DREAM BIG!

“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.” — Harriet Tubman

After LinkedIn was shut down unexpectedly while I was in the middle of creating this newsletter, I decided not to get upset but instead, go to one of my favorite stores to pick up some peppers, sweet potatoes and cabbage. I go there about four times a week to buy food, snacks and toiletries.

As I walked into the store, I passed the customer service desk and saw the line had eight people in it. Since this is the same area where you can buy lottery tickets, my first thoughts were, “Is the Powerball or Mega Millions tonight? Is it a large jackpot” Typically, that is the only time the line is super long...unless there's shortage of cashiers.

All of a sudden, I started daydreaming about what I would do if I won all that money. "What would I buy my mother? What trip will I take her on? Who else would I bless? How much money would I give to my family members/friends? Who gets a house? Whose children would have their college education paid in full? What not-for-profit organizations would I donate to? What would I buy myself?" I am sure I'm not the only one who has had those "What if..." moments. I imagine from when people purchase their lottery ticket is purchased until the time the lottery numbers are drawn, many people spend some time dreaming about what they would do if they won, too.

However, as soon as we realize they didn’t hit the lottery, those dreams fade away. (I'm including myself as well) Why is that? Why do we only dream of that BIG life for a moment? The sad truth is that most people don’t dream at all. And for the ones who do, oftentimes, we don’t dream big enough.

Take some time to reflect on the following questions:

1. What dreams do you have for your life?
2. What steps are you taking to achieve them?

Here are some tips to help you achieve your dreams:

1. Dream Big — For many years, my daily mantra was, "DREAM BIG and EXPECT THE GREAT!" Keep dreaming BIG dreams. There are no limits on what God can do in your life.
2. Visualize Your Goals — Take time to think about what you really desire. See yourself living that life. What emotions are attached to your dream. Sensorize your dreams — what are you seeing, tasting, feeling, hearing, and smelling?
3. Set goals and get into action — Joel A. Barker said, "Vision without action is merely a dream. Action without vision is merely passing time. But vision with action can change the world." You can't just have a dream and then sit on the sidelines and expect something to happen. You have to GET INTO ACTION!
4. Don't compare yourself to others — Comparison is the thief of all joy. You may not be where you want to be, yet, but you will get there with determination, dedication, self-discipline, and effort.
5. Don't be discouraged — Just because your dreams may not come into fruition as fast as you'd like, don't allow yourself to get discouraged. Obstacles may get in your way on the journey to success. However, those are opportunities to help you course correct and get back on the path you're supposed to be on. As the motivational speaker, Dr. Willie Jolley says, "A setback is a set up for a comeback."

All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them. — Walt Disney

BE A DREAMER!

Andrea D. Campbell, MSE, MBA is a professional speaker, transformational coach and consultant who is intentional about leading with the heart. She is author of The Heart of Radical Caring: A Heart-Centered Approach to Transforming Workplace Culture and Driving Revenue.

Also, Andrea is a two-time cancer survivor and thriver. Facing death was a conscious reminder for her to make each moment count and she wants to help others to do the same...with kindness. She enjoys a little spice in her life and loves all things ginger.