The Leading Edge: I wouldn’t do that if I were you!
“I wouldn’t do that if I were you!” This one short sentence righted my trajectory and set me on track to realize my dream. John C. Maxwell, in his book Put Your Dream to the Test, asks the tenacious question, “Am I moving closer to my dream?” I sure thought I was until someone who has already reached the destination showed me precisely what it would take to reach my dream. Are we committed to stay the course to realize our dreams once we understand the sacrifices required to get there?
As a computer programmer by trade, my dream of joining a leadership development team was odd for most who heard me describe it. Passionate about my dream, I grabbed an opportunity to sit with the head of our leadership development organization and said, “I would like to be in your leadership development organization. How do I get there?” He turned and asked a question about my drive and preparation, “What are you currently doing to get ready?” I proudly explained that I was already enrolled in a Master’s Degree program studying organizational leadership. Before I could finish my thought, he quipped, “I wouldn’t do that if I were you!” That statement initially shocked me. This master explained how leadership development is viewed in their organization and throughout the business world. He then set a clear path for me to follow over the next several years. This path was different than what I had already been working on. Initially, it looked as if I wasted time in pursuit of my dream, but the dream was bigger than time. My desire and passion are powerful. I stand by the advice “to leave each and every person better than you find them.” One by one, very methodically, purposefully, and with persistence I followed the steps outlined that day:
- Dreams are pursued with relentless commitment: I changed degrees and universities to gain specialized knowledge.
Moving closer! - Dreams are realized one day at a time: Each step took two years to complete, and my mentor spelled out six of them.
Moving closer! - Dreams can be a lot of fun to chase: Certain new roles were extremely satisfying, energizing, rewarding and enriching.
Moving closer! - Dreams push us to extract learning from all situations: Other roles were draining and a terrible fit for my personality and energy level.
Moving closer! - Dreams may move you out of your comfort zone: Our family changed houses five different times in the pursuit of my dream.
Moving closer! - Dreams aren’t measured by the size of an organizational chart: Some roles were large with many followers, and some were small with no direct reports.
Moving closer! - Dream realization isn’t always a straight ascent to the top: Certain steps led to promotions, others led to reduced roles, and some were lateral.
Moving closer! - Dreams should still be pursued with passion even if it looks hopeless: Our division was sold off, and my dream role didn’t even exist in the new company.
Moving closer! - Dreams might be reached by others before you: I helped my friend get my dream role when it was finally created as it was his dream too.
Moving closer! - Dreams will be realized with strong desire, a plan to reach it, and relentless persistence: Two years later a fantastic leader, mentor, and friend hired me into my dream role.
Dream realized!
John Maxwell says:
“People who live their dreams refuse to give up,
knowing that if they keep chipping away,
making whatever small progress they can every day,
they increase the chance that something will happen in their favor.”
Step by step, little by little, day by day, my dream became my reality. As the dream was realized, a new and bigger dream replaced it. Now I run a talent consulting business where we help leaders around the world.
With bigger dreams, it is vital to find and surround myself with those proven to be great in their field. My new organization is headed not only by a dreamer, but one who has excelled in changing the face of his industry. In joining the John Maxwell Team, it goes without saying that it is teaming with world-class mentors in the field of leadership, coaching, speaking, sales, and being an entrepreneur.
What’s your dream? Putting your dream to the test is the perfect verbiage to capture what’s ahead of you. No matter what comes your way, keep moving towards your dream! There will be times of great joy which you should celebrate. There will be challenges and setbacks, but you’ve got this! With the right thinking, perspective and work habits you will reach your dreams. Don’t be surprised when you are getting close to realizing your dream that you will want to dream even bigger. Keep reaching further and dream bigger again and again.
BIO:
Joel Hall is the Managing Director – Talent Consulting at TYGES International. With over 25 years of various work experiences, he is pursuing his dream of growing and developing others to reach their full potential both personally and professionally. Joel is a proud military BRAT and veteran of the U.S. Air Force. He currently resides near Charlotte, NC with his wife Sherrie and their three adult kids.