“I’ve heard it said that the first ingredient to success is dreaming a big dream.”
John A. Appleman
How often do you dream or vacuum? What do you dream of? Why do people struggle to fulfill their dreams? Is it fear of failure, insecurity in your abilities, or do you attribute it to wishful thinking that is holding you back? These are questions that my clients ask me all the time. In return, I offer, “Isn’t it amazing how people only dream of greatness?”
I have never heard of anyone who dreams of failure or aspires to fail. Failure plays no role in dreams. It is the dreamer who instills failure, not the dream. I have read about many very successful dreamers who failed many times before experiencing success. The difference is that failure was not going to end their dreams, it would only motivate them to dream big.
Many of you fail to pursue your purpose in life and you should. You dream and then you follow it up with a list of all the reasons why the dream is unattainable. You fill your life with excuses and “I can’t.” Many great companies were born from a dream, grown in a garage or basement, and grew to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Why not you? Why not your dream? The only true limits you experience in life are the ones you create or allow others to impose on you. If you can dream it you can do it!
“Sometimes when we read the words of those who have been more than conquerors, we feel almost discouraged. I feel that I will never be like that. But they gained step by step, little fragments of will, little denials of themselves, little internal victories by fidelity, and in very small things. They became what they are. Nobody sees these small hidden steps. They only see the achievement, but still, those small steps were taken. There is no sudden triumph, there is no spiritual maturity. it’s the job of the moment. ”
Amy Carmichael quoted in: Tim Hansel, Holy Sweat, 1987,
Word Book Publisher, p. 130.
Dreaming is the easy part. Acting on the dream is more difficult. Recognize that a dream is a journey. At the simplest level, it takes commitment, time, desire, and courage. But something great is rarely done with ease.
In Bruce Wilkinson’s book, “The DreamGiver,” he tells the story of a man named Anyone. Anyone has a great dream, but struggles to break free of their comfort zone and move towards their dream. One afternoon, he cheers up and begins to tell his dream to others. They laugh at him, tell him to stop being a fool and forget about his dreams. “Stop fooling yourself, you can’t do it,” they reminded him. These “dream bullies” do their best to return it to mediocrity. Don’t get caught in this trap. I’m here today to tell you that you CAN do it.
How do I know this is possible? I have done. A few years ago, I decided that I was going to take a step of faith, believe in myself and in God’s purpose for my life. I was going to follow my dream. It was in a place similar to “Anyone”. He was comfortable but unhappy. I also dreamed a bigger dream.
When I realized that I wanted more out of life, I created a motivational phrase to keep going when I was feeling challenged. “If you can dream it you can do it!” I made it my life’s mission statement. I was no longer going to get in the way of my dreams nor was I going to let anyone else.
Many people questioned my decisions and now, looking back, I recognize why; my dreams shocked them. Challenge your comfort zones. They feared my success for the implications it had on their lives. They were worried about losing their partner out of pity or were so caught up in mediocrity and their comfort zones that it was impossible for them to imagine my success. They viewed the process or decision with great skepticism. Today, my dream is evolving, but the dream is still very much alive. Was it easy? No. Has it been rewarding? Yes. Will I ever realize my dream? Definitely.
I am here today to challenge you to achieve your dream. Do not be afraid to dream. If you can dream it you can do it! Many of the people who impacted the story came from humble origins. We can easily search the Bible to discover humble greatness. Moses comes to mind immediately. He stuttered and God chose him to speak to Pharaoh. He felt inadequate and unable to achieve the greatness that God had set before him. God often chooses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things.
He said to God: “Who am I to go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel?” Exodus 3:11. Later, in Exodus 4:10, he said, “I am not eloquent, not before or since you spoke to me, but I am slow in speech and slow in tongue.” Just don’t get me out of my comfort zone. I appreciate that you think of me, but this might be a bit bigger than I can handle. He could not see the dream because he was concentrating on the obstacles.
What about David? When his great army cowered before the giant Goliath, he stood up, seized his dream of freedom, and smashed through a stone in the direction of greatness. Later he became a great king. What if on that monumental day, I chose not to pick up the stone?
Where would the world be if they had chosen to walk away from a dream? What would have become of them if they had chosen to hear all the reasons “why not”, rather than “why not to me?” Where will you be when you realize what could have been?
What stone could you throw that could change your life? Focus and make a commitment. Integrate your dreams into your daily life. Many coaches promote goal setting, just like I do. I encourage my clients to list their goals and strategically place them in areas where they can be reminded of the goals frequently. I created a bracelet with the phrase in relief; Dream it, do it. I look at it all the time. It reminds me of the mission and helps keep things in perspective. For more information on the “Dream It – Do It” bracelet, please visit my website.
“Those who lose their dreams are lost.”
Unknown
Dreaming is recognizing and embracing the potential for greatness and seeking it in all areas of your life. Believe in your dreams and in your ability to make them come true. Keep your dreams in front of you. Never forget it, if you can dream it, you can do it!
Copyright Anthony Mullins
Elite Coaching Alliance 2005