The mindset of bringing ideas to life

For most of us, making your dreams a reality is no easy feat. There will be challenges and obstacles you face along the way. At times you may pull your hair in frustration, wondering when things will go your way. Here are three things you should always keep in mind as you navigate the journey to success.

Remember your why:

Why? Why am I doing this? What is my purpose? What do I hope to accomplish? Who is this for? These are all questions you should know before you begin chasing your dreams. Simon Sinek says “Your why is the fundamental core of what inspires you, the spark that drives you.

Sometimes as you grow, you might find that your desires and “why” changes. You might even reevaluate the mission you are on.”

For the longest time I had a dream of building stronger communities by creating more empathy between different peoples. I had ideas, projects and plans. Some of them I accomplished and some of them I failed. Others, I still have yet to do. My “why” was that I believed in the power of people and that everyone has a story worth sharing. I believe if we learn to listen and find the similarities despite our differences, we can build a more united people. I had a fire and passion like no other. And yet, I was not the man for the job.

An old friend pointed out to me the way I lived my life was not reflective of the world I wanted to see. I was arrogant and lacked empathy. I was insistent on being right and didn’t do my part to make others feel heard. As time went on, I realized the whole reason I started my project stemmed from an inner desire to be loved and heard. I wanted to feel like I mattered and was pursuing self love in all the wrong ways. As I evaluated my inner why, I realized this project was not my job at the moment and I promptly abandoned my course. Since then, I have found new self esteem and with it new dreams.

What you can do: Take time each day to remember your “why”. "Examine your "why" and make sure to resolve any hurt that you have, so you come from a place of wholeness not pain. Therapy or counseling may be helpful.Write it down on a whiteboard or on a sticky note on the wall. As you consistently reflect on your motivations and desires, the meaning behind what you do will remain pure and your work will be reflective of that.

#2 Identify your values

In 2022, I felt broken inside. I didn’t like who I was when I looked in the mirror. I found myself plopped on the therapist's couch, unloading my frustrations. I realized what I lacked was an identity. He asked me what kind of person I wanted to be remembered as. My therapists informed me that the way to become that person was to identify my values. Values are principles that you hold yourself to. Values include things like open communication, empathy, trustworthy,forgiveness etc. I was counseled to write down a list of principles I value and make it my goal to live my life according to them. He encouraged me to compare every decision,opportunity ,and even the people I allow in my life according to my values. If I live according to my values, I couldn’t go wrong in the end.

This concept applies to all facets of our lives. By knowing what we stand for and what we are not comfortable with, we can make the best decisions, take the best opportunities and invite the best people into our lives to collaborate with. Sometimes that means letting go of things and people that are holding us back. But as we live true to our values, we will find the success that we need (not necessarily the success we want) along the journey.

What you can do: Ask yourself what kind of person you want to be. Take a piece of paper and write down all the principles and traits you would like to have. Once a week, take time to review them and ask yourself if you are living according to the values you have set.

When you know your values, you can never go wrong.

#3: Stop comparing your success to others

In a world where people flaunt the best versions of themselves while simultaneously hiding their flaws it’s easy to get discouraged when evaluating one's own journey. If you have a tendency to do that, STOP IT.

Everything you see on social media is manufactured. All of it is designed to sell you something. Whether its different products or social causes, or the idea that someone is a certain type of person and living life in the fast lane, social media shows you the side people want you to see.

Where you are on your journey is exactly where you are supposed to be. Be proud of your successes and find areas to improve. Sometimes success is as simple as being able to get out of bed in the morning. You are doing a great job and you will get there eventually.

What you can do: Take time to write about things you accomplished each day.. Set daily and weekly goals. Turn off social media for a week. Be honest with yourself about obstacles preventing you from the success you desire and be willing to eliminate unhealthy habits as necessary.