Story time: A while back I was having a conversation with a friend of mine. It gradually turned into a heated debate where we were talking about our lives, and our ability (or lack thereof) to shape them into what we wanted them to be.
In my view, he was being quite pessimistic and when I suggested this to him, he said, “I’m not pessimistic, I’m REALISTIC!” My reply slipped through my lips without thought or hesitation
… “Well you and I live in totally different realities.”
It’s the reality that we accept that shapes us. It’s the reality that we accept that defines our limits. It’s the reality that we accept that determines who we are, and ultimately who we can become.
If you don’t believe you can accomplish great things, then you won’t. If you don’t believe you can achieve what you want, you won’t. If you don’t believe that you can positively touch others in a way that will enrich their lives (be it through music or otherwise), then you won’t. Heck, you won’t even try, and if you do, you’ll quit after your first setback, saying, “See, I knew it wouldn’t work.”
The only way to become successful at something is to continue to take the next step. Every second you spend in doubting, worrying, or hesitating sets you back. Know where you’re going, and keep moving in that direction. If you have the right beliefs, you’ll move forward that much faster.
So yeah, the moral of today’s story is: Ignore the nay-sayers and don’t be afraid to be a little unrealistic 🙂
Best,
Ken
ps – If you know someone whose reality is getting in the way of their dreams, please feel welcome to share this with them!