Playing in a major golf tournament is a dream of every young golfer. Realizing that dream, however, requires hard work, lots of perseverance, and overcoming significant obstacles. Just ask the contestants in this year’s PGA Championship being contested this weekend at Oak Hill GC near Rochester, NY.
The PGA is a great test of golf skills, but at the end only one will emerge the victor and hoist the Wanamaker Trophy. Only one will realize their dream and take home the cup. Everyone else will fail – this year.
For many, unfortunately, failure is the first step toward stopping dreaming. Other reasons to stop include encountering too many obstacles and a non-encouraging support group. The result is that they stop dreaming altogether and their dreams slumber in the quiet recesses of our minds. Due to be awakened years later when your grandchild asks, “Grandpa, did you ever play golf, run a marathon, or play lacrosse?”
So, how do you get in touch with your slumbering dreams? How do you rekindle the fire in your belly?
- Identify your dreams. Write them down! Quickly jot down each one on a 3″ x 5″ card. Post one card in a spot you’ll look at every morning. This might be on the bathroom mirror.
- Imagine yourself realizing your dream. Picture yourself being introduced as someone who has accomplished your dream.
- Take a Step. Everyday do one thing (small or large) that will get you closer to realizing your dream.
- Share your dreams. Tell someone else about your heart’s deepest desire. Ask them to hold you accountable.
- Share your obstacles. Everyone has obstacles. What’s stopping you? If you don’t identify them as obstacles you can never get beyond them. Ask others how they got beyond their obstacles.
- Persevere. Keep on swinging, swimming, running, or whatever your dream requires. Remember it’s not huge leaps that will achieve the dream, but small steps taken every day.
- Celebrate Often. Each step, each obstacle overcome is cause for celebration. Reward yourself.
What are the dreams of your heart? What’s keeping you from realizing them today?
