#31 - EFFECTIVE DREAMERS COOPERATE

Coming together is a beginning.
Keeping together is progress.
Working together is success.
Henry Ford

Effective dreamers are team-oriented.

Dreams require teams. And history has clearly shown that every great endeavor that has had a positive impact on our world was accomplished by a team.

Walt Disney had the Imagineers.
John Wooden had the UCLA Bruins.
Jesus Christ had the 12 Disciples.
Mother Theresa had the Nuns of Calcutta.

Though working within the context of a team is not always the easiest thing to do, effective dreamers choose to cooperate and work in teams because they understand that a strong team leads to:

Combined TALENTS

While one person is capable of having one or two talents, a team of individuals brings together a multitude of skills and abilities. Effective dreamers embrace this and surround themselves with people who have talents to compliment their own.

Constant ENCOURAGEMENT

Every dream journey is filled with obstacles and roadblocks along the way. A dreamer who is accompanied by a team to provide constant encouragement through those obstacles typically perseveres. A dreamer who lacks encouragement from others rarely pushes through.

Consistent ACCOUNTABILITY

The tasks and “To-Do” Lists of an effective dreamer are many. E-mails to send, applications to fill out, products to order, relationships to develop, places to go, deadlines to meet, etc. A team provides a group of people to be accountable to for those tasks. The absence of a team leaves the dreamer accountable to themselves. And we all know how that usually works out…

Creative MASTERMINDS

In addition to producing multiple talents, teams also produce multiple creative minds. Multiple minds to solve problems. Multiple minds to develop vision. Multiple minds to produce good ideas.

The great thing about this is, bringing two minds together does not only give you two minds. The two minds combined produce a much more powerful and creative “third mind.” It’s the idea of synergy where 1+1=3!

#30 - EFFECTIVE DREAMERS ADJUST

We must to adjust to
changing times and still hold to
unchanging principles.
Jimmy Carter

Effective dreamers are flexible.

They are aware that the road to dream fulfillment is not a straight one; so when the twists and turns of the journey arise – they make the necessary adjustments. They embrace the idea of consistent course correction and they do not allow themselves to get stuck on that which is no longer working.

This characteristic of flexibility is born out of an understanding that failure is a reality and it is the person who learns and adjusts from the failure who makes the most progress.

So with that in mind, effective dreamers keep themselves open to:

1. Adjusting their PLANS.

When plans are no longer working, effective dreamers make adjustments to them. They realize that the plan that may have got them started may not be the plan that is going to get them to their “finish line.”

What was supposed to take three years, may need to be adjusted to five.
What was supposed to cost $5 million, may need to be adjusted to $2 million.
What was supposed to help 1,000 people, may need to be adjusted to help 3,000 people.

Are you willing to make adjustments to your plans?

2. Adjusting their ACTIONS.

Similarly, when specific actions are no longer getting the results they once did, effective dreamers change them.

When their methods are outdated, they update.
When their approach becomes irrelevant, they become relevant.
When their systems no longer work, they design new ones.

Are you willing to make adjustments to your actions?

3. Adjusting their TEAM.

Finally, adjustment to your “dream team” must remain a possibility as well. As the vision for your dream transforms, as people develop and as things change, so will your team. Adjustments to your team may include:

Friends who began the dream journey with you.
Someone who you thought was “perfect” for the position.
Family members who you thought would work with you forever.

Are you willing to make adjustments to your team?

Remember, in regards to your dream journey, it’s not what has been that is most important. It’s what (and who) works best that is most important.

#29 - EFFECTIVE DREAMERS BELIEVE

Faith is knowledge within the heart, beyond the reach of proof.
Khalil Gibran

Effective dreamers are faith-filled.

Dreamers do not only visualize possibilities, but, more importantly, they sincerely believe that the possibilities that they dream can and will come true.

They have the unique ability to trust without knowing and believe without seeing.

Where does this faith come from?

I can’t say for sure, but what I do know is that many of the things that they believe in are similar. A majority of dreamers who see their dreams to completion all have:

1. Faith in their GOAL

Effective dreamers believe that the dreams and goals they are pursuing are worthy goals. They believe that the change that they are believing for is necessary and needed. They live with a sense of conviction that says, “If I don’t accomplish this dream or goal, no one else will.” They are convinced that their goal is a good one, and it is their responsibility to see it to completion.

2. Faith in their GIFT

In addition to a belief in their goals, effective dreamers have an unwavering faith in their talents and abilities. They understand that they have been uniquely equipped to make their dreams a reality therefore they confidently pursue that which they have set in their hearts to accomplish. They believe the old adage that states, “God does not call the equipped, but he equips the called.”

3. Faith in their GOD

Possibly the most important aspect of an effective dreamer’s faith, is their faith in God. Dreamers who see their dreams to fruition believe, ultimately, their dreams were given to them by God. They see the work that they are carrying out as critical not only because it is needed in the world, but more importantly, because it is an assignment from above.

Effective dreamers believe God will provide for the various needs of their dream.
Effective dreamers believe God will make a way where there seems to be no way.
Effective dreamers believe God will give them strength to persevere through their obstacles.

Though effective dreamers have a trust and faith in their goals and dreams, their ultimate trust is in “The Dreamgiver.”

#28 - EFFECTIVE DREAMERS VISUALIZE

Visualize this thing that you want, see it, feel it, believe in it. Make your mental blue print, and begin to build.
Robert Collier

Effective dreamers are visionaries.

Everything is created twice. The first creation taking place mentally. The second creation taking place physically.

For example:

Blueprints precede beautiful buildings.
Recipes precede delicious meals.
Business plans precede million-dollar businesses.

The truth is, effective dreamers are not only great at making their dream a reality in the physical realm, but they are equally and many times even more talented at envisioning the dream prior to its’ completion.

When a dreamer identifies their concern (whether for themselves, their community, or the world), many times their next natural step is to visualize an ideal solution. They visualize answers. They visualize possibilities. They visualize hope.

This envisioning or visualizing typically takes place in three different forms:

1. DREAMING the future.

Dreaming happens in the mind. Dreaming is the ability of seeing projects, structures, music, dance, words and other creations before they can be seen in the natural. Dreaming is creating a mental picture of what could and what should be. Dreaming brings a future desire into a present reality.

2. DISCUSSING the future.

Discussing happens with others. Sharing ideas. Exchanging thoughts. Giving feedback. Challenging concepts. Visualizing with others is a powerful way to bring life and growth to the dreams that have been birthed in your mind. A willingness to discuss the future shows a need for others and an understanding that the best ideas are a combination of several ideas.

3. DESIGNING the future.

Designing happens on paper. Designing or “Goal-Setting” is the art of taking what has been dreamt in the mind and discussed with others and putting those ideas on paper. Designing brings specificity to what you see becoming a reality. Designing brings into consideration deadlines, details, descriptions and drawings. Designing is visualizing made tangible.

#27 - EFFECTIVE DREAMERS CARE

The salvation of mankind lies only in making everything the concern of all. 
Alexander Solzhenitsyn

Effective dreamers are concerned.

It has been said that the starting point of all achievement is desire.

While I agree with that statement to an extent, I have found that I have never had a desire until I have first had a concern. For example:

I desire to exercise when I am first concerned about my health.
I desire to pray when I am first concerned about my relationship with God.
I desire to do the dishes when I am first concerned about the happiness of my wife!

On the other side of the coin, when I don’t have a true concern for a thing, it is very difficult for me to maintain a sustained desire.

With that said, I am convinced that goals and dreams are most often realized when, first, an individual connects with and has a sincere concern or care:

1. For THEMSELVES

One who has a concern for themselves believes: I can be better than this.

It is when these feelings of concern arise within an individual that desire and motivation for positive personal change follows.

Consider: What concerns do you have for yourself?

2. For their COMMUNITY

One who has a concern for the community believes: We can be better than this.

These feelings of concern lead an individual to make choices and decisions to make a positive change within their sphere of influence and surrounding community.

Consider: What concerns do you have for your community?

3. For the WORLD

One who has a concern for the world believes: Our world can be better than this.

It is the dreamers and goal achievers who have a concern and a burden for the world that have the seed within them to change the world.

Knowing this, it is my hope that, in addition to the concerns that we have for ourselves and our communities, we would also develop global concerns. If we would become concerned about the needs, issues and problems of the world at large, there is no telling what type of work those concerns would motivate us to accomplish!

Consider: What concerns do you have for the world?

#26 - HAVE PATIENCE WITH YOUR PROCESS

The key to everything is patience. You get the chicken by hatching the egg, not by smashing it.
Arnold H. Glasgow

How long will it take
till I finally see
the one in the mirror
who I dream to be?

How long will it take
before others know
my value within?
Doesn’t it show?

There’s a gift that I have
that I wish to share
but why does it seem
like there‘s no one aware?

Delay. Disappointment.
Frustration and Doubt.
So overwhelming.
Is there no shorter route?

Have Patience with Your Process.

The delays you despise
each have a reason.
If you see them all through
you’ll experience your season.

The time will soon come
your contribution on display
but a process comes first
there’s no other way.

For premature success
has been a downfall of many.
But if you can wait
you’ll find yourself ready.

Like a baby who develops
Nine months before birth
Your patience will produce
an invaluable worth.

#25 - I FIND JOY IN THE JOURNEY

Joy lies in the fight,
in the attempt, 
in the suffering involved,
not in the victory itself.
Mahatma Gandhi

Have you ever felt the tension
between who you are today
and who you’d like to be?

Have you ever been discouraged
by the progress you have made
and the progress you’d like to see?

I know the frustration.
I’m familiar with the stress.
I wish I had much more
But instead I have much less.

So how do I fight through
when all I see is lack?
How do I stay focused
and keep myself on track?

I find joy in the journey.

The lessons. The experiences.
The people along the way.
The successes. The victories.
The triumphs of each day.

Even through the difficulties
It’s gratitude I feel.
Because after my times of suffering
A refined character I’ll reveal.

Embrace the present and seize the moment
to these two things I vow.
For not another day will I be blind
to the joys that surround me now.

#24 - A LYRICISTS CRY

When my mind hits that wall
And the lyrics aren’t flowing
I’ll remember my purpose
To keep myself going.

I speak truth. I speak life.
I speak love. I speak hope.
To all those who’ve come
To the end of their rope.

I uplift. I encourage.
I take risks. I inspire.
No apology needed
I expose all the liars.

I’ll never give in
To the masses’ demands
Only fresh revelation
From the pen in my hands.

No gimmicks. No nonsense.
Only my best I will do.
To the roots of my childhood
I’ll forever be true.

#19 - WHAT I SEE

I see you not as you are
but as you will be.
For who you are now
Is just a sneak peek.

Only a glimpse of your greatness
Is what others view
But I see the masterpiece
That’ll one day be you.

Influence and Impact.
Compassion and Love.
Lives blessed by the gifts
Given to you from above.

Passions expressed.
Talents revealed.
It is through your great dream
That the world will be healed.

Your purpose fulfilled
It will be a great day.
But as I conclude
One last thing I must say.

The beauty I see
Will only shine through
If in the depths of your heart
You believe in it too.

#18 - THE TWO INEVITABLE PAINS

I have come to discover
that with dreaming comes pain.
Two types in particular
two kinds I can name.

The first I will mention is
The Pain of Pursuing.
It comes shortly after
you find yourself moving.

Moving towards your great dream
will bring this pain on
in many shapes and sizes
different faces it will don.

Obstacles and Roadblocks
Criticisms and Fears
Doubts and Distress
And many times Tears.

The Pain of Pursuing
is real to my core
But as much as it hurts,
The second pain aches more.

This second pain is known as
The Pain of Not Doing.
You will feel it inside
when instead of doing you’re viewing.

Watching others pursue
the dreams they possess
Though you desire so much more
Instead you do less.

The Pain of Not Doing
will leave you empty inside.
Untapped talent and potential
A longing to be alive.

In the final analysis
from one of two pains you will choose.
From one, you just may win.
From the other you’re sure to lose.

#17 - WHAT IS YOUR DREAM?

What is your dream?
Your purpose and your passion?
From birth it was deposited.
From birth it has been within.

What is your dream?
Your greatest heart’s desire?
Take the time to seek it and receive it.
For intentional thought it does require.

What is your dream?
Your burden for our land?
So many changes must take place.
The world is waiting for your hand.

What is your dream?
Your greatest act of service?
You must act here, you must act now.
There’s no time to be nervous.

What is your dream?
Will you make a move and pursue?
Or will you one day see another living it out…
And wish that it was you?

#16 - THE FAITHFULNESS OF THE FEW

There is a call that is on your life,
A specific purpose why you were made.
You have a reason for living.
Don’t let your destiny fade.

It is within you.
You were created, for it, just right.
You have everything you need to make your purpose a reality,
But you have to be willing to fight.

Fight through your feelings – you must.
Because when your assignment has been made known,
It won’t be long, the time will soon come
When you will start to feel alone.

Will anyone help me?
Will it ever be completed?
Will there be enough money?
Or will I just end up defeated?

I do not have these answers,
But there is one thing that I know –
As you are absolutely faithful to your call
Provision, Strength and Inspiration always seem to show.

I call this faithfulness:
“The Faithfulness of the Few”
Because history has clearly shown,
Only a few will make it through.

Make it through doubts and make it through fears –
not many will do it.
Most will never complete what they were created to do
Because they choose not to press on, they choose to not work through it.

Those who will stay faithful to their call, faithful through it all –
there will only be a few.
So in closing, I kindly ask…
Will one of the few be you?

#15 - YOUR GREATEST VALUE REVEALED

The car that you drive, whether fancy or not
Has nothing to do with your worth.
For your value is not found in the things that you own,
But in “the gift” you were given at birth.

The house, the job, even the multiple degrees –
They do not tell the whole story.
More important to know is when you were conceived,
Inside you there was placed glory.

But if this is true then why do we pursue
All this “stuff” to give our life meaning?
I would venture to say it is only because
You have yet to see yourself gleaming.

Gleaming? Yes…gleaming!

If you were only aware of your “shine” within,
Your masterpiece yet to be played,
You would focus not on the things of this world,
But on “that something” for which you were made.

“Jack of all trades and master of none” –
I tell you this won’t be your fate.
In this lifetime you will discover and display
That work in which you will be great

And when your days are over,
And your life on this earth has been sealed,
You can be sure that the world would have seen…
Your greatest value revealed.

#14 - HOW TO BE CONSISTENT

Inconsistency is the only thing in which men are consistent.
Horace Smith

Unfortunately, I can relate to the above quote much more than I would like to.

Areas of my life where I can be guilty of inconsistency include:

  • Exercising
  • Eating Healthy
  • Doing chores around the house
  • Investing quality time with my wife
  • Writing
  • Flossing my teeth

And if the truth be told, this actually greatly disappoints me. I can be better than this. Ishould be better than this.

I want to be consistent.

I want to do what I say I am going to do.
I want to remain steadfast in my commitments.
I deeply desire to be a man of my word – dependable and reliable.

How about you?

Do you want a more consistent lifestyle?
Do you desire that your intentions and your actions to, more often than not, be one and the same?
Do you aspire to live a life of greater integrity?

If so, here are 4 steps that I take when I desire to develop a greater level of consistency in a particular area of my life:

Step 1 – Identify the specific area of inconsistency.

Where exactly do you struggle with inconsistency?

  • Physically?
  • Relationally?
  • Spiritually?
  • Morally?
  • Financially?

Though your area of inconsistency may be hard to face or admit,  defining reality is key. As the Scriptures say, “the truth shall set you free.”

Step 2 – Decide to start over.

Make up your mind that starting over is OK.
Make up your mind that starting over is what’s best.
Make up your mind that starting over is what’s necessary.

Nothing happens until a decision is made. In the same way that suicide and homicide involve death to people, to decide means to bring death to all other options.

Step 3 – Take the first step.

If you want to consistently work out, do ONE work out.
If you want to consistently eat well, eat ONE good meal.
If you want to consistently read, read ONE page.
If you want to consistently save money, save ONE dollar.
If you want to consistently pray, pray ONE time.
If you want to consistently help others, help ONE person.

Before you can take 100 steps in a row, you must take ONE.

Step 4 – When you fail, repeat steps 1-3.

You will skip a day.
You will let yourself down.
You will fall back into patterns of inconsistency.

The key question you have to ask yourself when you do fail is this, “How much time will I allow to lapse between the day that I missed and the day that I start over?”

Your answer will determine how consistent of a life that you live.

  • Failing and Starting Over Daily = Consistency
  • Failing and Starting Over Sporadically = Inconsistency.

In conclusion, I encourage you to imagine a lifestyle in which, each day, you take just ONE step in the area of life in which you desire to be more consistent. Don’t you sense peace and relief as you execute that ONE step? Don’t you sense a greater level of satisfaction and fulfillment? Isn’t the ONE step worth it?

#13 - YOUR WRITTEN GOALS FOR LIFE ARE

"Write down the vision; write it clearly on clay tablets so whoever reads it can run to tell the others. It is not yet time for the message to come true, but that time is coming soon; the message will come true. It my seem like a long time, but be patient and wait for it, because it will surely come; it will not be delayed." Habakuk 2:2-3

THE COMMITMENT
you make to yourself to succeed.

THE TOOL
that you must use to build the life that you desire.

THE CLARITY
that you absolutely need to get started.

THE REASONS
why you get up in the morning.

THE BLUEPRINT
for your "dream life"

THE BRIDGE
that connects the gap of where you are
to where you want to be. 

THE MAGNET
that pulls you through the obstacles
that will stand in your way.

THE INSPIRATION
for you to never quit.

THE VISION
you have of your future.

THE PREVIEW
of your life's coming attractions.

THE DESTINATION
in which you are headed.

THE SUM TOTAL
of what you believe is possible for you!

#12 - THE POWER OF REFLECTION

"Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy meditate on those things." Philippians 4:8

A lost art. An unlearned skill. A last priority ability.

So what?!? With so many things going on, who has the time? With so much on my mind already, what good is it to think about the past? I lack so many other skills, why is this one important? What is reflection anyways?

Well, I'm glad you asked. 

Reflection is your ability to gather up your past experiences, analyze and examine the lessons learned, and invest those experiences into the future. To reflect is to...THINK!

Choose not to be a victim of television, the internet, and video games. Choose not let the wonders of technology disable your ability to think! 

Day after day, week after week, and month after month our lives are being filled with invaluable experiences that we can use to learn, grow, and benefit from...if we will allow them to.

The negative surrounds us daily. From day one we have hear more "No's" than "Yes's!" The number of people telling you, "You Can't," far outweighs the number of people telling you, "You CAN!" 

We must become our biggest cheerleader. Our ability to reflect upon our accomplishments and victories must become our greatest asset. The power of reflection has within it the ability to raise our self-esteem, self-confidence, and pride...if we will invest the time to do it!

What did I do well today? Who did I serve? How did I use my gifts? What obstacles did I overcome? What lessons did I learn? What goals did I achieve?

Ask yourself these questions and write down the answers to them daily so that you can gain the strength, energy, vitality, and courage that you will need for your days to come!