this dream came true

this dream came true

“Most people think they have to become something to become someone.” - Trent Shelton

You are never too old. It’s never too late. Your dreams can come true. Mine did.

When I created the dream coach idea, I didn’t want this just to be a position that would allow an old guy like me to have something to do. I dreamt it would be a position that gave true value to the employees of IMA. I am truly thankful the leaders of IMA had the vision to take a chance on a dream coach and in me. I am even more thankful, as well as excited, they have seen the value of the position, and are not only continuing it, but adding to it. It’s time for a fresh set (or two) of ears. 

I love what I do. I have absolutely loved getting to know you all these past six years. I had always dreamed of retiring from work earlier, but because I love what I do it never felt like work.

What has really kept me going is the self worth I have felt these past years. Much is due to the amazing conversations I am humbled you allow me to be a part of. You have inspired me with your stories. Stories of survival, perseverance, overcoming obstacles, rising up despite tough circumstances, and the ability to take action and go after dreams.

As I have shared before, most of my life I never felt I was enough. It’s funny - I finally feel like I am enough, but feel like now is the time to transition to whatever is next.

I went from not feeling enough, which turned into humility, which led to a quiet confidence, and has resulted in a feeling of self worth. It wasn’t because of what I did or what I accomplished; it was because I felt I made a difference. It wasn’t about status, it was about worth.

“A lot of us are depressed because we can’t keep up the character we portray to the world.” - Jim Carey

Years ago, I had approached what some might say is "status." I generated more security, comfort, and luxury, but they never gave me a feeling of worth. I was always still searching for something. I kept measuring myself by how much business I sold, my net worth, what my title was, and how I compared to my neighbors and friends.

I finally have real worth, not because of what I have done or what I have, but because of who I have become. I have become more me. I realized who I was, which I never appreciated. It wasn’t about the coaching itself, it was about what coaching allowed me to do - live my why (to encourage others).

Please understand - this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try to make more money, have more of what you want, or achieve more. It’s that I believe we discover more self worth and happiness inside ourselves, not outside ourselves. It’s having significance.Where do you want to have significance?

If a guy like me, who started in a trailer court, got fired from my first job, couldn’t even get hired by my godfather, wrote my first account which was $150 (not commission, but premium), been divorced, had no money, (you get the picture), can do it, you can do it too.

There were lots of reasons why I shouldn’t have got here. But I knew my why, worked hard, and persevered with grit.

Your dreams can also come true. Know your why, believe in yourself, take action, give all your heart, use your self awareness, and keep doing the right things for the right reasons.  

“Believe in your infinite potential. Your only limitations are those you set upon yourself.” - Roy Bennett

No matter where you find yourself right now, believe you are enough. See your worth (I see it). When you do, you’ll know you can handle whatever you need to - what you have gone through, are dealing with, or will eventually face. Trust yourself. Believe in yourself. Know you are significant to this world and you do provide significance.

Because of you, IMA remains a place where you and those around you can see your dreams come true. Keep dreaming, and keep working towards those dreams. They can come true.

Besides seeing my kids thrive as adults, I have never been more proud than how I feel about leaving here knowing this position will continue on. But as much as I love being the Dream Coach here at IMA, I love being a grandpa even more. Now that I feel I am enough, its time to challenge myself again. I now dream to be the best friend, uncle, brother, son, husband, father, father-in-law, and grandpa (with three grandkids as of Sunday!) I can be.

Thank you for making these past six years, by far, the best of my professional career.

I am grateful to each and every one of you. God Bless!