What happened to your dream?

Posted on June 17, 2013 by Cassandra Patterson, One of Thousands of Life Coaches on Noomii.

While in church on Sunday, Pastor preached an amazing message on the story of Joseph. For those of you who aren’t familiar with Joseph’s story, he was a young man who was greatly favored by his father. So much so that his brother resented him to the point that they wanted to kill him. In addition to being daddy’s favorite, Joseph was blessed with the gift of dreams. He’d have these great dreams that he’d share with his family, who did not share his enthusiasm. Joseph’s brothers eventually sold him into slavery, which was the beginning of a series of unfortunate events that he would encounter that would seemingly deterred him from his dreams of greatness.

Whether you’re religious or not, we all can relate to Joseph’s story. How many times have you either personally experienced or heard a story of someone who had great plans for themselves, but was discouraged by their circumstances? These stories are often accompanied by sadness as you reflect on the potential that was never realized. When you see someone in this situation or your reflect on your own circumstances, you may want to ask the question “What happened to your dream?” Whether you fell on hard times, was discouraged by someone or something, either way you’re not living the dream that’s in your heart. The truth of the matter is we all have a purpose, a reason for being and until you fulfill that there’ll always be something missing. Yes your life may go on happily, however, it won’t be as fulfilling as it could have been if you were doing what you’re meant to do. Additionally, not fulfilling your own purpose may hinder someone else from fulfilling theirs. You never know who is out there waiting for your specific contribution.

Whether you’re a believer or not, I highly encourage you to read Joseph’s story. There’s so much information to draw from his story of persistence and integrity. Some of which include:

Not complaining when things aren’t going your way. Sometimes maintaining the right attitude in the wrong situation can be the key to your survival and ultimate success.

Look for the silver lining. No matter how dark a situation may be there’s always something good you can gain from it.

It’s not over until your dead. As morbid as that may sound, until you’ve taken your last breath there is still time for your to pursue your dreams.

Don’t believe the lie, it’s not what it looks like. Although you may feel as though you’ve waited too long, your family needs you, you’re too far from your intended path or any of the other excuses you may have given yourself, it’s all a lie. If you’re not convinced, refer to the previous statement. Although you may have been delayed, see it as a detour that can still get you to your destination.

Forgiveness is key. Holding on to past hurts is a major hindrance to your success. Anger and resentment are merely additional weights that will keep you down, hold you back and make your journey that much harder. Additionally, negative emotions and attitudes thicken that dark cloud around you which makes it even more difficult to see that silver lining that you may need to keep moving forward.

Maintain your character. No matter how poorly other’s may behave, let your character remain consistent. If you allow others to influence your behavior in a negative manner, you’ve given them the power to control you, which will leave you feeling even more discouraged. It is the strength of your own conviction that will see you to your finish line.
Now that we’ve covered the code of conduct when pursuing your dreams, let’s go through the steps for realizing them.

Step 1: Identify the areas where you have become complacent and tolerant. Write down every excuse you have given yourself for not pursuing your dreams until you can’t find anymore. Review that list and challenge those excuses. More than likely you’ll find they are simply that…excuses. Now that we’ve covered that throw them out…literally.

Step 2: Get inspired. Find out what made you want to pursue that dream initially. Find others who are already living your dream or who are on the path to living it. Chances are you’re not the only one. Finding like-minded people can help propel you forward. They may have resources to share with you and be able to advise you on pitfalls to avoid. While you’re at it, create a vision board and put it in a place where you’ll see it every day such as your computer screen, pinterest page ect.

Step 3: Go all in. You can’t purse your dreams one foot outside the door. That attitude will cause you to remain in mediocrity and reduce your likelihood of success. You’ll get exactly what you put into it so believe in yourself enough to do this properly. A half effort yields like results. If anything deserves your full attention and effort it’s your life’s purpose.

Step 4: Maintain you determination. You can absolutely achieve your dreams, that’s why they were given to you. Nurture these dreams and resist the urge to give up and turn back. Road blocks will occur and there will be bumps in the road. Knowing that, you should not be surprised when things don’t necessarily flow as smooth as you’d like. Use these obstacles as opportunities to grow mature and be even more innovative.as
So now that you’re armed with both confidence and conviction, don’t waste another moment. Seize the opportunity to transform your dream into your reality.

“If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.”
~Henry David Thoreau