By: Lynette Lewis
Dreams inspire and motivate us to go beyond what we think is possible. But while they inspire us, they can also intimidate us. Many of us have heard a teacher or speaker say, “If you could do anything or be anyone, what or who would you be?” That question make us think outside of the box and look beyond the mundane duties of school or work. They cause us to look past the limitations of our current season to the future with hope for something more.
The following is an excerpt from a blog from a dear friend of ours – Lynette Lewis, a nationally known speaker & writer. Take a minute to read her suggestions on pursuing your goals and dreams:
Isn’t it always the dilemma with goals and dreams… the tension between patience and productivity?
Some os us are true Type A’s, always pushing ahead, impatient, wanting everything to be achievable now. Others are cautious, not wanting to be seen as too arrogant, audacious, or self-serving. So what’s the balance? How do we really know when it’s our turn and time to make things happen?
There are certainly no easy formula’s or guaranteed success moves. I have however found a few techniques that seem to maximize timing at every juncture.
Practice Proactivity – Most people aren’t too aggressive when it comes to moving their dreams forward. Instead, in fear, inactivity and laziness that pose bigger threats. To combat these issues, my “1-1-1 Strategy” can really help. It means taking one step towards one dream once a week. Even small steps yield big progress over the long-term, and sequential steps give you concrete data for analyzing continuous moves.
Consult Counselors – Many advisors make plans succeed, and nowhere does this play out better than in dream realization. Line up with those who have been there, done that, seek out their advice, ask lots of questions, listen for the principles behind their answers and be accountable to those who won’t let you quit.
Don’t Misread the Signs – Stop signs are not “Quit signs”. You must never ever park at a stop sign. Stop, look both ways, then move. If you don’t move you’ll hold up a whole lot of others coming after you, not to mention running out of gas and gusto. If you get lost you can always turn around, the point is to keep driving. Oh and don’t forget to enjoy the scenery made up of people and provisions you run into along even the most round-about rabbit trails. The ride is part of the joy-package, perhaps even more than the destination.
Timing matters, and some of it we can control, other parts we can’t. My bottom line advice is do all you can at all times, but trust God’s bigger plan. If a door closes, don’t take it personal. It’s really a sign that something better is coming. I’ve been turned down for many jobs and got better offers later.
Lynette Lewis is an author, speaker and business consultant. Her 30-year career has taken her from the world of non-profit and higher education to global firm Deloitte & Touche where she was marketing leaders for the firm’s national Women’s Initiative. Her popular books and TEDx talk bring hope and how-to’s for anyone wanting to live their dreams now, and endure through seasons of loss and suffering. Follow her at www.LynetteLewis.com or on IG @lynettelewis.
