From childhood fantasies of becoming an Olympic champion or a world traveler to aspirations of becoming The New York Times’s Bestselling author, our dreams have always had the power to elevate us and instill fears inside us. Our fears often have the power to consume us whenever we approach our dreams, leading us to ask ourselves terrifying questions: what if I don’t make it? What if I don’t succeed? Yet, it only takes one person or one experience to ignite a vision that makes us think: But what if I do? These visions aren’t just whimsical fantasies—they can serve as powerful motivators that drive us to greatness.
As Greg Reid intelligibly says, “A dream written down with a date becomes a goal. A goal broken down into steps becomes a plan. A plan backed by action makes your dreams come true.” However, if it were that simple, everyone would be at the top of their game. It is our fears and the power we give them that often hold us back; our impatience and our inconsistency with our goals impede our progress.
This is why it is essential to truly and deeply understand yourself and not succumb to your frustrations. Once you start letting your fear dictate what might or might not happen, you will not get anywhere. The second you come out of that thinking is when the magic happens. Once you commit fully to your ambitions, no matter your occupation, social status, or background, you can overcome any perceived flaws and obstacles. Steve Weaver’s enchanting memoir, I Can Fly, epitomizes not giving up on a dream. The story demonstrates how a powerful dream can grow and flourish despite limited resources. Weaver, growing up in the remote foothills of the Appalachians, was initially isolated and disconnected from the world. Even though he was surrounded by love and comfort, his isolation served as a motivational factor. Instead of succumbing to this dream’s challenges and then impossibility, he followed his passion and fed it entirely, eventually connecting to the world of flight.
Learn more about the author’s journey by reading the book I Can Fly and exploring the power of dreams in achieving the impossible.