The Leading Edge: Do I Clearly See My Dream?

By: Dennis LaRue, Jr.

In the book Put Your Dreams to the Test, John C. Maxwell asks the question, “Do I clearly see my dream?”  It’s a simple question, a thought-provoking and life-altering question. It’s the type of question that could lead an introspective person into a deep contemplative state for days until answered. It’s a powerful question, when answered, because it will lead you closer to fulfilling your destiny. That’s right, I said your destiny.  

Have you ever stopped to consider that you have a destiny?  Have you considered that you have a purpose?  There is no one like you. You are a one-of-a-kind. If this is true, then it stands to reason you are unique and have a unique mission. Once you discover it, then you can focus your efforts towards its completion.  

After a 23-year career in the United States Air Force, I learned that each member has a specific role in the accomplishment of a mission. It’s no different in life, your business or organization.  You all play a specific role in accomplishing a mission.

Once you know what the mission is, then it is up to you to make your contribution towards its fulfillment.  When there is no mission, you are unsure of why you are here. Without a “why”, the what and how don’t matter, and everyone suffers.  People lose interest and focus if they fail to know why they do what they do.

Have you discovered your mission? Have you communicated your mission to your team? Does the team know what their specific role is for mission accomplishment?

Mission accomplishment starts with….Do you clearly see your dream?

Do you struggle answering this question? I struggled with this question longer than I would like to admit. Here are a few questions I asked myself to gain clarity:

• What does the finish line of my life look like?
• What will I have accomplished when I get to the finish line?
• What will those who know and love me the most say about me when I am gone?
• What regrets will I have if today were my last day?  

Pondering these questions led me to discover two things: my greatest fear – to be forgotten — and my greatest joy — making a difference in people’s lives. I was born to be a transformational leader personally, professionally and globally.

My dream is to make a difference and hear words like the ones I heard two years ago in a transformational movement in Paraguay, South America.  “Dennis, you are the answer to my dream.” It’s a moment I will never forget, and one that inspires me every day. When you have clarity of purpose and clearly see your dream, you know what it looks like and sounds like when you are going the right direction towards fulfilling it.  

Do you clearly see your dream?

 

Dennis is an International Transformational Change Agent…personally, professionally and globally… who founded LDR – Leaders Develop Relationships– to change the world. Dennis believes that all problems, no matter how complex they seem, can be broken down to fundamental solutions. As an international coach, he was part of the transformation of Paraguay, South America. He is an outstanding coach who connects with you to hold you accountable, will challenge your thinking and encourages you to reach your next level…leading to results. He retired from the United States Air Force in 2015 after a distinguished 23-year career. Her served in various leadership roles as a management consultant, program manager, public speaker, and trainer. He still serves the military community facilitating Total Force Leadership Development Program workshops at Joint Base San Antonio military installations.

Dennis is an Executive Director and internationally certified Executive Coach, Keynote Speaker and Trainer by the #1 Coaching company in the world, the John Maxwell Team. Dennis applies John’s timeless leadership principles, blends them with the wisdom gained from a lifetime of service as a husband, father, grandfather, pastor and military professional to add value to your organization. He is married to his best friend, Jamie LaRue, has three amazing grown children and two precious grandchildren.