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Turn your hopes and dreams into something concrete
Thursday, 1 December 2005
What's the big difference between those who we consider successful and those we don't? There's plenty of smart, fun, talented people out there, so why aren't they all successful?
The difference isn't really between those who have the best attitude and dreams, and those who don't. It's between those who produce something concrete from their dreams and those who don't.
Take Bill Gates, for example. He's obviously a very smart guy with a lot of good ideas. He knows a lot and he seems to be a good salesman. He gives a lot to charity and seems to have a good family life, so he's obviously very caring. But that's not why so many people respect him (even if that respect sometimes morphs into fear and loathing).
They respect him because he took his dreams and built something concrete out of them. With nothing but ideas and determination, he built one of the most successful enterprises in history.
Of course, business isn't the only area of achievement. Look at the great artists, writers, religious figures, musicians, and philanthropists of the world. What's so great about them?
They didn't just talk about what they were going to do. They produced something concrete out of their hopes and wishes. Something that the world could see, hear, touch and feel.
Many of them were probably ridiculed in the beginning. Who were they to think they could change something in the world? But they persisted and had the last laugh.
Most of our dreams involve other people. Perhaps we want them to love us, or give us money, or make us famous.
Whatever it is that you want from others, one thing's certain - you're unlikely to get it unless you have something concrete to show them.
So take your dreams and build something out of them that others can see as real and valuable. Prove to them that you're not just bluster and hot air.
Of course, producing something isn't easy. There's a good chance that you won't reach the heights you wish to. However, it's pretty rare that you'll emerge from trying change something in the world with nothing of benefit whatsoever.
If nothing else, you'll have gained valuable experience. And who knows? It might succeed beyond your wildest expectations.
It will certainly fail if you never get started.
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