Sometimes, when you share a dream that you’re excited about with those around you, you’ll find their responses to be less than encouraging. For example, if you’re thinking about changing careers, starting your own business or going after a promotion, some of your friends and colleagues may try to talk you out of it by saying things like: “Are you sure you want to do that?” Or “What if you fail?” Or “Why do you want to throw away such a promising career?” What these people are actually saying is: “I sure wish you wouldn’t follow your dream, because I don’t have the courage to follow mine and if you succeed, I’d sure feel bad.” As Steve Jobs put it, “Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And, most importantly, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.” What Mr. Jobs is saying is to follow our dreams and dial everything else out.

One Sentence Wisdom

• “If you dream of becoming an eagle, you follow your dreams and not the words of a bunch of chickens.” — Penny Johnson Jerald
• Just follow your dreams and be patient. — Angelique Kerber

If you know of someone who you think would enjoy reading my Reminder, please forward it to them. Also, feel free to use this content in your own publications—newsletters, blogs, etc.