Do you know that in a year, everyone has an average between 1460 and 2190 number of dreams? Do you also know that more than Over 70% of dreams are not remembered?
That's a figure for those few hours when you are asleep. What about those countless times your mind wander about in both creative and sometimes dumb imaginations?
Your mind is one of the most amazing gift God gave you. You can invent whatever you desire with it.
I remember reading a quote of Dale Carnegie. He said "Everything is always created twice. First in the mind and then in reality." So true. Every inventions and world advancement you can think of on planet earth were once a random idea in someone's mind. I'm placing emphasis on the mind because that's where our dreams takes place.
I know everyone has a dream they want to achieve someday but today's post is targeted at creative dreamers. I am not talking about those dreaming big about making some more money. I am referring to those who are thinking about the next phase of innovation, dynamic thinkers focused at developing new dimensions to what already exists.
You are never too old or young to pursue your dreams.
Success is not limited to any certain age. Age is just a number.
I remember during my second year in college ( Lagos State University), an octogenarian graduated with second class (Upper division) from the department of sociology.
This man walks with a bent back. I had an interaction with him once. We were in a bus together, heading from school to mile 2, Lagos state. He was busy reading is lecture notes. The bus was so tight but the man wasn't even bothered.
The amazing thing was that he read without glasses conveniently. There were several times I would see him in the University library reading. For a man in his 80's, it was really inspiring.
We all love KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken). It might shock you to know that Harlan Sanders, the founder of KFC started promoting his cooking style at 66.
To the ladies, Mary Kay Ash; one of the most influential business women in America history didn't break out until 45.
Back here in Nigeria, the newly elected president; General Muhammadu Buhari is a typical example. He contested for presidency first in 1999 but he lost. He tried again in 2007 and also 2011 but yet no victory until he finally won the presidential elections on March 28th 2015. It took him 16 years before he nailed it. Buhari is 72 years old.
Mark Zuckerberg was worth $33 billion at 23.
Seun Osewa, the founder of Nigeria's most visited and widely used forum had few business failures before the success of Nairaland.com. He started in his 20's.
Well, I know you might have read all these before. I didn't intend to make you have goosebumps. My point here is this: make the move, it's not too late.
"If you can dream it, you can achieve it."
8 steps to live your dreams.
#1: Understand the uniqueness of your dream.
"Cherish your vision and your dreams, as they are the children of your soul, the blue prints of your ultimate achievements" ~ Napoleon Hill
It would like you to know that every man is unique and therefore we all have different visions. It might do you more harm than good to measure yourself with someone else. Until you begin to gain deep insight into the idea you have conceived and its unique purpose, you are not ready.
This insight is what will keep you on the right path. It will be your master guide.
"Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding."-Proverbs 4:7 KJV
#2: Locate Influencers in that niche.
"For whatsoever things were written afore time were written for our learning...." Romans 15:4
Recently, my understanding of the importance of following influencers has gotten better. These people have passed through similar phases that you are yet to cross. It is great wisdom to connect with them and learn from them. It saves precious time and prevents some mistakes.
You are not alone in this world. You need to learn from the experience of others. If you are venturing into a fresh space, then find similar influencers. Do not make them god over your decisions. They could be a point of reference.
#3: Gather experience
The new trend these days is that majority of the younger lads all want to become CEO's. It's not a bad idea but very few are ready to go through the drills.
It is not wise to jump straight into that idea without being equipped for it. It might just end up as a night mare. If you need to acquire some skills, please take your time to get them. It will pay off in the long run.
If you have to be an apprentice for a period of time to gain some muscles, please do that. Besides, who says you must be a CEO before you are living the life you desire.
#4: Understand/Calculate the cost
Jesus said in Luke 14:28 (ESV) "For which of you desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it."
These may be financial cost, psychological cost, technical cost, or even spiritual cost. You need to know exactly what you need for the journey ahead. You might not be able to capture the whole cost but the one you can gather will be helpful.
#5: Scale down your dreams/vision into smart goals.
One of the best way to accomplish a great task is to break it into smaller chunks. Taking a holistic view at what you intend achieving might want to throw you off your feet.
You could learn to break them down into smaller units and address them one at a time until the entire result I achieved. I have written about goal setting before.
You could learn to break them down into smaller units and address them one at a time until the entire result I achieved. I have written about goal setting before.
Read:
* Goal Setting: Starting Point to a Productive Life
*Common Habits That Prevents You From Accomplishing your Dreams
#6: Launch out
I believe I'm safe to say here that if step 1 to 5 has been successfully achieved, you can now launch out.
You should know that no matter how beautiful a car looks, if you don't turn on the ignition, it's purpose is defeated.
You should know that no matter how beautiful a car looks, if you don't turn on the ignition, it's purpose is defeated.
From experience, I can say the longer you ponder over an idea than normal, the more time you give room for random negative thoughts to set in. Once you have what it takes and you know the cost, you should launch out!
#7: Be consistent and diligent
You do not plant a seed and reap an harvest immediately. You need to go through some consistent process to yield an harvest.
"Do you see a man diligent and skilful in a business? He will stand before kings, he will not stand before obscure men" ( Proverbs 22:29 AMP)
The pursuit of your dreams is not like ice skating, that is just smooth. It's more like mountain biking, with lots of bumps. There is no fast lane to genuine success.
#8: Keep learning and watch yourself grow
During this journey, a lot of surprises will come your way. You will meet a lot of people both for good and otherwise.
I suggest you have an open mind so you can learn from the series of events that will unfold and leverage on them to grow until you fully maximise your God given potentials.
Bonus Tip
Attend Live Your Dreams Africa 2015 Conference
Yes! I told you guys about it two weeks ago. In case you didn't get to see it, and you are wondering what it's all about, you should check it out.
Conclusion
The purpose of this post is not to fill you up with another set of rules. It is simply a guide to show you that you can get out of where you are to where you want to be.
Over to you
I would like to know your thoughts about this post. If you have some extra cent to share, please do. Just comment below. I'm waiting.
