2017 has been a restless year for me. It’s been super-busy and fulfilling in a number of ways, but deep down there’s been a nagging doubt that I’m not doing all I can do and being all I can be, to make my dreams come true.
Now, don’t get me wrong – having dreams yet to be realised is a good thing, but only if you have a plan and are working steadily towards them. However, I have been so busy with the demands of my professional life that I have pushed some personal ambitions to the side, deferring them to some unknown future date. And yet, in my quietest moments, I wonder if a shortage of time has been the only factor in this conundrum.
My contemplation has been slow and tortuous, as I’ve found it difficult to tap into the deepest recesses of my subconscious mind – the vault that contains all my secrets. A classic personal development book, You Were Born Rich by Bob Proctor, has helped to bring my issues to the fore and, as a result, I’m working through them. I’m sharing these thoughts with you, in the hope that they will help you, as you set new goals for 2018. More importantly, I’m writing about them because I am desperate to help myself.
Tonight, as I prepared to write this, I saw a Facebook post by Sharon, a friend and former colleague, quoting me. She claimed that I had asked her a question years ago that she has never forgotten because of how much it challenged her to be her best self. The question was, “What would you do if you knew you couldn’t fail?” And, in that moment, all of my restless thoughts over the last few weeks came together and hit me like a bolt – fear of failure was at the root of my stalled dreams! The truth is that the dreams I have for the next stage of my life are so big that they scare me – the type of dreams that you never mention to anyone, except your closest confidants, because you haven’t even figured out the path towards them.
Reading Proctor’s book has reminded me of a few fundamentals that I will be using to guide me until I can see the way ahead more clearly. I hope you will find them useful on your journey.
- See yourself having/doing/being the thing you want
- Keep the image clearly in your mind and never let it go
- Expect that it will happen, no matter how long it takes
- Use daily affirmations to keep yourself focused, despite life’s distractions
- Persevere. Decide that you will not give up until you have what you desire
- Stop comparing yourself to others – you have a unique mixture of gifts that can’t be replicated
- Let go and let God – if you believe in a higher power or a perfect universe, all of the above, if followed, must bring your dream into reality
I’m deliberately ‘putting myself out there’ with this post, because I want it to be a clear (and very public) declaration that I’m ready to go after after those big dreams. And, yes, I’m scared – but no dream is truly worth realising if it’s not daunting. I hope you will find the courage to pursue whatever is your deepest desire for an amazing life. We’ll compare notes in 12 months.
Happy new year!
“Do not be held back by past failures. When the sun rises tomorrow, the light of the new day will illuminate an open door that beckons you to enter a new world called The Land of Beginning Again.” ~ from the book, ‘You Can Become the Person You Want To Be’ by Robert Schuller.
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, ‘Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?’ Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world.” ~ Marianne Williamson
From Kingston to Calabar 
This here Michael is something that I’ve promised myself to constantly do in the new year.
A few recent challenges had me questioning myself and my abilities. I have had to start a new day consciously believing that I’ll get all I’ve dared to hope for. The funny thing is at times, even in the darkest hours, everyone around me tend to see a better me, except me.
As the year ends, I noticed that I’ve slowly let go of the despair and fear as I plan to be the best me in 2018! Definitely looking to compare notes at the end of it.
I love this write-up Michael, God knows these were my thoughts from last night. I reflect on that question daily!
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Get You Were Born Rich by Bob Proctor online at Amazon.com. A few of us are reading together to create synergy and support. Remember that you are more than enough.
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Quite an interesting and thought poking one. Thanks for this.
Will get the book as well.
Cheers to a fulfilling 2018.
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You’re very welcome. Have a great year!
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Michael, your message is thought provoking as ever. As this new year begins I want to wish you all the very best for the future and hope you will achieve your dreams. Charles
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Thanks for the encouragement, Charles, it’s always appreciated. Have a wonderful 2018 and beyond!
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So true Michael….. Tks for the challenge. Sometimes one feels deeply trapped on this Journey. Have a great year of fulfilled dreams my brother xxxxxx
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Thanks very much. See you at the top!
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I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me. If thou canst believe; all things are possible to him that believe. However, there is need for focus because if the eyes are single the body will be full of light and the double-minded man doesn’t receive from God. True “self-help” in my personal experience comes from having an awareness of myself and how I relate with people and things around me based on the foundation of God’s Word.
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So true, IK. The real challenge is to hold that clear picture of whatever you want in your mind until it is realised – always believing that you will have it, acting as if you already possess it and being grateful even before it becomes reality. Have a magnificent year!
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This is very helpful as it is apt and encouraging. Wishing you success as you strive to achieve your dreams. Happy new year Michael.
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Blessings, as always, Eche. I was looking for you in Calabar – I went for a wedding – but was told you were in Abuja. Hope you enjoyed your time away.
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Am at a junction where certain hands are needed to bring to light my dreams, but our money first believe here is an aspect am trying to deal with.
The actualisation of I can do all things doesn’t work for those who don’t work, when work meets faith, it becomes easy to activate the God-factor when human-factor is consumed.
Hope 2018 be the year for us, the year of dreams come through.
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Hi Francis,
I know many people in Nigeria who struggle with that mentality when they need others to help realise their dreams. The good news is that there are good people everywhere, that can work with you. However, you have to be prepared to look for them. They are usually the ones who are already doing something productive – the ones who are proactive, optimistic and enthusiastic. There’s an old saying: ‘If you want something done, ask a busy person.’ Apart from that, you need to be able to share your dream with people in a way that gets them excited about being involved, and allows them to see what their reward will be if you succeed together.
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Hmmm! There is no arm in trying.
I like that aspect of considering busy folks, synergy may be it.
iThankYou Dear Michael.
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