Living the Dream

Watching the AFC and NFC Championships on Sunday was a heart pounding experience for all and a heart breaking one for some. And, no, this is not a post on the virtues of football. But it did get me to thinking during a few of the commercial breaks.

Many of us move between day dreaming and having a dream. But how many of us run down the dream, tackle the dream, wrestle with the dream, and then ultimately make it to the end zone, doing our ‘touchdown dance,’ and live the dream. Okay, so there is a little bit of football analogy going on…but that’s it….I promise.

I have no hard evidence, but I would venture a guess that only a single-digit percentage of the population is living their dream. And yet, we humans spend an immense amount of time dreaming. Now, there’s nothing wrong with dreaming; it has some incredible benefits. But what if you are thinking now is the time to turn those dreams into your realities? Here are a few things you may want to consider:

1. Determine what you value and lean into those values when pursuing your dream(s).

2. Make sure it is your dream and not someone else’s.

3. The only one stopping you is you. So, you may need to release some limiting beliefs and assumptions.

4. Be(come) an optimist. A positive attitude and outlook are key.

5. Don’t do it for the money. Not saying you can’t be fabulously wealthy. But Momma always said, “Money doesn’t buy happiness.” Heed that advice.

6. Have a bit of faith. Take that to mean whatever it means to you.

7. It will be scary at times. Don’t run from it. Run toward it.

8. Enjoy the ride. The journey is a vital and necessary part of the dream.

So, if now is the time, be willing to get fantastically exhausted (running down the dream). Prepare for a few bumps and bruises (wrestling and tackling the dream). Get ready to be who you were meant to be (living the dream).