Article by Wendy McCance
Today’s the big day. It’s the end of 2012 and the beginning of a whole new set of possibilities. At least, that’s how I like to look at it. So many people are taking a moment to review their year and to come up with new goals and plans for the year to come. If you are one of those people who are determined to pursue your dreams or if you have been working towards an important goal, this article is for you.
I wrote an article about the positive effect of using an appreciation journal at: http://searchingforthehappiness.wordpress.com/2012/12/28/new-year-new-goals/
I highly recommend the use of a journal to keep track of your progress. Sometimes having your goals and accomplishments written down can give you a better perspective of what you have achieved and what you still need to do to gain the things you want in life.
I recently read an incredible article about some famous people who built the life they had dreamed of. The most important part of the article was how long it took some of these people to get the things they had gone after. I felt this was an especially important point.
We are a society that expects instant gratification. Surely if we put in some effort, we should see the results of our hard work within a few months, right? How do you stay focused when going after your dreams takes years? What if you are five years down the road and still haven’t felt a huge shift in your goals? Do you give up or stay strong and continue down the path with immense amounts of determination?
The people I read about had many failed attempts at gaining success. Sometimes they tweaked their idea and approached their dreams from a different angle. Sometimes they abandoned their dream and caught success on their second or third venture.
Unfortunately there is no clear map to success. The saying, ” if you go after what you love, the money will follow” is so very true. This is because you would have to feel passionate to remain steadfast when all signs point to failure. After all, isn’t it the pursuit of the dream that makes for the most enjoyable of times? Sure we all get impatient and want to see that positive outcome. What if we could channel our energy into enjoying the trip instead of being drawn only to the destination?
I believe that a small change in the way we look at what makes a person feel successful is the difference between a satisfactory life and a life full of disappointment.
So, as you start another fresh year, think about the excitement of the journey. Concentrate on the happiness you will feel because you were brave enough to challenge yourself. Go after what you love. The end result doesn’t matter as much as what you learn and will gain along the way when you go after your dreams.
Here are a few links to inspire you. I feel it’s always comforting to hear about others who have struggled and then found their dreams come to fruition.
20 Inspiring Rags to Riches Stories
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/20-inspiring-rags-to-riches-stories-181933596.html
6 Celebrities who had Tough Road on the Way to Success
madamenoire.com/…/theyve-got-a-story-to-tell-celebs-who-we
Success Quotes from Famous People
www.inspirational-quotes.info/success-quotes.html
Rags to Riches Stories
ragstoriches.com/category/rags-to-riches-stories/
Related articles
Wendy McCance
To contact Wendy McCance about a writing or social media assignment, interview or speaking engagement, please email her at: [email protected]
Latest posts by Wendy McCance (see all)
- What is a Writers Residency and How Do I Find One? - January 13, 2018
- Useful Information For Those Writing a Book - January 11, 2018
- The Best Facebook Groups for Writers and Why You Should Get Involved - January 8, 2018
Pingback: How to Never Give Up |
Pingback: Robert JR Graham » Believe In Your Dreams Despite The Pressures Of Life
HI Wendy - this is a great post! My husband and I recently discussed exactly what you describe. That success doesn’t come one day in a big way. It seems to happen after many, many small steps - sometimes so small you don’t feel like you are progressing. But if you keep at it and don’t give up, things do happen in your favor. Nice meeting you on Twitter!
Hi Pam,
Thank you so much for your comment. I’m so glad you enjoyed the post. 🙂
I truly believe achieving our dreams is in our hands and even if it takes me years and it has already taken me a couple, I will succeed. Thanks for sharing this. I have shared it on Facebook and Twitter. Keep up the positivity.
Thanks for the share. Wishing you all the best for 2013.
Great article! It’s encouraging to know that we’re all seeking self improvement and goals as a new year begins. I especially like the statement: “The end result doesn’t matter as much as what you learn and will gain along the way when you go after your dreams.”
Sometimes people need someone to walk beside them to reach their goal. Like a personal trainer at the gym, life coaches can be that cheer leader. Check out http://lisaskabrat.com/2013/01/01/rewarding-accomplishments/ for more information on life coaching.
Nice post, great last line, and so true. Happy New Year!
Thanks. Happy New Year to you too. 🙂
Great post. How was your NYE…………….and your New Year’s Day………….been
Thanks. So far so good. Hanging out with my family for NYE. Good food, drinks and laughs. Tomorrow off to the movies. Happy New Year to you. 🙂
I enjoyed this post, so different from the one’s about resolutions (although even I wrote one of those:-) ) and why I enjoy your posts so much. I can’t wait to check out some of the links you provided I love reading stories where the person just didn’t give up. You are so right, today’s world wants instant gratification and is lost when that doesn’t happen. I noticed a story about Netflix not working properly over Christmas and even Facebook which went down for a few hours. People were really upset with that. Find something else to do for a bit!
On the subject of goals. My youngest son was about 8 maybe 9 when he heard his favorite football player (Emmitt Smith) had used goals to get where he was and how he used them. My son from that moment on has made lists of goals for himself. He had short term, through very long term. Funny thing is it worked for him, he set timetables to reach these goals and has reached everyone one of them including playing semi-pro football!
Happy New Year Wendy!
Your son is amazing. How cool to see him go after and then achieve his goals. I hope you have a Happy New Year and that all your dreams come true. 🙂
Same to you.
🙂
Thanks again. Your closing words, “Go after what you love. The end result doesn’t matter as much as what you learn and will gain along the way when you go after your dreams.”, powerfully connect for this Montana-raised spirit. Take Care as the new year unfolds …
Thanks so much. I have really appreciated your comments. Have a wonderful 2013. Hope all your dreams come true. 🙂