This started off as a letter to a friend who was going through a hard time. I've converted some of the text to generalize it--but the message is still the same. Don't give up.

I am always amazed at how quickly self-doubt can creep into our psyche. Don’t get me wrong—of some things we are sure. We know our gender, our race, and our economic status. But, we also know so much more about ourselves that we never tap into.

Let me give you an example. I once wanted to be a millionaire. But as age and time passed, and I kept failing at my get-rich schemes, I eventually gave up on the possibility of attaining that dream. Why keep trying at something you can’t get right? I assumed that I didn’t have the talent, or the resources, or the support, or the ‘something’ that was needed to make a lot of money.

First, let me say that I still haven’t achieved that goal. But, as I sat thinking about it, it occurred to me that I really hadn’t failed in my attempts--I simply didn’t believe I could do it, so I didn't stick with it. I got distracted by the small things in life—those things that will resolve themselves ultimately—if just given enough time.

You are familiar with those small things. We all have them. Things like running errands, cleaning house, making sure that we’ve had enough face time with the boss, tending to the needs of our children…all the ‘little’ things that pull us from that wonderful level of dreams and goals, and down into the level of the ‘now’.

While it’s true that we cannot forget about the ‘now’, if we’re to achieve our goals, we must first believe that we can. And we mustn’t feel guilty about setting aside time to dream, to imagine ourselves and our lives the way we always hoped they could be. Dreams are the substance of our spirit. Without them, I am convinced that we would cease to exist. And, we must rebuke fear—especially fear of failure. As Albert Einstein once said, “Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new.”

So, the point of this note is this—keep trying, and keep dreaming. Do whatever it takes (that is legal of course) to motivate you. And whatever you do—don’t let the ‘now’ stuff keep you from dreaming and pursuing your dreams. I know I won’t anymore.

We walk by faith, not by sight. See you at the top!

"Life is no brief candle to me. It is a sort of splendid torch which I have got a hold of for the moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations."

George Bernard Shaw