Dare to Dream Again

Do you remember when you were a child and no dream seemed too big? Some of us thought we would walk on the moon; some dreamed of riding with Roy Rogers; others imagined stepping to the plate in a big-league game. Every one of us, when we were young, had a common trait - we were dreamers. The world hadn't gotten to us yet to show us that we couldn't possibly achieve what our hearts longed for. And we were yet still years from realizing that in some cases we weren't built for achieving our dream (I realized about my junior year of high school that I was too short and to slow to play professional basketball. The dreamer is always the last to know).

Eventually we started to let our dreams die. People began to tell us that we couldn't do the things we wanted. It was impossible. Responsible people don't pursue their dreams. Settle down, get a job, be dependable. Take care of business, live the mundane, be content.

Do you know what I say to that? Hooey!

It is time to dream again!

Why? Here are just a few reasons:

Avoiding regret. The facts are in, and someday we will all lie on our deathbed looking back through the history of our lives. We will undoubtedly think about what we wished we had done or accomplished. I for one don't want to regret what could have been, what should have been. So I am deciding today to pursue my dreams.

* Making the world a better place. All of the great accomplishments that have ever happened began with a person who had a dream. Somebody rebuffed the naysayers and said to himself or herself, "This can be done, and I am the one who will do it." And in many instances they changed the world for the better. It isn't just the Martin Luther King's and the J.F.K's either. Think of all the people we have never heard of who have started things large and small that help people world-wide every day.

* The world needs people like you to dream of something great and then to pursue it will all of your heart. Maybe you belong to a business, school, or organization that started out with good intentions but has settled into the same ol' same ol'. Shake them up and remind them of how they could really help people if only they would dream!

* Personal and family fulfillment. One of the things that happens when we stop pursuing our dreams is that a little piece of us dies and we become disheartened, if only in that area of our lives. Stepping up and pursuing your dream rekindles that passion and zeal that everyone has the capacity for and lets us experience fulfillment. Having a purpose puts the zip in our step and the zing in our emotions!

* Leaving a legacy. How will your children remember you? As one who sought all that life had to offer, using your gifts and talents to their fullest extent, leading the family with a zest for life, or as an overweight couch potato who could have been? Our children need to see that we dream; that we search for something better. They in turn will do the same!

So where do we start? Here are some ideas:

* Reconnect with your dream. Set aside some time to let yourself dream. What have you placed on the backburner in order to live the status quo? Settle on one or two dreams that you can and will pursue. Don't come up with too many. That will only deter you further.

* Decide that you will do it. This may seem elementary but many people never decide and commit fully to their dream. They simply keep "thinking" about it. Tell others that you are going to do it. This puts you on the record as to what you are dreaming about. It makes you accountable. It will help you do it if for no other reason than to avoid embarrassment!

* Develop a step-by-step plan. This is absolutely essential. You must sit down and write out a few things:

* A timeline. How long will it take to the end?

* Action steps. Point-by-point what you will do and when you will do them.

* Resources you will need to draw from. What will it take? Who will need to be involved for help or advice?

* An evaluation tool. You need to evaluate from time to time whether you are progressing or not.

* A celebration. Yep, when you are done you should already have planned what you will do to celebrate. Make it big!

I have found that there is no better time than now. So, set aside some time today to get started on your dream. Follow the action plan and set your sights for the top of the mountain! You will be glad you did!

About The Author:

Chris Widener is a popular speaker and writer as well as the President of Made for Success, a company helping individuals and organizations turn their potential into performance, succeed in every area of their lives and achieve their dreams.

To see Chris "live" at the upcoming Jim Rohn Weekend Event as he speaks on the subject of Secrets of Influence go to http://Chris-Widener.InspiresYOU.com/ or call 800-929-0434.

---

How to Use Your Pain to Gain

Pain. All of us have felt that emotion some time... Read More

Motivation By Desire

Many of us have lost sight of what we really... Read More

Making the Right Decisions

The ability to make good decisions is an essential step... Read More

Quantum Success Thinking

It sounds simple- right? You are where you THINK you... Read More

Success After Failure - Even Genghis Khan Lost Some Early Battles

Both the worst and the best of the great achievers... Read More

Perseverance - Your Key To Success

If failure is the roadway, then Perseverance is the vehicle... Read More

Top 10 Tools for a Strong Personal Foundation

Coaching is about living great lives. It's about living lives... Read More

The Power of Small

Routinely, I rise out of bed before the birds, and... Read More

How I Changed The World

There is no substitute for direct personal application. Information or... Read More

Success Lessons From Josey Wales

The Outlaw Josey Wales is an interesting Western that I... Read More

Extend Your Influence Without Shortening Your Life

Please repeat these four words out loud: "Maximum Impact....Minimal Touch"... Read More

Three Proven Ways To Leverage the Big Power of Small Changes

Successful people set ambitious goals. But the high standards and... Read More

What is Success Really?

Every single one of us is trying to reach success.... Read More

So What is Success Anyway?

Well I'll tell you what it's not. Even thought many... Read More

Learn To Fail - Its Good For You!

As a child you probably learned failing is bad...Failing meant... Read More

Self-Improvement Secrets

* Perfectionism is a time waster.Strive for excellence on important... Read More

Success Lessons From Three UK Soccer Managers - People Are Always Quick To Put You In A Coffin

Arsenal Football Club were the Champions of the Premier league... Read More

Freedom, the Foundation of Your Desires

Freedom is the deeper meaning, the foundation behind all of... Read More

Liberating Success Lessons from Singing - If It Is Rubbish, It Is Rubbish; If It Is Not, It is Not

Reggie Yates, a pop song presenter, was singing on 7th... Read More

In Success Language, Failure Means You Are Almost There!

We all know as we are progressing towards our personal... Read More

The Reasons Why We Fear Success

In the book, The SHOCKwealth System?, it is discussed that... Read More

Practical Nine-Step Guide to Max Productivity

Step 1: List all the business activities that you complete... Read More

The American Dream Model

The present model of business and career motivation, the one... Read More

The 7 Ultimate Laws Of Success

There are certain laws that when obeyed will bring great... Read More

The Power Of Partnerships

Everything we have in life is because of the help... Read More

3 Keys to Boosting Your Inner Confidence

I've been coaching for a few years now, and the... Read More

Psychological Tips For Effective Examination Techniques

One of the inevitabilities of University life is the examination.... Read More

Your Words Have Power

You teach others how to treat you by how you... Read More

True Success is Generous

"Write checks on a regular basis to those who you... Read More

The 8th Habit Covey Forgot - The Making of an Expert!

I could labor the idea but then that would only... Read More

Whats the Secret of Your Sucess?

I'm going to begin this article by sharing a little... Read More

The Dynamics of Competitive Mentality

Life is not a competition.Not at all. Life itself is... Read More

Blessing The Money You Spend

A young girl opens a birthday card from her grand... Read More