Who stole the American dream? Who snatched our aspiration to be in charge of our lives? Who hampered
our desire to go as far and as high as our spirit and character could take us?
The government? Corporate America? Our boss? Our friends? Our family?
Television? Laziness? Procrastination? Disorganization? Low self-esteem?
Whatever the cause---social or psychological---a meager number of people know
how to dream big. That's sad, because we limit our potential when we won't
allow ourselves to dream. No matter who or what caused us to relinquish our
dreams, we--each of us---can decide to
dream again.
Prodigious dreamers are fulfilled. Productive. Enthusiastic. Their desire determines their destiny. Visionaries are motivated to plan and organize their lives to fulfill their dreams.
We can start to dream with a vision statement---a phrase or sentence that
tells what you are about. Here's an example of a vision statement: "I live
a life that brings encouragement, optimism and hope to all I meet."
Note that the statement is in the first person, present tense indicating that
the future begins now.
As you consider your vision statement, be
certain you're using your own measuring stick---not your mother's, or father's,
or your wife's, or your husband's, or your friend's. What do you want out of
life? What's important to you? What are you about? To help define your vision statement write down the answers to these questions:
- What three activities are most important to you?
- What three activities give you the most enjoyment?
- What three things do you want written on your tombstone?
- What three things do you want to do for others?
- What three things would you change about your life?
- How would you like to be described?
- What three qualities would you most like to see associated with your
reputation?
Now study everything you have written so far. Sum up, in one or two sentences, a concise
description of who you want to be. Write your vision statement in the first
person, present tense.
Formulating a vision statement and writing down those things you desire
helps you focus on your pleasures, your talents, and your bliss. Once you've
expanded your vision, your expectations will direct you toward fulfilling your
dreams. See yourself becoming your
dream and living the life you want to live.
When you dream extraordinary dreams, some people---perhaps a family member, friend, co-worker, or even your boss---may try to
take your vision from you. They will worry about you. They will try to
steal your dream: "Don't get so excited, this might not work out."
"You've got a good job; why do you want to change to something so
uncertain?" "I know someone who tried that and they failed
miserably."
Unfulfilled people are like crabs. Put crabs
in a bucket and watch. If one crab attempts to crawl out of a bucket, the
others pull the adventurer back down. People are like that. If you have a dream,
they'll try to destroy it.
When someone or some event in your life
begins to steal your dream, don't despair. Stand firm against the
cold and penetrating wind of dissension and difficulty. Press on toward your dream.
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