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
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Yes! I’ve seen this, too. That phenomenon has really bummed me out in the past, and made me reflect on some of my ‘friendships.’ I felt let down and used by people, and then asked myself, “Do they really even care about me if they don’t want me to succeed?”
On a related note, one of William’s four virtues is ‘Be Authentic,’ and I am excited to apply this to my own life. Everything really does fall into place when you honor yourself! You honor others, too, by being authentic. When you’re truthful with yourself and others, you don’t have to put up with reluctantly doing something you don’t want to do; the energy sucks and then no one’s happy! The sooner people learn this lesson, the better off their lives will be and they will save themselves from years of anguish! It is a lesson I have had to learn a very hard way, and I am still in training, because it is hard work to have uncomfortable conversations with myself and with others but, golly, I am feeling lighter in spirit, and my shoulders quite literally feel less burdened! (The positive physical manifestations of being authentic are reason enough to change behavior for the better, and I believe it can add years to one’s life!)
Thanks for this message, Ross, and the reminder of how important it is to encourage, believe, and be excited about our potential!