then apprenticed part time, then worked both jobs, then moved completely over to the new career. You can do that too.
What would it look like for you to begin to incorporate your dream into your life? Imagine yourself for a moment working toward your dream without giving up the present state. How would your day be different? How would it make you feel?
Don’t let your fear keep you from moving toward your dream. You don’t have to give up the baby with the bathwater. What small thing can you do to keep your dream alive?
Okay, let's take this one step further. How about instead of a dream partner, you have a dream group? This is basically the premise of a mastermind. Each person in the group has a vision, wanting something which is a stretch. You are more likely to reach that goal when you have the support of other like-minded people. Consider becoming part of something larger than yourself. You will get out of the group as much as you are willing to put into it. It is a win-win situation.
ReplyDeleteYes, Loren, that's exactly why I created the Redwood Sisterhood. Check it out. http://www.RedwoodSisterhood.com .. make sure you check out out time banking sites.. it's our community bartering program for exactly what you are suggesting. Thanks for your comment.
ReplyDeletePatty
Dear Patty: I broke through the cement ceiling to become the first CEO of a steel company; I have also survived and thrived in the face of life threatening illness, career changes that were dramatic...I have not ever given up on my dreams.
ReplyDeleteI do feel that it remains difficult to build a dream team, and while it is difficult the importance of buildng a team of people whose skills and strengths compliment one another is critical to both the entrepreneur as well as those working for organizations.
Best, Irene
www.justcoachit.com
Irene,
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely. Your story can inspire others that they can do it too. Thanks for your post and I look forward to connecting with you in early Dec.
Blessings,
Patty
Dream Partner Catalyst
www.PattySadallah.com/sq
www.RedwoodSisterhood.com
Hello Patty!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing that practical wisdom. Your advice resonated so strongly with me. The difficulty is just getting started.
I am in the process of fulfilling my dream, which means switching careers. I have gotten varied feedback since on its face my new career will pay much less. Most important, I believe I was born pursue my new career choice. I have learned to put money and material things in proper order.
Again, thank you. -- Hope
Hope,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your post. Let me know if I can help you in any way in your dream. If you want to receive a weekly encouragement, please click here. www.PattySadallah.com/sq
Thanks,
Patty
Thoughts on living your dreams . .
ReplyDelete"Cherish your visions and your dreams as they are the children of your soul; the blueprints of your ultimate achievements." by Napoleon Hill
And . . . "Make no little plans; they have no magic to stir men's blood and probably themselves will not be realized. Make BIG Plans; aim high in hope and work, remembering that a noble logical diagram once recorded will not die." by Daniel H. Burnham the coordinating architect of the 1893 Chicago World's Fair.
My life is rich - perhaps not by the world's standards - but with a husband and family that I love - no greater blessing! This same dear family allows me to pursue a career in non-profit leadership where dreaming big is a requirement. Helping people every day and seeking ways to further their dreams into reality. To those we serve, dreams are only for children and hope is at an all time low.
Let the dreams continue . . .
Thanks for your thoughtful post Pam. Great quotes and I am so happy that you have the support to live your dreams.
ReplyDeleteThanks,
Patty