Let’s Talk Dreams: Or Goals, Your Choice

When we talk about dreams, we often think about the big, shiny, almost mythical goals we set for ourselves. You know, the ones that seem too big to reach, yet we chase them anyway. But what if we stopped and asked: when did that dream of ours begin? Where did it start? And what’s it been like to get to where we are now?

For me, it all started behind a bar.

I was bartending my way through grad school, a job that required patience, social skills, and an uncanny ability to multitask. The fast-paced, sometimes chaotic environment wasn't just about serving drinks; it was a place where ideas flowed freely—ideas about life, business, and the future. I always had a small notebook tucked in my apron pocket, ready to jot down anything that sparked my creativity.

That moment—those days behind the bar—feels like they happened in another lifetime. But when I reflect on it, I can’t help but think about how far I’ve come. Sometimes I forget to appreciate just how much progress I've made. There are moments when I look at where I am today and ask myself, "What am I doing?" and yet, when I stop to think about it, I realize how much I've accomplished. The journey, the effort, the small wins that led to bigger ones… they all matter.

Even now, I still carry a notebook with me. It’s not so much the physical act of writing down thoughts that matters, but the reminder of how far I’ve come since those days. Those ideas I wrote down back then? Many of them have come to life, and some are still on their way to becoming something real.

When I think back to that version of myself—starting out with big dreams and even bigger questions—I feel a sense of gratitude. I’m proud of that earlier version of me. The one who was dedicated, who kept moving forward even when the path seemed unclear. It’s been a journey, yes, but it's been worth every step.

And there’s more ahead. I’m still chasing dreams, still setting new goals. I don’t think the process of dreaming and reaching for something better ever truly stops. There’s always another milestone on the horizon, another accomplishment waiting to be achieved.

Today’s Challenge:

Take a moment. Close your eyes and think back to when you first set your dream. Where were you in life? What were you doing? And how did you feel about what was ahead of you?

Now, look at where you are today. Can you see how far you’ve come? Can you appreciate the steps, big and small, that have brought you to this point?

We often get caught up in the hustle and forget to pause and reflect. But trust me when I say this: you are killing it. Every step you've taken, every decision you've made has led you to today. And there’s so much more to come.

So keep going. Keep dreaming. Keep setting goals. And most importantly, keep believing in yourself, just as you did when you first started.

Remember: it’s not just the destination that matters. It’s the journey that shapes who you are and who you're becoming. And you, my friend, are on the right path.