Do You Have The Courage?

“All our dreams can come true – if we have the courage to pursue them” ~ Walt Disney

I can’t help but to think of the Disney theme song to a movie I have long since forgotten the name of whenever I read this quote from Walt Disney – “All our dreams can come true- if we have the courage to pursue them.” I think the song goes something like “every dream can come true it can happen to you if you …”  I guess the remaining words aren’t all that important when you are focusing on the achievement of your dream.

I wonder, where would I be if I hadn’t allowed fear to hold me back a few times in the past.  Which opportunities did I pass up because of fear?  One of the biggest regrets I have because of fear is passing up the opportunity to start my own business at 25 when someone offered me the chance to be an independent contractor doing some of the exact work that I do now Monday – Friday.  That opportunity was my road to independence and my dream of entrepreneurship but I did not have enough courage to pursue it. Nor did I have the courage and confidence to believe that I could own a business.  I never even let the thought of owning a business enter my mind. But today, I can think of a few things I would give up for that opportunity to come my way again.

But that is what happens when you allow fear and a lack of confidence to get in the way.  Isn’t it funny how those two words always seem to make it into the same sentence whenever you talk about dreams, desires, goals, etc. Then when you talk about motivation you have unlimited belief in your own potential.  The power of that motivation is what we fail to tap into when we need it the most.  We allow our ears to hear all the reasons we should give up and our eyes to see only the obstacles.  But instead of living life this way, we need to keep our focus on our motivation.  But how can we ensure that our motivation source is the courage inspiring mentor that we need?

1.  Put a picture of your motivation on your vision board.  If you don’t have a vision board, place this picture in several strategic areas around your work area, home and car.
2. Write down your past missed opportunity that is a source of regret for you.  Include the reasons why this opportunity fills you with regret.  Then write down how you would react if faced with that opportunity tomorrow.
3. Utilizing a monthly calendar, write down one thing that you accomplish each day which will get you closer to your goal.  If you miss a day, write in the missed space “Courage means start again.”

When we recognize fear for what it is and take action in spite of it, that is an example of courage taking over.  Give yourself permission today to not allow complacency to take root in our minds.  Don’t rationalize yourself out of your dream.  Remember Walt Disney and the story of a little mouse that became an empire.

Til next time,

“All our dreams can come true – if we have the courage to pursue them” ~ Walt Disney