This article was written by Brian Simms, who’s passionate about helping people become everything they can be.
How often have you heard people say “One day I want to do such and such.”, “One day I am going to start so and so”.?
People talk about the things they would like to do. They tell their friends over cups of coffee about their dreams and the things they hope to achieve “one day.” Then, as though it was merely small talk (and honestly that’s all it was), the dreams and desires are packed away back into the mental compartment you extracted them from. Only to be brought out and dusted off every now and then as you ruminate about your life and what you hope to achieve “one day”.
Life carries on and you mark off time as you live it.
The dreams you contemplate still surface. But you push the thoughts aside as they prick you with guilt as you realize that the “one days” are quickly piling up behind you.
A week has passed.
A month.
A year.
Now it’s a few years behind you and the things you hoped to achieve seem impossible as time is getting shorter. You’re older and you tell yourself that “one day” you hope to bring your dreams and desires to pass.
Seriously, you are kidding yourself. You have had so many “one days” pass behind you and feelings of remorse creep in. The chatter over coffees with your friends at the local cafe continues as you tell each other what you would like to do. The gleam in your eye flickers out once you go back home and back into the routine of your life.
Here is some advice:
Make the “one day” today. Stop talking and start doing.
Time doesn’t wait for you. It passes by impartially. You need to take time by its collar and let it know that it’s serving you now instead of you being the slave to time.
What are your dreams and goals? What do you want out of life?
Here are some steps to get you going:
- Write it down. When you write down what you want it feels more concrete and less of an abstract idea. Also, it helps you to become committed to achieving your dream.
- Research what you need to do. What is needed to bring your dream to pass? Make a list of the skills and resources required. The internet is an inexhaustible supply of information. Go online and start finding out how to start.
- Gather supporters. You don’t need detractors who are going to cause you to doubt. Find people who will encourage you and guide you. Remove the negative voices.
- Make small steps. As we all know, a baby makes tiny steps before it can run. Take little steps forward toward your dream. Break your goals down into small manageable pieces.
- Don’t be afraid of mistakes. As we step out and do things we’ve never tried before, it’s inevitable that we are going to make mistakes along the way. Don’t fear mistakes. Embrace them and learn from them.
- Check your progress. It’s important to stop every so often and see how well we are doing in bringing our dream to pass. Are we on track? What needs to change?
- Celebrate. Reward yourself for what you have achieved. Doing so is motivating and keeps you focused and excited about what you are doing.
If you feel like you don’t have the confidence to start chasing your dreams, then question what it is that is causing the lack of confidence.
Life is too short to have regrets. Don’t let excuses stop you.
Excuses keep you trapped in mediocrity.
The journey isn’t going to be easy. It takes time and focused commitment to bring dreams to pass.
Time ticks on and you think to yourself “Ah. One day…” Stop marking off time.
Ask yourself “How bad do I want to have this dream become a reality?” Listen to yourself provide an honest answer. If the fire isn’t stirring in your belly when you think about the dream, then either forget about it or find a way to stoke up the fire.
What would your life be like if the dream was no longer a dream? How would you feel if you reflect back on your life and realized the missed opportunities and chances you had to make your dream a reality?
That’s the good old “Rocking Chair Test”!
Don’t simply relegate your dreams to small talk amongst your friends and work colleagues. Stop wistfully saying “One day…” and then pushing your hopes and dreams into the back of your mind.
Today is your “One day”. Start now. Get serious and stop the mediocrity.
Then next time you have a get together with your friends and they play the same record of “One day…”, you can tell them that your day has come. Tell them what you have been doing and then watch the reaction.
Let your friends catch your motivation. If they don’t, then don’t let them stop you.
No longer say “One day….” Say “Now, let’s start!”