This morning I happened upon an article written by Casey Rosengren titled “Why You Should Give UP On Your Dreams”. Since I have written so often about pursuing your dreams, I found this to be a compelling headline for an article that I just had to read. I’m glad that I did.
I have known people (and experienced first-hand) who wasted too much time in their lives pursuing impossible or unrealistic dreams. They are often very frustrated people and usually somewhat down on themselves or those around them whom they may think are holding them back from achieving their dream. The reality, as this article points out, is that they were obsessed and pursuing an impossible dream. Have you ever known people like that?
It is important every now and then to pause, look up from the grind that one has been dedicating themselves to in pursuit of a dream, and asked the question, “Is this dream realistic or is it even achievable?” That question is easy to ask, but sometimes difficult to answer. We hate to give up on a dream; however, the pursuit of unrealistic dreams can consume the dreamer to the detriment of the rest of their normal life. Better to declare what Rosengren labeled “dream bankruptcy”, let go of the failed dream and get on with life.
I’m sure that club pro Michael Block, who competed in the PGA major golf tournament this last weekend, at one time had the dream of playing on the PGA Tour. I imagine that every club pro started out with that dream; however, for every PGA Tour player there are a thousand club pros for whom that dream did not come true. Some, like Block, may get an occasional chance to play in a PGA event and a very few may even do well as Block did. Most club pros have come to grips with that reality and have become happy being able to make a living within the golf industry. They gave up one dream, but they are living another.
So, as you start a new week, perhaps it is time for you to look at your dreams with a critical eye. Has the pursuit of your dream become an obsession? Is your dream realistic? Are there some dreams that you need to let go of? Are there adjustments to your dream that might make them more achievable? If you achieved your dream, what then?
Read Rosengren’s article and see how it might apply to your life. Maybe it’s time to declare dream bankruptcy for some of your dreams and move on in life.
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