A wise man once said:
"You will never live a life beyond all expectations if you do not first have great expectations."
Do you remember when we were children? We had enormous dreams! What happened along the way? Why did we abandon them? As we grew older, our parents, friends, and partners began telling us that we weren’t being realistic and that we should aim for something more “practical.” For so many children, society is the first to steal their dreams.
Because most people have given up on their dreams, they try to convince others to do the same, urging them to "be realistic for their good."
When a child is 4–5 years old, their parents are their heroes. But by the time they are 14–15, they realize that their parents have abandoned their dreams and resigned themselves to life. The child wonders, “What happened to them?” It’s no surprise, then, that most young people end up giving up their dreams too. They simply followed in their parent’s footsteps—they copied them.
Looking back at my own life, I recognize that what kept me "alive" was my ability to dream big. I desired to escape mediocrity and differentiate myself from the common logic and mindset of most people. I discovered that success largely depends on desire and motivation—on how badly you want something and how strong your drive is to achieve it.
Dreams are the fuel that will help you reach your destination! They provide the motivation needed to push beyond your physical limits and lead you to achieve your goals. Dreams empower us. They are an essential element of leadership, inspiring others when you share them with faith, enthusiasm, and a solid plan. Some people will be moved to follow your example.
But be careful—never, ever share your dreams with people who have abandoned their own!
When you don’t follow your dreams, a part of you dies inside. Chasing your dreams gives you energy, life, and fulfillment. To pursue your dreams, though, you must wake up!
So start dreaming again—this time, while awake. Imagine the biggest dream you could achieve in your life, and remember: It’s not your mind’s job to figure out how you will accomplish it. Don’t wait for an answer. Create a dream that inspires you, a dream that takes your breath away. And if your dream doesn’t scare you, it’s probably not big enough!
Achieving your dreams will undoubtedly be a challenging and demanding journey. You’ll likely lose sleep and face pain along the way. But it’s a decision worth the price.
So, what is your biggest dream?