When we’re young, anything seems possible. Those around us tell us, “the sky is the limit!” and we believe them.
But then somewhere along the way there’s a shift. As we get a little bit older the adults start herding us toward “realistic” goals. They see our talents, or the areas we struggle with, or our physical limitations and tell us which dreams aren’t achievable. Then we accept it. We choose a path towards a particular job or profession. We accept that dreams end as we grow into adults.
Why do we let others tell us what’s possible and what’s not? Is growing up about accepting reality and giving up on the dreams we held so passionately as children? Or should we strive to ignore those who expect us to accept “realistic” dreams and instead grow into bigger dreams and make a difference in this world?
* What if Davinci had stopped dreaming when the technology didn’t exist to bring his sketches to life? * What if the Wright brothers had listened to the critics who said man would have been born with wings if he was meant to fly? * What if the men who dreamed of flying in outer space had given up when those around them said it was impossible to put a man into space? * What if the women around the world who fought for our rights to speak up and be heard both in public and in the voting booth had instead sat silently as their mother’s generation told them to?
Making a difference doesn’t have to be as big as women’s rights, rocket ships or saving the planet. It can be changing one person’s life (or 100 or 1,000 or 10,000 people’s lives) for the better.
As entrepreneurs, we’re dreamers. We dare to believe that the products we create and the services we provide can make a difference in our lives and the lives of those we serve. We dare to believe that we can be successful and build our own business to support our families and our creative passions.
If you’re dreaming big, who am I, or anyone else to tell you not to try? Don’t listen to the doubters. Don’t listen to those who are too afraid to go after their own dreams. Don’t listen to those who try to tell you that you can’t achieve whatever you’re aiming for.
“The greatest danger for most is not that our aim is too high and we miss it, but that our aim is too low and we reach it.” ~Michaelangelo
Whatever your dream is, go after it. Only people who dare to try will make a difference.