"Keeping the Dream Alive"

By: Star Trekker

(Originally published in the February 1999 issue of Perspectives)

So what is it that you want to get out of life? Leave a legacy for yourself? Most people who have any goal or dream in life want something related to this, whether it be making a name for yourself as an generous rich man, like Ted Turner giving $1 billion to the UN, or creating a household name like what Bill Gates has done with Microsoft. But somewhere along the way in life, our dreams and goals get put on the backburner, and it can easily be left there.

How does this happen? It’s something called: Real Life. Pessimists will say, "Well, how can I contribute from where I am? As if I can make a billion dollars in my job. I’m just your average person, just trying to get by with what I have. It’s those people who make all the money that squeeze my life to the ground." And to an extent they’re right. The average income of full-time working Canadians is $37,000 (which is lower when you include part-time work). With everything we have to pay for in the real world (mortgage, groceries, gasoline, taxes, etc..) as if there’s enough money to do anything other than just survive.

But an optimist would say, "Sure, I’m just an average person, but that leaves billions of people who are below average who still need help from those who have a better standard of living. Sure, I’m not rich and can’t give $1 billion to a worthy organization, but what’s more important: recognition for your work, or the fact that you gave what you could to help those in need?" The point is, if you’re an average person, you can still do your part to make a difference.

Anybody who is anyone has a dream and a goal, and the vision to see it. Nobody in this world is a nobody. If someone says you’re a nobody, that person simply has a smaller vision than you, and is trying to tear you down to his/her level. Ignore those people, because they don’t help anyone, not even themselves.

To keep your dream alive, you have to constantly keep it in mind, and consistently strive for it. You have to see yourself actually achieving your goal, and looking beyond, because it’s that continued vision that keeps you excited and focused, even though you may be going through a tough time. And even when things are going good, don’t slow down! Because, what works with money, will work in your own daily life as well. Just as money can compound, so do your efforts. The more effort you put into your goal, the faster it can happen, because your action plus your excitement will make you stronger.

So how big is your vision? How excited are you when you think about your goal in life? Do you really want it? Then start today and compound your efforts. Do more today than yesterday, so that you can do more tomorrow than today.

 

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