E-couragement: Start
“The secret of getting ahead is getting started.” Mark Twain
She’s at it again. My oldest daughter, Taylor, is headed to learn and grow in a foreign land. I’ve blogged about her in the past:
- 2007 When Dreams Take Flight, Taylor was 16-years old when she spent a semester in Arica, Chile.
- 2011 Dreamcatcher, as a college senior, Taylor studied abroad in Florence, Italy.
- Now a graduate student, she’ll soon depart for Sophia Antipolis, at the heart of the French Riviera.
What lessons might we learn from a 23-year old who has made a habit of following her dreams?
Taylor and I were recently texting. It was the day before beginning her graduate school orientation. She was nervous. I was nervous and excited for her. She wrote, “Graduate school! Another dream of mine is conquered and has become a reality.” What a powerful statement. How many of us—grown up adults—would like to be texting that same message? Another dream is conquered and has become a reality.
Certainly there are a number of steps that go into transforming a dream into reality. Focusing on too many steps at once can cause emotional, physical, and intellectual paralysis. Getting bogged down with the process details will cause you to remain stuck right where you are. Let’s simplify the dream conquering procedure instead of over complicating it. While pondering Taylor’s achievements, there’s one particular principle critical to her success. She STARTS.
That’s it. It’s that simple. Taylor’s dream-to-reality capabilities exist because she starts moving forward. How will you achieve your dream? Start. How will you write that book? Start writing. How will you begin that business? Start selling. How will you get that raise you deserve? Start asking. How will you find that loving relationship? Start loving. How will you become that healthy and energetic person? Start moving.
Perhaps you’re holding out for a “sign from above.” A clear message might provide the courage to get started. Well, you’re in luck. While vacationing in beautiful Blowing Rock, NC, I visited the nearby town of Valle Crucis and came across this. Since I was in the mountains at the time, consider it your sign from above. Looks like it’s time to start.
Leave your comments: What are you ready to start?