REALIZE YOUR DREAMS TO TRANSFORM YOUR DESTINY…

Unless there is more gain from a change than pain from NOT changing, such corrections rarely prove effective.  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 change their shortcomings.  As a “well known philosopher” (Dr. Suess) once 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." A recent conversation with a business owner validated this reality as she was lamenting about how little her Management Team was willing to change even with much cajoling and prodding – people do not change unless (and until) there are clear and concise expectations established and consequences identified if timeframes for results are not clearly established.

People often sit back and dream – about what they have (or do not have), who they are (or who they wish to be), and what they want to do differently so that they can achieve an altered result.  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).  Until we dream of something different, nothing will change.  If, however, we wish to have change without recognizing where we are or what we are currently doing and consciously initiating a course of action that will move us from our present towards our “wished for” future, we will be helplessly mired within the comfort (or discomfort) of what we have and who we are.

While “failure” is not a desired (nor welcome) outcome of change, dreamers often recognize that there is a very real possibility they may not achieve immediate success.  Robert F. Kennedy said, "Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly."   Individuals whom have truly made a difference understand that failure is not the worst thing that might happen to them – failing to try is a far more impactful (and personally devastating) choice.  While much intentional thought and deliberate action is required to succeed, individuals making a difference recognize that nothing of significance is ever accomplished without having to overcome criticism, conflict and doubt while moving from the established road to a path less travelled.  Further, if thoughts are to become reality, the word “impossible” must never be considered.  While facts, information and well-considered alternatives are the building blocks of change, if our dreams are to become our reality we must sometimes recognize that SOMETIMES the facts do not really matter.  What we BELIEVE we tend to ACHIEVE – it is those things we only wish and hope for that often fall to the wayside.

Life is a series of starts and stops – of closed chapters and of new beginnings.  If we are to realize change it is important that we not only recognize the need for altered thought processes as we plan for a different outcome but that we also intentionally ACT to make ANYTHING happen...our behavior must shift as well as our thoughts...our hoping and dreaming are great foundations for change but nothing will be built upon that base without work and effort.  When we know what must be done AND recognize our role – realizing the path that must be taken should we choose to leave where we are in pursuit of what we wish to be – we will be run over and left behind if we just sit (stand or lie) and consider what the next steps might be.

During times of change – of altered perspectives and intentional actions that create potential conflict and send us into unchartered waters – many seek to follow individuals more willing to take risks.  They hope for the rewards earned by those willing to risk much by hitching their wagons to another’s star.  They seek equality rather than equity in the world – often pulling 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.”  Think about how much could be accomplished (and achieved) if “those without” would be willing to seek and accept the tools necessary to narrow the gap and learn how to use them to elevate themselves (rather than hoping to receive what they feel they deserve without investing themselves in its coming to fruition). 

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 but we must identify what WE consider “success” to be prior to seeking ways that might move us from possibility to probability then INTENTIONALLY ACT to make our hopes and dreams real if we are to start fresh and experience change.  What might be possible if everyone worked towards an elevated goal rather than accepting their current reality as an end?  Imagine the heights we could achieve if all attempted to reach the top of our mountain rather than being content to rest in its shadow within the lush valley below.  Think of the dreams that might be brought to fruition if all viewed their present position in life a starting point rather than a destination – a beginning rather than an end.  To change our destiny we must think big and act audaciously – embracing (without fearing) failure and accepting (without hesitation) each opportunity or challenge that enters our life.