“Think like a queen.  A queen is not afraid to fail. Failure is another stepping stone to greatness.”

I now recite this Oprah Winfrey quote on a daily basis, following my personal daily prayer.

Because I relate to it so well, I think I’m going to have it printed on a t-shirt, as well!

Gentlemen, simply replace “Queen” with “King” and proceed.

According to a report released last year by Gallup, the Washington, D.C.-based polling organization, unhappy employees outnumber happy ones, by a 2:1 margin worldwide.

My instincts tell me that if circumstances permitted, every one of those unhappy people would hit the permanent snooze button on their work life and remain in a dream world next Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday…….

Do you have a dream and are not pursuing it? If you answered “YES”, then, I must ask, “Why aren’t you?”

Is it because circumstances (i.e. financial, family, health, etc.)  are preventing you? If so, then that’s quite understandable. Many people are unable to follow their dreams because of these and similar reasons.  I understand this dilemma  wholeheartedly and respect it, 100%. As unfair as it may be, sometimes life just gets in the way.

However, countless people don’t follow their dreams because of fear of failure, or discouragement from others. An equal number refrain from the pursuit of happiness because they are unaware of an ongoing epidemic that I refer to as the “Dream Killer Syndrome.”

Sadly, where there is a dream, there is a dream killer, or two. There is no foolproof method of fending off this cloud of hateration in our midst. There are, fortunately,  a few things that you can do to keep it at bay, while you solidify your Rock Star Status Master Plan.

QUOTE: “When God has a plan for you, neither the devil nor his representatives can stand in your way.”  J.R. Miller

1. Have faith and believe in yourself, even when others don’t. Never let anyone tell you that you can’t or won’t do something. Refuse to allow doubters and haters to deter you.  Hard work + dedication + commitment can lead you to a world of endless possibilities. If you never try, you will never know what might have been.

Quote: “Let your faith be bigger than your fears.” – FEWDM

2. Sometimes it’s the people closest to you who are the least supportive of your dreams, especially as you get closer to them becoming reality. Whatever you do, do not stop persevering; stand firm, press on, keep dreaming. Use their lack of interest or support as motivation to do even grander and more noteworthy things. Remember, the only person’s approval you need is yours and depending on your beliefs (or not), whomever you view as a spiritual guide.  Avoid allowing other people’s negative or detached dispositions to affect your desire to grow and prosper. If you are happy with where you are in life at this moment and took your last breath today, would you be content  with the footprint that you left behind? If  the answer is “YES,” then stop in your reading tracks now.  If it’s “No,” begin the process of following your intuition, that tapping on the shoulder that is telling you that you’re supposed to be more, do more.

Quote: “Don’t chase people. Be yourself, do your own thing, and work hard.  The right people… the ones who really belong in your life, will come to you. And stay.” ~Will Smith

3. When you have a dream, it’s up to you to pursue it. Those who don’t believe in your dreams don’t deserve to hear about them or be a part of them. When people show you who they are, believe them. Thank you Maya Angelou. When calls and emails routinely go unreturned, you are being shown that you are not a priority. Just as the medical profession labels hypertension, these individuals are who I have categorized as the Silent Dream Killers. No assistance, no words of encouragement, no anything from these individuals, with the exception of the occasional critique. Wake up and reciprocate. Let them see the end result when you have achieved what you set out to do. Simply place your focus on demonstrating your appreciation for those who were physically, mentally and emotionally present when you needed them. Period.

Quote: “Haters don’t hate you…the reality is they fear they will never be able to get to where you are right now.” – Lea Remillet       

4. As you mature and get closer to your dream, you will, unfortunately, come to realize that there are numerous people in this world who do not deserve your time or friendship. There will be those who will want to hold you back and cringe at the thought of you becoming a success.  Sometimes with growth, comes the need to do some personal housecleaning – also known as “kicking some folks to the curb.” Realize that you cannot control other people’s actions; however, you can and most certainly should have full control of your own. 

Quote. “If you’re absent during my struggle, don’t expect to be present during my success.” – Will Smith

5. You determine your personal value- no one else. If you truly believe that you can do something and can be successful at it, don’t let ANYONE stand in your way! Nothing worth having comes easy, and success is one of those things. However, once it comes, you will be able to reflect back with pride; memories of your road to success, once paved with struggles and challenges. You will realize that it was worth it; you earned it and will be forever grateful for those who hung in there with you on your journey. As for what to do with  the Johnny- Come-Latelies, you decide.

Each day, remind yourself of the following:

1. I must embrace my greatness today. 2. Tomorrow may never come. 3. Dreams that are 6 feet under are only food for the worms.

Albus Dumbledore once said, “In dreams, we enter a world that’s entirely our own.”

I say, “THE WORLD BELONGS TO THE PEOPLE WHO REGULARLY SAY, “I CAN, I WILL AND I DID!”

OWN IT!

Can you relate? Share your comments below.

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