Dreams Are What Successful People Live On “A dream doesn't become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work.” - Colin Powell If you have a dream you have the capacity to make it happen. Your dream is an indication of the untapped potential that still lies dormant within you. Considering all the possibilities energizes you, and makes you more optimistic about tomorrow. Your dream is a visual of your future, and you alone are responsible for making it happen. Believing you have a date with destiny builds confidence, and gives birth to real possibility thinking. You begin to realize you do possess the capacity for success. You begin to see the potential within your undeveloped skillset, and talents. Believing your dream is possible is self-empowering, it drives your commitment to do whatever it takes to reach it. No One Ever Said Success Would Come Easy “Your past may be an indicator of who you were, but change renders it powerless to predict who you will be.” - JSP In the south in the mid 1950’s, a young girl was born into a poverty-stricken family. She grew up in an environment that gave little to no opportunity for a bright future. This young girl was raped by a relative when she was 9, she also had to endure the sexual abuse that came at the hands of some family friends. She became pregnant and 14, gave birth to a son who would die in infancy. I can only imagine how hopeless life must have seemed. It would be an understatement to say the odds for a successful future were overwhelmingly stacked against her. She did dream of something better, and believed in her potential to make it happen. She was determined not to allow her past to be the forecast for her future. She had a plan for personal growth, and worked hard developing her gifts and talents. In 1986, She began The Oprah Winfrey Show, and within months her show surpassed some of the top networks in the ratings. Oprah Winfrey defied the odds, believed in her dream, invested in herself, and made it happen. When All Else Fails, Bet on Yourself “The biggest adventure you can take is to live the life of your dreams.” - Oprah Winfrey As a leader, you must develop strong moral character traits with a high level of personal integrity. To achieve your dream, have a positive attitude, and be fired with passion. Like Oprah, develop some old fashion mental toughness to overcome your fears, failures, opposition, and setbacks. Continue to grow in your personal self-awareness. When no one else believes in you or your dream, up the ante and bet on yourself. “Follow your passion, be prepared to work hard and sacrifice, and, above all, don't let anyone limit your dreams.” - Donovan Bailey I developed what I call my dream card, I carry it with me and refer to it often. I hope these seven points will be some help to you - Dream on my friend. 1- Stay focused on your dream – Remove distractions and think intentionally 2- Stay true to yourself – Never compromise your values 3- Be an avid reader – Saturate your mind with the wisdom of others 4- Remain teachable – You can learn from anyone at anytime 5- Work harder to become a valuable to others – Exceed all expectations with excellence 6- Never give up never give in – Manage your emotions 7- Always give honor to whom it’s due – You’ll never achieve your dream alone
*** This article was authored by John Picarello, Chief Leadership Officer at Lions Pride Leadership Co.***