You created that goal to realize your dream. You signed that agreement and made a commitment. You were so excited (as my friend Chris says, “running around like your hair is on fire” excited) and then one day it died. Kansas (the musical group, for the young people) said it best, “All my dreams pass before my eyes…like dust in the wind.”
My first question is, why did this happen? Why did the dream fade? You pictured yourself finally out-of-debt, in the convertible sports car or on the beaches of a remote island, and the dream suddenly became dust in the wind.
Well, “why” is the question, but it is also the answer. Your “why” is the burning reason that keeps you going when your motivation wears off (which is usually pretty quick for most). This is summed up by a quote from the late, great Zig Ziglar, “People often say that motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing – that’s why we recommend it daily.”
Regarding motivation, you can’t use reason or logic or cheerlead yourself into it. Motivation is an emotion that has to come from deep down inside your soul. It is the burning desire that keeps you going when life gets in the way. Excuses are easy to generate and deter you from staying on track because you can always find something you “need” to do. However, is the immediate need going to get you closer to what you WANT to do?
I’ve heard lots of great Why’s like:
- I want to help build an orphanage.
- I want money for a much needed new car.
- I want to leave my day job and stay at home with my kids.
- I want the corporate benefit package and bonuses to take the pressure off my husband to help him realize his dreams.
- I want to afford private school for my children.
- I want to help our community build a new church.
- I want to lose weight and have energy.
So if these are your dreams and you haven’t realized them yet, let’s look at why you have not…
The 4 Reasons your “Why” is not working!
1. Your Why was never established
“I started this goal because it seemed like it was the answer to my problems,” and/or “everyone else was doing it,” or “because someone asked and I didn’t want to hurt their feelings.”
2. Your Why was never solid
“I need to pay off some bills.” This will most likely NOT keep you motivated unless you are filing bankruptcy.
3. Fear took over
I know these because I’ve experienced them all. “What will people think of me?” “I can’t talk to him/her because they are too important.” “I’ve done this before and these programs never work.” (Correct, they do not work unless you WORK and focus on your why and on your mind/thoughts)
4. Unworthiness set in
“I shouldn’t make money from helping others.” “Rich people are evil and snobbish and I don’t want to be like that.” “My friends or family have never been on a dream vacation or drive a luxury car, so why would I deserve this?”
So, if you are tired of being average, just getting by, and ready to STOP making excuses and START living your dreams, take the next step. Carve out 30 minutes, 60 minutes or whatever it takes to dig deep and figure out what you want out of life and WHY. Take your dreams off the shelf. Write it down and then share it with someone who will support you to ensure it is a rock solid reason why. Or share it with me here, as I’d love to hear it.
So instead of your dreams being dust in the wind, let’s have our fear, unworthiness and all the other negative thoughts be the Dust in the Wind.
And just in case you would like to stroll down memory lane with Kansas…
Dust in the Wind by Kansas
“Dust in the wind
All we are is dust in the wind
Dust in the wind
All we are is dust in the wind
I close my eyes
Only for a moment, then the moment’s gone
All my dreams
Pass before my eyes, a curiosity
Dust in the wind
All we are is dust in the wind…”
