The Best Dreams Happen When We Are Awake

We have heard it said time and time again that the graveyard is the richest place on earth. How we live today will determine if we will contribute to the wealth lying in the cemetery or not. It is no surprise that we will all end up there. The only surprise will be the timing. I don’t mean to be a bearer of negative energy today, I just want to remind you that life is short and the best time to bring your ideas/dreams to life is now. I know that’s easier said than done but think of a world where everybody lived up to their full potential. Incredible it would be, isn’t it?

Ask anyone this, “What is your passion? If you had all the resources required what would you do?“ Eyes light up as people answer this question. My father would say farming. One of my favourite responses was from an accountant who would like to spend time with boys aged below twelve years to teach them proper mannerisms. I have heard an IT professional say that they would spend time producing films. A procurement officer said that her passion is cooking. What is your answer to that question? Some ideas are grand and others are simple and that’s the beauty about dreams – they are unique to each individual.

My challenge to you would be to step out and attempt to bring that idea to life. Don’t wait for too long, the time will never be just right. I am not inviting you to be reckless rather to be daring. There is a cost to pay and Yes you might fail but would you rather live with the regret of not trying or the regret of having tried and failed? Here are five questions from John Maxwell’s book, ‘Put Your Dream to the Test’ that could help you find out if your idea is a dream worth attempting or just a fantasy.

1. The reality question: Am I depending on factors within my control to achieve my dream?

2. The passion question: Does my dream compel me to follow it?

3. The pathway question: Do I have a strategy to reach my dream?

4. The people question: Have I included the people I need to realize my dream?

5. The cost question: Am I willing to pay the price for my dream?

If it’s a viable dream that is worth pursuing then please pursue it with all that you’ve got! Tomorrow is overrated so start today – Sign up for that class, write that business proposal, do whatever is necessary to take that plunge of faith.

Let me remind you to be careful when you ask for opinions from others about your idea. Imagine what people said to Karl Benz who invented the first car while all along people had been using horse carriages. People don’t always know how to feel about new ideas so they might discourage you for trying to disrupt the status quo. Ask for opinion if you must but know that at the end of the day the buck stops with you.

My final thoughts; in pursuit of fulfilling your dreams please do not neglect your family and friends. One of the most common regrets of the dying mentioned by hospice nurses is that people wish they had spent more time with their loved ones. We might not make it for all the special events or be present during all the milestones but let’s be there for most of them.

At the end of life, people will summarize your life with one line. What will it be?