#50 - IN REGARDS TO ANXIOUSNESS

I have so far to go.

Never before has the gap, between who I am today and the person God ultimately created me to be, felt so wide. I have so many unmet goals and unfulfilled dreams. So many character flaws and integrity issues. Bad habits and besetting sins.

I know that I am on the path.
I know that progress has been made.
I know that the process is taking place.

But it’s not enough.

I want to get “there” already. Wherever “there” is. Though I’ve been told so many times before to, “enjoy the journey,” if the truth be told, I’m tired of the journey. Can’t I just arrive at my destination already?!

But in the midst of my anxiousness and discontent, I am reminded of yet another timeless truth from the Word of God:

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:6-7

Simply stated: Prayer precedes peace.

There does exist an antidote to anxiousness. A cure for discontent. The solution is prayer. The promised outcome is peace.

And tonight, based on the severity of my condition, I think I’m gonna’ give it a shot.

#49 - IN REGARDS TO LOVING MY WIFE

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Sacrificially loving my wife is not easy.

I have such a selfish nature. My chief aim is usually to do what I want to do when I want to do it. My daily agenda is typically filled with activities and things to do that will fulfill my needs and desires.

Sure, I’ll help around the house, engage in quality conversation and do thoughtful things for my wife, but only when it’s convenient for me.  And rarely is it convenient.

This is not OK. Things need to change. I need to change.

The directive from God and the timeless truth from His Word is very clear:

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her… – Ephesians 5:25

And what did Christ do for the church? He died for her.

The very least I can do is take out the trash without being told.

#48 - IN REGARDS TO WEAKNESS

I am weak.

I say things that I know I shouldn’t say.
I do things I know I shouldn’t do.
I don’t say things that I know I should say.
I don’t do things that I know I should do.

I know better, but many times I do not do better.

But it is this timeless truth that gives me hope:

My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. – 2 Corinthians 12:9

God’s grace is sufficient.

When I am weak, in Christ, I am made strong. Like the Apostle Paul, who penned the words above, I will boast of my weakness so that the power of Jesus Christ can be made evident in my life.

My name is Edward and I am weak.

#47 - THE 4TH QUARTER

A man is at his finest towards the finish of the year.
Edgar Guest

Believe it not
the 3rd Quarter is done.
The Summer is over.
Fall has begun.

School’s back in session.
Baseball is ending.
Football has started.
The Holidays are pending.

So what does this mean
to me and to you?
With only three months remaining
What are we gonna’ do?

Will we finish out strong?
Complete goals on our list?
Or regret that we allowed
opportunity to be missed.

We must remember.

The 4th Quarter is when
great comebacks are made.
The 4th Quarter is where
great plays are displayed.

The 4th Quarter allows
another chance to begin.
The 4th Quarter reveals
your desire to win.

For how your year started
is not the whole story.
It’s how you will finish
that’ll determine your glory.

#46 - DO YOUR BEST

I am fascinated with greatness.

Ever since I can remember, I have been very interested in and have tried to learn from those who have experienced the highest levels of success in their chosen field over an extended period of time.

Some of my favorite “greats” of all-time include:

  • Michael Jordan – Basketball Player
  • Michael Jackson – Singer/Entertainer
  • Earth, Wind and Fire – Band
  • Og Mandino – Author
  • Rick Warren – Pastor
  • Jim Rohn – Inspirational Teacher
  • John Wooden – Coach

Unfortunately, on June 4, 2010, one of the “greats” that has had a tremendous impact on my life,  John Wooden, passed away. He was just four months shy of celebrating his 100th birthday, and in this particular blog post, I would like to take a look at the definition of success that guided his life:

Success is peace of mind which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you made the effort to become the best of which you are capable.

I want to be successful.

I wholeheartedly desire to have the type of success, in every area of my life, that the great John Wooden speaks of.

But the truth is, there are certain areas of my life where, I am not making “the effort to become the best of which I am capable.” In these areas, I am slacking off and I am cutting corners. I am not taking full responsibility, and as a result, when it comes to that area of life, I do not have the peace of mind which Wooden speaks of.

Do you have any areas of your life in which you find yourself doing less than you are capable?

What Wooden reminds us in his definition of success is a truth that we have heard ever since we were young children:

Do Your Best.

In regards to your work -Do your best.
In regards to your health – Do your best.
In regards to your finances – Do your best.
In regards to your relationships – Do your best.
In regards to your responsibilities – Do your best.

I know the advice is simple, but in light of the many obstacles and difficulty that surround us all, not only is it more convicting and true than ever before, but it also is extremely encouraging.

Do Your Best.

#45 - THE GATEWAY TO YOUR DREAM

I was feeling useless.

Though I woke up every morning with ambition, at the end of the day I was drained from my pursuit of money, success, acceptance, recognition, status and the “finer things in life.” I was going nowhere…fast.

Empty. Unfulfilled. Selfish. Yearning for more.

Can you relate?

Have you ever felt that what you woke up to do each morning was for nobody but yourself? Have you ever said to yourself, “There has to be more to life than this.” Have your pursuits, your desires, your plans and your ambitions ever led you to a dead end?

Has your existence ever given you so little fulfillment that you questioned why you were living in the first place?

This is exactly how I felt in 2007.

Then, I discovered my burden.

I identified a problem in the world that I wanted to play a part in fixing. I saw a segment of the population who was hurting and decided that I needed to do something about it. My heart became broken for something that, I believe, broke God’s heart.

I was concerned.

So what happened next?

Ideas started to flow. Opportunities to serve others started to make themselves available. I connected with people who felt the same way. I was told, “Thank You.”

Life began to have meaning.
No longer was I only pursuing my needs.
I was living my life for others, as opposed to living only for myself.

My life’s purpose began to reveal itself.

Over the course of the last three years, I have done work in response to my burden. I have pursued opportunities that serve the people for whom my burden is for. My work is no longer prosperity-driven, but instead it is purpose-driven!

And through all this, the lesson I have learned and would like to share with you is this:

YOUR BURDEN IS THE GATEWAY TO YOUR DREAM.

When you, once and for all, identify the deepest, most sincere burden that lies within you, then and only then will your life’s purpose begin to be made evident.

So what can you do to discover your burden?

I encourage you to reflect upon the following questions for they will provide clues to the burden that is yours to alleviate in the world.

What community or world issues:

Bother you?
Undermine your values?
Require your response?
Deploy your creativity?
Enlarge your compassion?
Never go away?

Imagine for a moment, what your life would be like if you began to live your life in response to your burden? How fulfilled would you be? What would your work look like? How much of a blessing would you be to those around you?

My life had no meaning prior to the discovery of my burden. But now that my burden has been identified, and now that I am doing my best to act upon my burden each day, my purpose has never been so clear!

Your burden is the gateway to your dream. Discover it.

#44 - THE LESSONS DEATH TEACHES

On March 1, 2010, my wife’s father passed away.

The time since his death has not been easy for either of us. The grief we have experienced has been difficult to handle.

But, this time has provided for me an opportunity to put my own life into perspective.

Specifically, this loss, to my wife and I, has revealed to me three aspects of life that I previously took for granted. I now understand, more than ever, that:

1. Life is BRIEF.

I must not take for granted the days, weeks, months and years that I have been given. I must live and love each day with an understanding that it very well could be my last. I will seize the day.

2. Life is BEAUTIFUL.

Music. Nature. Art. Family. Friends. There are so many aspects of life that make it absolutely enjoyable to live.  I must not allow myself to take for granted the beauty that surrounds me each day. I will appreciate God’s beautiful creation.

3. Life is a BLESSING.

Because I am alive, I am blessed. My hands able to create. My brain able to think. My heart able to love. And because I have been blessed with this gift of life, I choose to be a blessing to others.

With a greater understanding of the brevity, beauty and blessing of life, I have re-committed myself to enthusiastically pursuing every dream that has been placed within me. Time is of the essence.

I wish to die empty of every purpose for which I was created, and I encourage you to desire to do the same.

#43 - 10 QUESTIONS TO DISCOVER YOUR BURDEN

Your frustration may be your allocation.
T.D. Jakes

The fulfillment of your dream begins with the discovery of your deepest, most sincere burden, and the following 10 questions will guide you in doing just that!

What community, state, national or world issues:

  • anger, frustrate, disturb or sadden you most?
  • make you feel like if you don’t do something about it, no one else will?
  • can you not ignore, even if you tried?
  • do you invest your spare time thinking of creative solutions for?
  • do you find yourself educating yourself about?
  • are most contrary to your values and beliefs?
  • do you find yourself getting in “heated” discussions or debates about?
  • have brought you to tears?
  • would you pursue solving if you knew you only had one year to live?
  • would you pursue solving if you knew you could not fail?

#42 - 5 BENEFITS OF PURSUING MY DREAM

Whatever good things we build end up building us.
Jim Rohn

The benefits to pursuing the dreams you have within you are many, but after nearly three years of pursuing that which I believe I was created to do, there are five benefits in particular which stick out to me the most. They are:

Hope

I am first and foremost thankful for the hope that my dream provides.  Regardless of the various circumstances I may experience that may not be to my liking, having a dream to pursue has allowed me to maintain a positive expectancy for my future.

Excitement

Being a dreamer has also lead me to experience a life full of excitement, risk and exploration.  Though carrying out the work of making a dream come true is not always easy, I am very thankful that my dream allows me to engage myself in work that stimulates me and requires me to use the gifts and talents I have been given.

Anticipation

By not really knowing what doors may open as a result of following my dream, I am also grateful for the sense of anticipation that this journey has allowed me to experience.  I am overcome by an anticipation and curiosity for whom my dream may serve next, where around the world my dream may take me next and what future positive impact my dream will have on others.

Rewards

My dream is to see people enthusiastically discover, develop and display their dream.  Therefore the greatest rewards I’ve enjoyed and am grateful for are the testimonies and stories of those people whose dreams are being advanced as a result of my work.  It brings me such joy and fulfillment every time I see progress in the dreams of those around me!

Tough Skin

Though I may not appreciate it in the moment, the obstacles that I have faced along my dream journey have developed within me a “tough skin” that I am very grateful for.  Along with dreaming comes pain, letdowns, hardship and disappointment, but all of those “negative” feelings are building within me a sense of resilience that I know I would not be developed within me otherwise.

To follow your dream is to follow your heart!

The benefits of Hope, Excitement, Anticipation, Rewards and Tough Skin have been well worth every difficulty that has come along with being one who is committed to following my dream.

I encourage you to not only continue to pursue your dream, but also take the time to reflect on the many benefits that dreaming has provided for you!

#41 - 25 REASONS TO PURSUE YOUR DREAM

The heart has reasons that reason cannot know.
Blaise Pascal

I have found that, on a daily basis, my mind comes up with, what I believe to be, “justifiable” excuses and reasons for giving up on my dream.  But, when I am able to outweigh my excuses with my reasons, I can, for one more day, persevere.

The following 25 reasons compel me to continue to pursue my dream and prayerfully they inspire you to do the same.

The Fulfillment of Your Dream Will…

  • Make your family proud.
  • Give you an incredible sense of joy and satisfaction.
  • Inspire others to pursue their dream.
  • Serve others.
  • Prove to yourself that you weren’t crazy.
  • Disprove your doubters, skeptics and naysayers.
  • Increase your faith.
  • Develop within you perseverance.
  • Build your confidence.
  • Allow you to exercise your creativity.
  • Force you to use your imagination.
  • Reveal the “greatness” within you.
  • Prevent you from living an ordinary and mundane life.
  • Create lasting memories.
  • Be a positive impact on the world.
  • Maximize your God-given talents and abilities.
  • Ensure your personal development.
  • Stretch your self-imposed limitations.
  • Provide you peace.
  • Express your love for others.
  • Signify your ability to finish what you started.
  • Outlive your life.
  • Result in a delightful destiny.
  • Leave a legacy worth remembering.
  • Fulfill your life’s purpose.

Other than pursuing your dream, is there any other life pursuit that would result in the preceding benefits?!?

I encourage you to be more often driven and led by your reasons as opposed to your excuses!  I am convinced that the life of a dreamer who acts on their dreams is a life worth living!

#40 - YOUR DREAM DEFINED

Here is my best attempt to communicate, what I believe to be…

The Definition of Your Dream

To combine your passions and skills to make a unique, significant and positive impact on the world.

The Definition Breakdown

To combine your passions

You have a love and a consuming desire for something.  Whether it be music, art, technology, government, politics, education, sports, law, agriculture, animals, design, etc. – the point is, you are passionate about something.  This is where your dream begins.

and skills

You have skills. Whether you can sing, dance, write, communicate, play an instrument, listen, empathize, draw, organize, lead, delegate, plan, create, cook, etc. – your skills will be used to make your dream a reality.

to make a unique

The impact you will make on the world around you will be unique to you.  You will not make an impact that has already been made.

For example, if your passions and skills are in the field of computers, your dream is not to make the same impact as a Bill Gates or Steve Jobs.  Your dream is to make an impact and a contribution that has yet to be made!

significant

No one desires to leave an insignificant or small impact on those around them.  If the truth be told, you don’t just want to make a unique impact on your world, you want to make a unique and significant impact on your world!

and positive impact

We cannot only define the dream as being a unique and significant.  Many have made a unique and significant impact on the world that has been negative!  Your dream is for your impact to be a positive one!

on the world.

Whether your dream is to make a difference in one person’s life are in the lives of millions of people around the world, your dream, when fulfilled, will inevitably make the world a better place!

#39 - YOU WERE CREATED

In spite of the lies…

Your life is random.
Your existence is accidental.
Your reason for living is meaningless.

The TRUTH is…

You were created to live out a specific purpose.
You were created to complete a unique assignment.
You were created to make a significant contribution.
You were created to produce a positive impact.
You were created to create a meaningful masterpiece.
You were created to leave a lasting legacy.
You were created to fulfill a determined destiny.
You were created to discover, develop & display your God-given dream.

You were created for greatness. Period.

#38 - 3 ELEMENTS OF A DREAMER'S VISION

The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision.
Helen Keller

Effective dreaming requires not only sight, but, more importantly, vision.

With that said, to help you further understand vision, the following are three elements of vision that I am convinced all dreamers must maintain, to “see” their dreams to fruition:

Vision Element #1 – Vision to see your blessings.

An effective dreamer must first recognize and be grateful for their many blessings. It is from the recognition of your many blessings and freedoms that your dream can begin formation.

Vision Element #2 – Vision to see past your obstacles.

The vision of a dreamer also enables him/herself to see past their current negative circumstances and roadblocks.  You must see and recognize the importance of suffering and pain and uses your obstacles to strengthen and mature you for your dream journey.

Vision Element #3 – Vision to see your ideal future.

Finally, a dreamer must have a clear picture of what the fulfilled dream looks like. You see how your life and the world at large will be impacted by the fulfillment of your dream, and it is this clarity that pulls you towards your dream’s completion.

#37 - HOW TO COMMUNICATE EFFECTIVELY

Speech is the mirror of the soul; as a man speaks, so is he.
Syrus

Whether you are communicating the vision of your dream to others, the goals of your dream to team members or the needs of your dream to prospective supporters – the fulfillment of your dream requires effective communication.

Here are 7.5 Keys which will help to sharpen your communication ability:

Key #1: Thought

Think before you speak. – English Proverb

Ask Yourself – What am I going to say?

Key #2: Timing

Observe due measure, for right timing in all things is the most important factor. – Hesiod

Ask Yourself – When is the best time to say what I need to say?

Key #3: Tact

It is not the matter you cover so much as it is the manner in which you cover it. – Jim Rohn

Ask Yourself – How will I say what needs to be said?

Key #4: Truth

Honesty is the best policy. – Shakespeare

Ask Yourself – How will I say what needs to be said honestly?

Key #5: Transparency

Sincerity is an openness of heart; we find it in very few people; what we usually see is only an artful dissimulation to win the confidence of others. – Francois de la Rochefoucauld

Ask Yourself – How will I say what needs to be said openly and sincerely?

Key #6: Two-Ears

We have two ears and one mouth so we can listen twice as much as we speak. – Epictetus

Ask Yourself – Am I prepared to listen after I say what needs to be said?

Key #7: Takeaways

A manager is responsible for the application and performance of knowledge. – Peter Drucker

Ask Yourself – What action steps do I want to see take place as a result of this conversation?

Key #7.5: Thanks

Gratitude is the sign of noble souls. – Aesop

Ask Yourself – Will I remember to thank the person/s for allowing me the time to communicate what needed to be communicated?

#36 - EFFECTIVE DREAMERS LEARN

Live as if you wereto die tomorrow.
Learn as if you were to live forever.
Benjamin Franklin

Effective dreamers are learners.

They never cease to be in search of knowledge and experiences that will make them more effective in their chosen field. They wholeheartedly believe the saying made famous by the great Albert Einstein, “We cannot solve our problems with the same level of thinking that created them.”

Effective dreamers understand the importance of personal growth and development, and in my experiences, four distinct ways of development have had a tremendous impact on my life:

1. Development through MEDIA

Learn everything you can, anytime you can, from anyone you can – there will always come a time when you will be grateful you did.
– Sarah Caldwell.

Learned knowledge. This type of knowledge is consumed is a variety of ways:

  • Books/Audio Books
  • Instructional DVD’S/Videos
  • Blogs/Video Blogs
  • Seminars/Workshops
  • Conferences/Events
  • Formal Schooling

Development through these various forms is powerful and is many times responsible for the foundational ideas that will drive an effective dreamer for the rest of their life.

2. Development through ACTIVITY

I am always doing that which I cannot do, in order that I may learn how to do it. – Pablo Picasso

Activity knowledge. This type of development and growth comes from doing, taking action and trial and error. What can be learned in theory through learned knowledge is made real through activity knowledge.  Also known as “on the job training,” activity knowledge, though many times difficult, can also be the most impactful.

3. Development through PEOPLE

Learning would be exceedingly laborious, not to mention hazardous, if people had to rely solely on the effects of their own actions to inform them what to do. Fortunately, most human behavior is learned observationally through modeling: from observing others one forms an idea of how new behaviors are performed, and on later occasions this coded information serves as a guide for action. – Albert Bandura

Modeling knowledge. This type of learning saves the effective dreamer time, energy and money. Taking both the successes and failures of those who are seeing their dreams to fruition and learning from them aids the effective dreamer to, in the end, go further, faster.

4. Development through SHARING

We Learn: 10% of what we read, 20% of what we hear, 30% of what we see, 50% of what we see and hear, 70% of what we discuss, 80% of what we experience and 95% of what we teach others. – William Glasser

Teaching knowledge. Effective dreamers share their experiences, lessons and realizations with an understanding that in doing so, they will better learn and understand them themselves. There is no getting around it, what we teach, we learn.

Effective dreamers fully realize that they are a work in progress. Their growth which ultimately comes as a result of a mixture of media, activity, people  and sharing ends up acting as “maps” that they use to direct them to their destination of a dream fulfilled.

#35 - EFFECTIVE DREAMERS PRIORITIZE

Efficiency is doing things right, effectiveness is doing the right things.
Peter F. Drucker

Effective dreamers put first things first.

Effective dreamers understand that not all priorities are equal. They are very aware that if their goals and dreams are achieved at the expense of their priorities that, in the end, it isn’t worth it.

Common non-negotiable priorities of effective dreamers include:

1. FAITH

“There is only one kind of life that truly wins, and that is the one that places faith in the hands of the Savior. Until that is done, we are on an aimless course that runs in circles and goes nowhere.” – John Wooden

Effective dreamers prioritize their relationship with God. In spite of the fact that the world-renown basketball coach John Wooden experienced the highest levels of success coaching the UCLA Bruins, even he knew that without faith “we are on an aimless course.”

Effective dreamers understand that dreams fulfilled apart from a faith in God leave you empty. Adversely, when dreams are pursued with an understanding that the main objective of fulfilling the dream is to bring glory to God, true joy and a sense of purpose is realized.

How then do effective dreamers prioritize their faith? The great business philosopher Jim Rohn said it best, “Study, practice and teach.” Effective dreamers consistently make the time to study their faith, practice their faith and teach their faith.

2. FITNESS

“The first wealth is health.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Effective dreamers prioritize their health. They are very aware that the healthier you are the more effective you are. They understand that when you feel better you do better. Prioritizing their health and fitness not only provides the dreamer with the vigor and vitality necessary to do the work to make the dream come true, but it also gives the dreamer the best chance at being alive to see the fruits of their labor!

How then do effective dreamers prioritize their fitness? They consistently eat healthy foods and exercise. Simple advice, yes. Easy to follow, no.

3. FAMILY

“No matter what you’ve done for yourself or for humanity, if you can’t look back on having given love and attention to your own family, what have you really accomplished?” – Elbert Hubbard

Effective dreamers prioritize the relationships with those whom they love. They define their success not only by what they do, but also by who they developed relationships with during the process. One of an effective dreamers greatest nightmares is to have achieved every goal they may have had, but to have no family members around to share in their joy.

How then do effective dreamers prioritize their family? They invest quality time with them. Like the old adage says, “How does a child spell love? T-I-M-E.”

#34 - EFFECTIVE DREAMERS WAIT

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

Effective dreamers are patient.

When it comes to the fulfillment of their dream, they allow time to take its’ course. They understand the importance of a process, and they submit to it.

They liken their patience to the type of patience that a mother must exercise when she first finds out that she has conceived a child. For the child to be delivered healthily, a determined timetable is necessary. Likewise, for a dreamer’s dream to be conceived in a healthy manner, a determined incubation or waiting period is required.

Aspects of the dream journey that effective dreamers exercise patience through include:

1. Patience through TRAINING

Effective dreamers understand that the development of their talents, skills and abilities takes time. Greatness is only developed over time and effective dreamers exercise patience as their greatness is being manifested.

They understand that at least 10,000 is required to develop the skill of their choice. Studies show that to become a world-class musician, artist, writer, communicator, leader, counselor, actor, athlete, cook etc. requires 10,000 hours of practice. Effective dreamers are not only aware of this, but they are even more aware of the fact that there is no way that they can rush the 10,000 hours!

2. Patience through TRANSITION

Effective dreamers are not rattled by change. If moving locations is necessary, they are patient with the moving process. If changing a product is necessary, they are patient as the product is changed. If new methods must be learned or taught, they are patient as these methods are communicated.

In the same way that a farmer must be patient as the seasons transition from one to another, so must an effective dreamer embrace, with patience, each season that their dream may go though.

3. Patience through TROUBLE

Effective dreamers are patient through even the toughest parts of their dream journey. When finances are lacking, they patiently wait for them to show up. When people are quitting, they patiently wait for the right people to arrive. When problems are raining down on every aspect of their dream, they patiently wait for the storm to pass them by.

Remember, it is only after gold has been placed under extreme temperatures over an extended period of time that it is purified and reaches its’ highest value. Our dreams are no different.

#33 - EFFECTIVE DREAMERS DELAY GRATIFICATION

He would achieve little must sacrifice little; he would achieve much must sacrifice much; he would attain highly must sacrifice greatly.
James Allen

Effective dreamers are sacrificial.

No pain. No gain. Though it is a saying that we are all too familiar with, it is a truth that effective dreamers have embraced.

Dreamers make sacrifices. When they have identified the goal which they intend to pursue, they have the rare ability to, in many different ways, delay their gratification until their goal is reached.

Effective dreamers understand that to produce results that most people do not produce,they have to make sacrifices that most people do not have to make. They are convinced that significant positive impact requires significant sacrifice. That being said, you can find effective dreamers sacrificing:

Security for feelings of Significance.
Prosperity for the joy of pursuing their Purpose.
Acceptance for a chance to fulfill their Assignment.

What motivates these tough and, many times, painful sacrifices?

I believe it an awareness that there are certain things that are more important than the temporary pleasures that they may be sacrificing. Effective dreamers sacrifice because they realize:

1. PEOPLE are more important

The lives that can be potentially changed or positively impacted as a result of a dream being realized provides great motivation for sacrifice.

For example, if you knew that sacrificing your personal financial security in order that 1,000’s of widows and orphans in a third-world country (or whatever people group means a lot to you) would have a better life, wouldn’t you make the sacrifice?

2. PROGRESS is more important

When it is understood that a certain sacrifice will lead to progress with a particular dream or goal the sacrifice is much easier to make.

When we are told our cholesterol level will be lowered, we sacrifice our desire for fast food. When we know our relationship with our loved ones will be strengthened, we sacrifice our pride and ask for (or extend) forgiveness. When we are convinced that a particular investment will produce a return, we sacrifice our hard earned dollars.

3. PURPOSE is more important

Effective dreamers understand that their life’s purpose has a higher priority over sleep, comfort, hard work, money, hobbies, and other temporary pleasures therefore, the decision to sacrifice those things is made.

They believe that “The greatest failure is to be successful in the wrong assignment” (Myles Munroe) so they are quick to sacrifice those things that have nothing to do with their purpose.

#32 - EFFECTIVE DREAMERS BEGIN

The beginning is the most important part of the work.
Plato

Effective dreamers are starters.

They understand that their dreams, visions, burdens and plans are useless until they get started. There is no way around it. For dreams to be fulfilled, starting is required.

The following are three areas that effective dreamers absolutely master when it comes to starting.

1. Effective Dreamers START OVER.

Vitality shows not only in the ability to persist but the ability to start over.– F. Scott Fitzgerald

Distractions. Obstacles. Failure. There are many reasons why, in starting well, one might need to consider the idea of starting over.

But as difficult and humbling as beginning again may be, it is not near as difficult as living with the regret of a dream unfulfilled.

As the late Aaliyah once so beautifully sang, “If at first you don’t succeed then dust yourself off and try again.”

2. Effective Dreamers START SMALL.

Be not afraid of going slowly; be afraid only of standing still. 
– Chinese Proverb

Effective dreamers avoid the temptation to commit themselves to activities that they cannot sustain over a long period of time.

They realize that, in the end, the fulfillment of their dreams will come not as a result of major investments of their time made sporadically, but more as a result of simple disciplines executed day in and day out.

They are very aware of the one or two habits that they can commit themselves to that, over time, have the greatest impact on their dream becoming a reality.

3. Effective Dreamers START NOW!

So many fail because they don’t get started – they don’t go. They don’t overcome inertia. They don’t begin. – W. Clement Stone

Effective dreamers understand that the world is waiting for their masterpiece to be revealed! There is an understanding that though much time will pass before their ultimate work is completed, there is no better day than today to get the process started!