BECOMING WHAT WE WERE MEANT TO BE…

Far too many people try to be who they wish they might become rather than who they really are without investing the “sweat equity” required to initiate change.  In order to change our core beliefs and abilities so that we become whom we hope to be, there must be more gain from the change than pain from NOT changing.  People change very little once they have established their basic values, patterns and thought processes.  It is often easier (and more effective) to leverage an individual’s strengths than it is to try to build up their shortcomings.  As Dr. Seuss so aptly proclaimed, "Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind."  We are who we become because of the choices we make and the roads that we take.  Should we wish or hope to be anything different we must consciously and intentionally decide to move from where we are to where we wish to be to satisfy and please ourselves RATHER THAN trying to do it for another – for what others think or feel really does not really matter when it comes to fulfilling our personal potential.

Before we can achieve we must identify what needs to be accomplished and visualize the path we should take to begin our journey – recognizing that the trail we take may force us to start and stop many times along the way but will deter us only if we allow ourselves to be distracted.  It may be that those who do most, dream most (Stephen Leacock).  We should dream about what we have (or do not have), who we are (or might wish to be), and what we want (and how that differs from our present circumstance).  One must first imagine something as being a possibility before it can become a probability – yet "Dreams take time, patience, sustained effort, and a willingness to fail if they are ever to be anything more than dreams." (Bryan Linkoski).  Dreams become the destination to which life leads us.  Those without dreams – without hopes of accomplishing more than they have or having more than they have been given – may live comfortably but will never achieve greatly.

While “failure” is not necessarily a desired outcome of change, it is rarely fatal.  We must realize

success rarely occurs without failure and that gain does not stand alone without loss.  Robert F. Kennedy said, "Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly."   Individuals whom have truly made a difference in this world understand that failure is not the worst thing in the world – the worst thing is to have never tried – to not “get up” after being knocked down by life.  Much intentional thought and deliberate action is required to succeed – failure becomes but the path of least persistence should we choose to avoid the pain associated with gain.  If we are to transform thoughts to reality, the word “impossible” must not be a part of his or her vocabulary.  While facts, information and well-considered alternatives are often the building blocks of change, perhaps Dexter Yeger appropriately described its essence saying, "If the dream is big enough, the facts don't count.”

Life is a series of starts and stops – of chapters coming to an end as pages are turned to reveal new beginnings.  It is important that we not only recognize the need for altered behavior but that we also intentionally ACT to make it happen.  Knowing the facts and understanding how to make change happen does not ensure transformation.  Will Rogers stated, "Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there."  As we accomplish change – accompanied by our actions and our attitudes – we should embrace that we are here to add what we can to life, not to get from it what might be offered.  We cannot hope to be any different unless (and until) we consciously leave what we have as we reach for what we would prefer.  Comfort may be the result of one coming to terms with who they are and what they can do but it discourages change.  If life were meant to be stagnant we would not have been provided with a mind, a spirit and a free will to exercise our abilities.  We would have been rooted in place rather than being allowed to wander.  We would be comfortable and content within “the box” rather than seeking to stand upon it seeking new opportunities, discovering what “could be” rather than accepting “what is.”

Many seek equality rather than equity in the world.  They pull down those who are successful, taking from them the fruits of their labor in an effort to narrow the gap between “those who have and those who have not.”  Would it not be better to provide “those without” the tools necessary to narrow the gap through their own productivity – to encourage them to dream then provide them with the ability to chase their dreams?  Mark Twain once said "Don't go around saying the world owes you a living. The world owes you nothing. It was here first." We are not “owed” success – we must identify what it means, seek it without limitation then INTENTIONALLY ACT to make it become a reality.  Think big, act audaciously (without fear of failure) and keep your eyes focused on the prize (even if you begin to slide backwards along the way) as you incorporate the lessons learned from failure into success.  Then, and only then, will we become what we were meant to be rather than settling for what we are or living within the past glories of what we once accomplished.

ACKNOWLEDGE THE PAST AND RECOGNIZE THE PRESENT TO ACHIEVE A FUTURE NOT YET REALIZED

Education, once a privilege, has become a necessity if individuals expect to find work within our ever-changing, constantly evolving world.  Life-long learning is a requirement for success and innovation – for any kind of job advancement – as we compete within a tech-driven world.  A high school education qualifies few for meaningful work as some form of specialized training or higher education is needed for even well-paying factory employment.  Life-long learning has become the standard for success – we cannot “arrive” and thrive anymore as we must view each accomplishment – each step of the ladder – as but a resting point rather than a final destination.  Mediocrity is the reward of the complacent – only those willing to invest (their time, their talents and their resources) will achieve excellence.  Unless we (as individuals) proactively and intentionally move forward, we will find ourselves drifting upon a becalmed sea without hope or direction – without a course we can chart that would take us from where we are to where we might wish to be.  Unless we identify AND move towards new opportunities as they present themselves, we will live like gulls as they scavenge through the debris that others have left behind.

Lost in the call for change is the definition of reality.  Should we prepare for the future by dwelling on what may have worked in the past to accomplish what needed to be done or by seeking new avenues and processes that might lead us to destinations that have yet to be realized?  Far too many people look into the tunnel seeking shelter from the storm rather than beyond it to seek opportunities yet to be realized.  It is important to live life recognizing both perspectives that a tunnel provides.  One can look into a tunnel as if it were a portal into the darkness, not knowing where it may lead OR as an entrance to the possibilities revealed when we look beyond the tunnel into new horizons not yet discovered or experienced.  

To succeed within a changing environment we must look back just long enough to acknowledge our

shortcomings so that we might analyze why our actions may have caused undesirable reactions (OR identify choices that led to success so they can be implemented elsewhere).  Understanding yesterday’s mistakes and acting to prevent them from recurring allows them to become tomorrow’s memories.  Repeating the same actions and activities hoping for different results becomes but a predictor of a future reality filled with disappointment and failure.

The only way we can thrive is by learning to accept the previously unacceptable - to innovate rather than dwelling in the comfort of our accomplishments.  We once sought knowledge so we could succeed by applying our "learning" to known, well-defined situations.  We learned to do specific activities, using tried and true techniques, to produce a known product, service or activity.  Today we must learn to think rather than simply thinking that we can "do as expected".  We must move away from rewarding effort towards encouraging accomplishment.  We must strengthen our relationships by focusing on the establishment and fulfillment of mission-based objectives.  We must accept the reality that people are not equal (so do not treat them as if they were) but rather are “built” with their own unique characteristics, skills and abilities.  

Greatness comes from leveraging the power of divergent thoughts, gifts and individual perspectives to create a consensus solution that will accomplish much more than could been individually imagined – from treating individuals differently while measuring their performance against defined standards and communicated expectations rather than comparing them to each other.  It comes from recognizing the value of those we choose to include within our lives around – to build them up so we can rise together to exceed our highest individual potential rather than tearing them down so we fall together to our lowest collective depths.  Our knowledge helps to establish our potential – our values (and how we treat those around us) determine our success.

Embracing the possibilities an uncertain future offers is much more productive than worrying about things we cannot control or obsessing over change that will happen with or without us.  Knowledge is power that, when utilized appropriately (ethically, consistently and with the good of the whole as a guiding principle) allows us to accomplish much BUT it can be gained ONLY when we seek (and act upon) opportunities to learn.  Pause momentarily to celebrate each victory, every milestone, significant anniversaries and worthwhile accomplishments but do not consider such achievements as being a final accomplishment.  Steps are but the path we should take as we move towards our final destination.  In order to realize our fullest potential – to build a limitless future from our present realities, we must celebrate progress as much as accomplishment.  We must recognize the importance of succeeding as much as we do success.  We must recognize the need for process and progress before we can expect to realize results.  We must innovate by applying all we know and learn to each new situation we face – by drawing upon our understanding of basic principles that can be extended to define a new reality not yet been imagined.

Each relationship we enter or task we begin becomes a path leading to an ever-changing destination or a destination in and of itself.  The former – a destination providing comfort, security and a “sense of sameness” that satisfies all needs and meets all expectations – may allow us to experience successes in our lifetime but we may never fulfill our potential.  If we choose to live life by celebrating the path upon which we travel as a continuum of wins and losses – of short stops and new beginnings – we will not only realize our full potential, we will achieve it.  Life is not measured by our time on this earth – by when we were born and when we die – but rather by what we do during our time – by who we touch, what we accomplish, how we live and how much “difference” we are able to make in the lives of those around us.  We can achieve what has not yet been realized ONLY when we realize (and act upon) all that has not been achieved.

KNOWING WHEN TO STAY (AND WHEN TO GO)...

Finding purpose – without actively seeking it – is like finding a perfection beyond all expectations.  Our abilities flow freely, far too powerfully to be contained.  Life becomes abundant and free – our results far exceeding the effort producing them.  While we do what we like, our labor becomes a path to be enjoyed – the destination but the logical conclusion of the choices we gladly make.  When we do what we want, the rewards far exceed what we invest, and all seems good in the world.  Living becomes but a chapter within a never-ending story – having no clear-cut beginning nor a definitive end, only the continuous expectation of good things to come.  Finding joy in what we do and with whom we choose to live – and happiness in what we have rather than what misery because of what we are lacking – allows us to live life as it is rather than wishing for what could have been – or for what has yet to be. 

When…

·         “Being” far outweighs “doing,” and the contributions we make towards the growth of others provides us more satisfaction than does advancing ourselves

·         We truly care more about the good that can be done than about who receives credit for doing it

·         We love what we do and are allowed to do what we love in a way that lifts others while fulfilling ourselves.

It is then that we know we should stay – for who could replace us should we go?

Should…

·         The promise of tomorrow become lost within the realities of today – realities rooted in (rather

            than built upon) our memories of the past

·         Our efforts become pain rather than pleasure – our destination becoming the driver making us lose site of the joy in our journey

·         All that we love in what we do become but things we do to accomplish what must be done

·         Our dreams become a flame that has lost its brilliance as it slowly dies to but a flicker or the path from which the fog was cleared be returned to its murky darkness

·         The hope that seemed so real for a season fade to but a wish for what might have been as our contributions become shadows passing quietly through the night

·         The certainty relied upon for strength and comfort become but an abandoned dwelling within the sheltered corners of a shattered mind

·         We seek more from life than we are willing to invest – wanting more from others than we are willing to give of ourselves. 

When…

·         You no longer find strength in your Dreams (for you have grown far too conscious of the limitations of your reality)

·         You no longer bask in the warmth of simply being (the need for external praise exceeding your own internal confidence)

·         What you know and are able to accomplish creates a barrier restricting the ability of others to exhibit their knowledge or minimizes their accomplishment

·         All that keeps you going is the fear of your alternatives rather than your ability to make a difference. 

Perhaps then comes the time that we should go – time to move on – letting go of what has not yet become.  It is then that we know we should go – for what might we inhibit or who might we impair should we stay? 

  

May we have the health and ability to stay as long as we are able to contribute – and the graciousness to go without dragging others down as we leave (or disrupt them should we stay).  In staying or in going…

·         It is the lucky ones who staked a claim to life that were able to embrace the world as their own reality

·         It is the fortunate ones who defined their dreams clearly, allowing nothing to interfere with their sense of purpose

·         It is the meaningful ones who have realized their hopes, accomplished their goals and given more to those around them than they could ever give themselves

·         It is the insightful ones who act intentionally in all they do rather than allowing destiny to choose their mate, guide their career or determine the way in which they will contribute to those around them or control their real. 

In whatever we do, may we stay as long as we can contribute – and walk away with our heads held high knowing (and acknowledging) all we accomplished should we choose to go.  When we choose to stay (or to go), may we know when to live life as it should be by living life as it is – and have the wisdom to know the difference – so we might know when it is time for us to stay (or it becomes time for us to go).

NOT ALL WHO WANDER ARE LOST – NOR DO ALL WHO ARE LOST TEND TO WANDER

“Not all who wander are lost” (Tolkien) is a truism as much today as when first penned.  Without breaking down the walls around us and stepping outside of the box, few innovative or original thoughts would be considered.  Unless, and until, we begin to wander off the beaten path – searching for things not generally thought of or methods not typically used – will anything different happen.  Had the Wright brothers not “wandered” towards Kitty Hawk – building upon new thoughts and processes with each step they took on their journey – would we be able to fly today?  Had Edison not wandered upon darkened streets – refusing to accept a flickering flame as being the only form of illumination – would we have the electrical power grid that exists today?  Had a handful of disillusioned souls not wandered across the ocean to an unknown destination – driven forward by the promise of a better tomorrow that offered freedoms of religion, choice and self-governance – would we live within the greatest nation ever formed?  While many that wander aimlessly through life are lost, those that wander with a sense of purpose, a thirst for knowledge and a desire to make a difference in their world are far from lost – they are leaders upon a road not yet discovered travelling towards a goal not yet identified.  They seek what has not yet been found BUT find and develop all they can as they pass through uncharted territory on their way to a perceived destination – which becomes but a resting place for them to regain their strength before wandering anew.  Wanderers are the leaders of our world, and those willing to wander with them will be amazed at what wonders have yet to be discovered.

Conversely, not all who are lost wander (Smith).  We cannot expect change unless we are willing to

embrace it – until we consciously and intentionally move forward towards a destination not previously discovered.  While some wander aimlessly because they are lost – sometimes even stumbling upon a great discovery or an uncharted trail – their travels are unplanned and their discoveries unintentional.  Many, however, who are lost chose to lie low awaiting rescue.  Rather than making a difficult situation any worse they will find a safe harbor within which they can ride out the storm – a dry cave in which to crawl during the rain.  Those who find comfort in the status quo – who are content to live as they have always lived so that they can have all (but no more) than they have always had – represent the unfortunate souls content to exist in mediocrity.  When facing a fork in the road, those content to rest will seek guidance from their past – looking behind them to find what has worked so that they can move forward on familiar trails that lead to known destinations.  When facing the unknown, some who are lost prefer to await rescue – to wait for others to lead them from where they are to where they would prefer to be – but will rarely strike out on their own or leave breadcrumbs behind them as they strike a path towards the untried and the untrue.  Those who do not wander will rarely find a way that has not yet been found nor discover a concept that has yet to be imagined – they are but the worker bees within an ever expanding hive – content to do as they are told in exchange for a planned and consistent universe regardless of the cost.

A rare few individuals are seekers striving for change, validation or innovation – willing to walk away from the safety and security of “what is” in search of things that could be (but have not yet been identified).  Whether they are lost or enlightened, those that wander will find things along the way not yet identified or discovered.  The difference is that those who are lost see their discoveries as an end – a final destination or place to rest – while those seeking innovation, freedom or unheard of results see their discoveries as but the beginning of something entirely new and innovative.  It has been said that the first step of any journey is the hardest but perhaps the second step – that one taken after initially setting out from what is comfortable and secure towards that which is unknown, and those taken next once the realization of what is being left behind before an understanding of what may be gained – are truly the most difficult.  While many sentences make up a book – and the first is often difficult to write – it is important that we know when (and how) to end each chapter so we can move on from what has been accomplished while seeking what has not yet been achieved.

Look back only long enough to know from where you come.  Stop only long enough to know where you belong.  Leverage your past and your present to establish a future that will never be unveiled unless (and until) you begin to wander.

HUMILITY, HONESTY AND INTEGRITY - THREE ESSENTIAL LEADERSHIP CHARACTERISTICS

Great leaders tend to display a fierce resolve to do whatever is needed in order to accomplish their stated objectives without really caring who gets the credit for the work as long as the results are achieved.  If we accept this as an indicator of success, it conflicts with what we see as great qualities in the people we hold up in our traditional definition of leaders - those who "make a name for themselves" as they accomplish much (personally) while making significant changes in industry, education or society.  While one person may be able to catalyze change, no one person can cause change to happen unless others are motivated to engage in and implement a change in behavior that will lead to a new result.

Most people identify great leaders as being people like Steven Jobs, Jack Welch, perhaps a President or two of the United States – identifying “leadership” with an outspoken champion of change whom has accomplished visible things through his or her actions.  While these individuals may be change agents, they often use their position of power to “dictate” change rather than being an effective and humble leader able to facilitate change.  Individuals able to encourage “buy in” to from others to implement change – leveraging the momentum of the whole to accomplish more than any one person could have cone – leave a truly inspirational legacy.  Max DePree, a great West Michigan leader, wrote that “Leaders don’t inflict pain; they bear pain.”  In order to lead effectively, one must consistently demonstrate humility, honesty and integrity so that people want to follow (noting that “following” should never be done blindly – it MUST include independent thought, analysis and consciously directed efforts).  

Humility is disciplined strength.  Humble leaders are quick to give credit and slow to accept praise.  While a leader must be competitive in order to grow an organization, the manager who takes all the credit will find him/herself without a team to enact change!  Think about how different a sporting event would be if the coaches took all the credit for their team’s success.  While chess may allow for one-on-one activity, there would not be much of a game when played if the abilities of each individual contributor were not melded into a functional unit having one purpose, mission and objective.

Honesty is living, speaking and acting with a truthful sincerity free from deceit or fraud. Communicating honestly means to speak plainly and pointedly – stating all facts and assumptions considered before making a decision – so that people know what you are saying AND (perhaps more importantly) why you are saying it.  Respect is not purchased by cashing in an astounding vocabulary – it is earned by simply stating one’s position so that it can be clearly understood and acted upon.  While we have the right to freely and openly express our beliefs (short of harming another), we ARE NOT given the right to be taken seriously in all that we say – unless we have earned it by consistently demonstrating a high level of integrity through our actions.  Unless (and until) we are seen as being dependable, credible and honest by others, we might be able to impose our will upon individuals but we will not be able to motivate, inspire or lead them towards greatness.

Integrity is the value one establishes when he or she adheres to moral and ethical principles as guiding factors in the decisions they make – when moral character and honesty is expressed within all their personal and business interactions.  People respect individuals perceived as “having integrity,” trusting what they say and willingly following where they lead because they know “where they are coming from” in everything that is said or done.  Saying what you mean – then doing what you say – are two of the greatest attributes a leader can possess.

While charismatic leaders may produce “quick fix” solutions with lower risks (cutting costs and making splashy, quick change usually saves money in the short term), sustained success is delivered through leaders providing stability, long-term growth, and coordinated group effort.  Perhaps more of us should learn how to balance ego with humility – to put corporate and employee growth before our own – so that we might reap the rewards of organizational success.

Nobody is perfect – we are all human, and humans make mistakes.  The way we deal with those mistakes, however, will either insure our ascension within an organization or guarantee our fall. While leaders must provide a clear sense of direction, they must be humble in accepting credit and honest in accepting blame when efforts fail.  An individual able to do so will have gained immense credibility through his or her integrity – credibility that will translate exponentially into positive results.

KNOWLEDGE: A REQUIREMENT FOR – BUT NOT A GUARANTEE OF – WISDOM, SUCCESS OR HAPPINESS

We are told from an early age that knowledge is the key to success.  If we learn we will achieve.  If we set our sights high when establishing our goals and objectives – and work hard to equip ourselves with the knowledge to accomplish our goals – great things will happen.  For most, the sky has been painted as “the limit” to success.  In front of each of us lies an endless continuum of possibilities – as long as  we pay attention in school, learn what is presented and “never stop learning” throughout life.  I would disagree with this simplistic approach as knowledge alone seems NOT to be the key to anything.

Wisdom is the application of knowledge.  Just because someone knows facts, details or information does not make them a leader, a teacher or a success.  Individuals chosen to participate on the TV game show Jeopardy demonstrate a vast base of knowledge – an unending ability to recall what many would consider arcane facts and an astounding grasp of history, trivia and culture – BUT do nothing to demonstrate any more success outside of this knowledge-based niche than anyone else.  I have met many intelligent individuals who possess all the “book knowledge” available to them yet lack the common sense and practical experience to make a good decision or know which way to turn given the unguided choice.  The application of knowledge through wise choices, decisions and actions that anticipate consequences (both planned and unintended) is what truly defines success – particularly if we do not care who gets the credit for the results that are achieved.  Knowledge allows us to think about issues, topics and challenges from many different perspectives.  Wisdom (the application of knowledge), allows us to succeed by putting knowledge into action.

Not all individuals are “wired” to attend college.  Some learn through books – and we need educated teachers, engineers, doctors, managers and other professionals to study, practice and learn so they can lead, teach and create.  Others, though, can make a difference by applying the knowledge they attain to situations that do not require a college degree.  Trade schools provide knowledge that can be applied within technical careers (manufacturing, tool and die, machinists, carpenters, mechanics and a plethora of other significant occupations that contribute greatly to society).  Certificate programs can focus learning to a narrow slice of knowledge that can be directly applied to a defined situation or a specific career.  Though our grade schools and high schools equip us with information that is vital and necessary to survive in this world, we must continually stretch our knowledge base throughout life so we can accept new challenges by applying our knowledge wisely to the elimination of roadblocks or the expansion of our responsibilities.  When we learn we plant the seeds of prosperity.  When we apply our knowledge we are able to see it grow into endless fields of opportunity.

Many have been told that “knowing is believing” when it comes to understanding something or accepting the resolution that has been enacted.  Knowing is actually nothing unless it is associated with action, responsibility, accountability and focused follow-through.  We can know much without making a difference unless (and until) we put our knowledge into action.  We can know much without making a difference unless we take responsibility for our actions – learn from our mistakes – then move on to accomplish our next objective.  We can know much without making a difference until we act on our beliefs, assumptions and thoughts so that something can be moved forward rather than being allowed to stagnate. 

We should seek knowledge but strive for ways to apply what we learn to better ourselves and those around us.  We should establish goals and seek to accomplish them but understand success is not simply the fulfillment of a stated objective having no purpose or meaning.  Success is not measured by what we have or what we do but rather by what we are able to accomplish with the gifts we are given and how we can apply the knowledge we attain – how we are able to impact, influence or enlighten others as we demonstrate wisdom through the application of all we know and all we have experienced.  It is not elevating, enabling or providing for others – it is fulfilling our own potential as we vacate a “station” in life which another can fill IF they, too, wisely apply their knowledge.

Nothing changes unless and until something changes.  When we seek knowledge it should be purposeful – with all learning directed towards the accomplishment of an objective or the realization of a dream.  Knowing for the sake of knowing may allow us to win the game of Jeopardy but applying what we know to the accomplishment of everyday problems, issues and situation will allow us to win the game of life.

ANSWER THE DOOR SHOULD OPPORTUNITY KNOCK

When opportunity knocks, some seek to shift the blame, excusing themselves from any responsibility for the challenges that life might place before them. They prefer taking the “easy path” to all the destinations, implicitly declaring that opportunities are great but challenges should be avoided at all costs. Rarely will you find a risk taker within the ranks of those wishing to travel upon paved roads as any bumps are blamed upon the inadequacies of others and detours are seen as dead ends rather than uncharted possibilities. People refusing to put forth more than minimal effort while expecting exceptional results are unrealistic in their beliefs for change takes the investment of sweat equity to build upon “what is” on the way to discovering “what could be.” Far too many individuals seek to rise to the top upon the backs of others, expecting to receive the same rewards simply because they share the same space and breathe the same air.

Those seeking to leverage their individual abilities, attitudes and desires eagerly open the door to new opportunities.  They immerse themselves in the identification of “root causes” that may have initiated the disruptive events in their lives, seeking to become an indispensable part of innovative solutions rather than an ongoing contributor to unresolvable problems and unreasonable expectations. They move forward upon paths defined by the conditions, situations and issues available to them at the time they begin a journey but are willing to adjust their travels should any of the factors considered at the beginning change. Individuals answering the knock of opportunity typically identify paths not yet imagined as they take roads not yet improved while seeking destinations not previously explored or defined. Those willing to take risks in life visualize where they might go once they step through the door of opportunity. They do not hide behind the safety of a closed existence, rather they absolutely refuse to accept the loss of “what might be possible” by settling on the known cost of “what is.” 

We share much in life with others. We share the things we do (and sometimes those we consciously choose not to do). We share our accomplishments (particularly those that bring us success). We share relationships, possessions, thoughts, families, and friends. Sharing our workload and the results of our efforts has become an expectation as we seek to magnify and enhance our individual contributions by blending them with the unique gifts others have been given to accomplish collectively more than could have been completed on our own. With such an emphasis on sharing and “teamwork” being taught in schools, expected at work and embraced by people seeking to minimize personal risk, however, we discourage people from “answering the knock of opportunity” by dissuading them from expressing their individuality without fearing failure. Within a politically correct world that rewards results rather than encouraging discovery, do we allow people to bring their dreams to fruition?  Are people encouraged to answer the door or are they expected to remain locked tightly within their current reality?  Do we keep the door closed by convincing people it is alright to find comfort in the way things are (and that they will never change). Perhaps the opportunity that knocks in each of our lives should be greeted as a dream that has yet to become reality rather than a reality that has established itself as our dreams.

Dreams are thoughts not yet realized – aspirations not yet brought to fruition. Dreams are the basis of our goals and the foundation of our good intentions. We can live life without dreams but cannot embrace its full potential or become all we hope to be or realize all we might wish to accomplish without first visualizing what we want to become or what we desire to do as we travel through life. Those that perform to the standards and expectations of others may be great contributors (as they add value to society) but until they identify their individual aspirations and work towards accomplishing them, people rarely discover new horizons or identify unknown paths that would allow them to travel beyond the door of opportunity once it has been opened. To accomplish our dreams we must be willing to open the door that holds captive the safety and security of our “present” so we can step through to the unknown opportunities of a “future” yet to be fully identified, realized or finalized. 

When opportunity knocks, you can ignore it, consciously turn it away or embrace it as you move towards its unrealized potential. You can answer its call or hide within the safety and security of “what is.” You can avoid answering the door, hoping someone else will invest the sweat equity needed to bring opportunity to fruition by investing the time and energy you are unable (or unwilling) to expend, but must then accept the results they accomplish rather than the possibilities you could attain.

Some accomplish much because they sacrifice all, holding back nothing as they seek “the prize” rather than worrying about “the cost.” They picture life as a series of surmountable hills rather than a single insurmountable mountain. They see obstacles in life being temporary detours rather than permanent closures, finding “the good” in every situation they encounter rather than dwelling upon “the bad” in what might come their way. People answering the knock of opportunity see where they wish to be and envision what they wish to become then invest themselves into making those things become reality rather than containing themselves or maintaining the status quo. While they accomplish much for themselves, they allow others to taste success by paving the way for them to follow once they have opened the door (for they know that leaving the door closed would prohibit new discoveries and eliminate new accomplishments).