There’s always an obstacle when you have a big dream!
Here’s a story:
I remember when I wanted my dance studio BDX. I had 8 months of obstructions and frustrations before I finally opened the doors. Endless surprises, financial hurdles, even a city worker strike that prevented renovation the very week I signed my lease.
I felt exhausted, overworked, discouraged even.
There were days I thought “Really Shawn? I have better uses for my time and money. Is this still worth it?”
But when that day came, that day I put that new key in the door…
…it was ALL worth it, and more!
The universe tests to see how badly you want something. It’s true. And the bigger the dream, the bigger the test. Funny thing is, while we fight to breathe life into our own goals, we sometimes don’t realize how important they will become for others once we achieve them.
It’s possible you reading this might have a direct or indirect benefit from my own challenges in creating a dance studio: maybe you now have new friends and relationships, or better health, more inspiration, a creative outlet, financial gain, endless entertainment or just a sanctuary when you had a rough week…
Point is, even though it is still a challenge, I am SO happy that I didn’t quit. Not just because I get to do what I love daily, but because I see how having a crazy vision has literally enhanced the lives of so many in one way or another. That’s what service is about.
Coles Notes: Top 5 Tips Of Ancient Wisdom From The Mountaintop
1.) I’ve learned: It WON’T be easy.
2.) I’ve learned: If it is easy to accomplish and can be done quickly, you’re NOT thinking big enough. I don’t care who you are. Even millionaires with nearly unlimited resources have massive goals that take years to achieve.
Ninja-Smoke Reveals This Wise Lesson:
The lesson, grasshopper?
3.) The goal you aspire to do, and more importantly- the person you need to become to make it a reality- is 100% worth the fight.
It’s worth FIGHTING for. Trust me on this.
Even if people think you’re crazy (which they will,) are unsupportive or simply don’t get your vision.
4.) Most people are afraid of change. Doing something noteworthy that can potentially change their lives and yours requires BALLS. It takes guts & determination to go opposite the crowd. Be a ninja and dash across the sky instead.
5.) You reap the rewards of your efforts. Small vision, effort and investment = small rewards. So what happens when we multiply that by a factor of awesome?
For you big thinkers out there: think bigger. Let’s think huge. Let’s be radical with our dreams. Let’s BELIEVE anything is possible in our crazy future, damnit!
It Takes Stupid Amounts Of…
Personally, I’ve been carving out an exciting NEW future which will benefit thousands of people. THOUSANDS. I’m not ignoring you. A goal that big takes time, hard work, stupid amounts of personal development, focus and desire.
Because I know where I’m going, I don’t care what people think.
Neither should you.
The ones that are curious about your huge new adventure will ask what you’re doing. It doesn’t mean people don’t care when you don’t hear back. But do take note of who goes out of their comfort zone and actually asks “So, what chu got there? What chu excited about? How can I help?”
Crap.
Friends. Let’s support each other through the obstacle courses we’ll face. The rollercoaster is guaranteed. We’re human after all. And shit HAPPENS. If you know this in advance you won’t be surprised when a hot turd lands smack on your face.
But remember:
Be like Dory and “just keep swimming, just keep swimming…” Keep moving toward the amazing future you envision because YOU DESERVE IT.
Shawn Byfield - Certified Public Speaker, Dance Coach & Choreographer 
Awesome & timely post Shawn. Love the way you chose & wrote the 5 points. Maritala & I are working on defining our goals & they are definitely not BIG enough yet! But thinking small has left us living small & I’ve certainly had enough of that! “Security” & “safety” don’t really exist & they don’t serve us or our future. And they won’t inspire our kids to be all they can be either. So we’ll be taking some big action!