Dreams….Focus….Reality

Having a dream is one thing…. Turning the dream into a reality is another thing.
The distance between “a dream” and “a reality” is called focus.

We all get inspired by various things or people at different points in life. However, that fire of inspiration does not stay lit inside our hearts for too long.~ Keeping that fire alive requires patience, determination, perseverance, focus and a ‘never give up’ attitude.

Watching a popular singer on TV and wanting to be like him/her is easy. ~ Practicing singing for many years, each day- each night, through sickness and health, without giving up on it –  is difficult.

So many of us, lack the ‘will and focus’ to achieve our dreams. We tend to compromise, accept, adjust to situations, as long as they are fulfilling our basic needs.

Is it so difficult to keep oneself focused?

Why do we say, some people’s talents are God-gifted? And, even if they are, does that mean god will not give any more presents to anyone else throughout his/her life?!!? Is God running short of gifts/talents?

All the people who have been able to make a mark in this world, did not do it by a fluke. They worked hard for many long years ~ It’s said that “Luck favors those who help themselves”.

Imagine, if everyone in the world had the determination to rise to his full potential, wouldn’t we have many more inventions, discoveries, creations and innovations?

Creating something gives immense satisfaction. It provides a feeling of achievement and fulfillment ~ whether the creation is a piece of art or writing or poetry or technology, a story or even a movie!

The thing that stops us from focusing on something is ‘the fear of failure’. We are scared to fail even before we begin! That’s so true for so many of us!

Whoever can conquer that fear and constantly ‘focus’ on his goals, can turn his dream into a reality.
It may not necessarily bring him a lot of money, fame or success ~ but it will provide the satisfaction that his dream has actually turned into a reality – no matter how big or small.

It will be for real! ~ Forever!

Other people will also then respect that reality and appreciate it. The appreciation may or may not matter at that point, because what will matter will be your very own reality.

Dreams-> Focus -> Reality

Career or Success?

It may sound ironic but it’s true – “Your career need not be the key to your success.”

Career is something we choose to pursue, in order to earn a living. People who are able to get into their ‘dream careers’ are lucky, but the ratio is very less.

Career decisions may be influenced by circumstances, family pressure, social standing, academic grades and several other things. For some, career is not a choice but a responsibility. People may or may not get successful in what they pursue as a career.

However, it’s important to understand that success may not always be driven out of your career choices.

Success is a state of mind – It can have many definitions – Being popular, being wealthy, getting liked by everyone, being content, being healthy or being able to fulfill the needs of the family and so on.

A lot of people pursue side businesses (besides their main careers) and become more successful in them. Many people get lucky in winning lotteries and consider that as success.

If a person is in a particular job role, should he stop looking at other avenues of being successful? For example – pursuing a hobby, starting a side business, doing charity work etc.

Doesn’t this imply that we all should be flexible to take up different roles and see what makes us most content and most successful?

I am always impressed by people who are multi-talented. For example – They may be engineers but pursuing a cooking course alongside. Isn’t it amazing to see how flexible they are with life and the possibilities it offers?

Before trying various options, it is important to define what success means to you and how important are the roles besides your main career stream.

Keep your eyes and ears open and look out for your dream role! – A hobby, a passion! – Plan to pursue it. You may have to plan your finances and time accordingly. But, we have only one life – it’s now or never! Do what you like and see if you want to keep doing it…!

Be flexible, be energetic, spread enthusiasm and inspire people! Be successful in what you choose to be ‘success’ for you!!

And just when I was writing this article, one of my colleagues came to my desk and told me about all the work she has been doing besides her main job. She takes writing classes, song writing classes, travels for conferences and a lot more! Wow!
I told her, that her words are an inspiration for me and many others as well.

Success is not necessarily driven out of your career!