This article discusses the importance of being a dream catcher, and not giving up on your dreams. It features a few model individuals who we can learn from and follow their advice.
Autumn is the season where we reap the benefits of the seeds that we planted in the spring according to the great philosopher Jim Rohn. I wanted to touch base with the entrepreneurial community on why you should never, ever, give up on your dreams.
This past Labor day as many of us celebrated American workers with family and friends or looked upon the upcoming new season with regret or disappointment for the things we want to achieve or feel that we should have already achieved, Diana Nyad, a 64 year old endurance swimmer became the first swimmer to cross the 110 mile journey from Cuba to Key west without the protection of a shark cage. This was Ms. Nyad’s fifth attempt to reach her goal in 35 years and she finally made it.
Being a Dream Catcher
After Ms. Nyad completed her journey, she gave us three simple but powerful messages that I want to share with you to show you how this applies to us as individuals as well as entrepreneurs, myself included. Diana’s three messages were:
1. We should never, ever give up
Think of all the situations that you have been through, how bad you fought for the dream you wanted the most, and most importantly for those of you that are still struggling to reach their destination this is not the time to quit. Ms. Nyad tried this five times and each time before there was an obstacle in her way. Storms, stinging jellyfish, and terrifying sharks. I can’t think of one person in my life that would do what she did, can you? You could be that person.
2. You are never too old to chase your dreams
Whether you’re 35 or 53 chances are deep down inside there is something burning you on the inside. Maybe this goal is something you dreamed of doing twenty years ago . It could be the dream of working for yourself or the dream of finally getting that MBA title that you may not even need but want to have it make you feel complete. Ms. Nyad showed us all that it’s really never too late. All you need is perseverance and determination to succeed.
3. It looks like a solitary sport, but it takes a team
This lesson was actually my favorite. I confess! It’s my favorite because I’m running a company, as are many of you, and we both know that doing it ourselves is just a crock of you know what. If it weren’t for my team I honestly don’t know how I would do it. A well-balanced team makes all the difference.
If you are running your business alone this really applies to you. Think about all of the things you would be able to achieve if you developed your A team. After so many attempts Ms. Nyad knew what she had to do and whom she had to consult to make this journey a success. On one occasion she had a severe asthma attack that stopped her journey, which prompted her to call a pulmonologist. After being severely stung by a swarm of jellyfish, she called in a jellyfish expert. Sharks are usually an absolute menace so she called in shark divers. After each lesson she learned exactly whom she needed to succeed and you must do the same.
We are living in an age where anything is possible, including the outrageous dreams you have in your head. So today as we reflect on Diana Nyad’s successful journey, I want you to continue telling yourself, IT’S POSSIBLE! Be a dream catcher, and go for it.
Adriana Langford is The Chic Entrepreneur Coach and founder of chicentrepreneur. A mindset and marketing mentor teaching women entrepreneurs how to step out of their comfort zone and into their path to success by transforming their mindset and mastering their marketing skills.
Image Credit: www.therichest.com
