A few weeks back, in issues 18 and 19, I talked about one of my all-time heroes, Dr. John Maxwell. I shared with all of you some excerpts from his latest book, " Put Your Dream to the Test." This week, I would like to share some final remarks from Dr. Maxwell, and to remind you of the power of living your dreams...every day.
In 1969, Dr. Maxwell began to dream about making a difference in the lives of people. After ten years of following that vision, he thought about whether he was succeeding. To his surprise, the first thing he discovered was that his dream to help others, also helped him in return. Here's how:
- His dream has helped him to focus. Every time he was tempted to stray from his purpose, his dream kept him on track.
- His dream has helped him to stretch. Often he wanted to stay in his comfort zone, but his dream always propelled him out of it and forced growth.
- His dream helped him to sacrifice. When the price for success got high, his dream encouraged him to pay it, reminding him that there are no shortcuts to success.
- His dream has helped him to persevere. When he thought about his dream, quitting was not an option.
- His dream has helped him to attract winners. The size of his dream determined the size of the people who were attracted to it. Small dreams attract small people and big dreams attract big people.
- His dream has helped him to depend on his maker and on others. His dream was too big for him alone. He needed his creator and other people to help him...and they did.
Your dream can do the same for you -- but only if you put your dream to the test and are able to answer yes to the questions that were presented in Dr. Maxwell's book. Here are the questions again:
1. The Ownership Question - Is my dream really MY dream?
2. The Clarity Question - Do I clearly see my dream?
3. The Reality Question - Am I depending on factors within my control to achieve my dream?
4. The Passion Question - Does my dream compel me to follow it?
5. The Pathway Question - Do I have a strategy to reach my dream?
6. The People Question - Have I included the people I need to realize my dream?
7. The Cost Question - Am I willing to pay the price for my dream?
8. The Tenacity Question - Am I moving closer to my dream?
9. The Fulfillment Question - Does working toward my dream bring satisfaction?
10. The Significance Question - Does my dream benefit others?
Every person owns his or her dream. Everyone needs to see it clearly. Each person must depend on their own skills, talent, hard work, and other factors within their control to go after their dream. All must be filled with passion that compels them to follow their dreams.
If you desire to live your dream, you cannot afford to answer yes to just one or two of Dr. Maxwell's questions. The more you answer yes to all ten of the questions, the greater the odds are that you will achieve your dreams.
Have a Great Week!
Jerry
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