Stay Out of the Convincing Business

What I mean is, don't bother trying to convert non believers to your way of thinking. Everything isn't for everyone. For instance, why date someone if you have to convince them to be with you? Chances are, if you have to convince someone to be with you, you'll probably have to convince them to stay with you, which, in the long run, may turn out to be more work than it's worth.

But don't confuse convincing someone with marketing your idea. I'm not saying you shouldn't try to attract people to what your doing, that's absolutely necessary. What I'm referring to, is the the point after you share your idea. By this time, either they're going to be on board with you, or not, period. And if they're not, its okay.  Its actually a good thing because it gives you the opportunity to see who is really interested and it's those people you want to focus on, not the ones who aren't.

You Have the Right to go Left

There are plenty of resources we can refer to that will teach us almost anything we want to know. You can learn how to do a long list of things just by watching YouTube, alone. But what if what you wanted to do didn't come with a how-to manual or video tutorial? At some point, every pioneer in every field and profession had to encounter this dilemma. From the TV in your house to the very device on which you're reading this entry. This also means that most likely, there was a time when these iconic products were rejected or dismissed. Even as I write this post I notice the copy machine in my office. It's hard to believe that there was a time when not only did people not want a copy machine, but publishers even tried to ban them because they were afraid people wouldn't buy books anymore.

My point is when your doing something truly different and original, do not expect to have a group of cheerleaders rallying behind you showing their support. In fact, it's quite the opposite. What you will have, however, are doubters, skeptics, pessimists, and resistance. Use all of it as motivation to fuel your fire to succeed. And always remind yourself that it's YOUR dream--not theirs.

Fearful or Fearless?

Many people think that celebrities or pro athletes don't have butterflies or aren't afraid before they perform; that the spotlight is reserved for a special select group of fearless people. I mention this because no matter who we are or what we do, we're all afraid at some point because it's part of the human experience. If you're a on top you fear falling off, if you're still climbing, you fear you'll never make it to the top. Fear escapes no one, and I'm no exception. If I follow my dream what will people say about me? Will I fail? But if I don't, will I regret it?

In this aspect, we're all the same. The difference, however, is the ability some have to overcome fear that others do not. The fear of criticism is very real, so much so that I'm willing to bet it's one of the primary reasons (if not THE primary reason) why more of us don't pursue our passion. But regardless of where you are in your life, you're going to get criticized, and everyone is going to think they have a right to judge your decisions. So for this reason, you might as well get moving and go after your dream. You'll only regret it if you choose to forget it. And like they say--don't let someone dim your light just because it's shining in their eyes.

Separate Time from Talent

You're never too young or too old to pursue a dream. If you don't believe me just log on to YouTube and see for yourself. People ranging from 8 to 80 are now starting big businesses and launching new careers at historic rates when before, age would have surely played a discriminating factor. 

Technology has a way unlike any other that makes it easy for anyone to share their passion or talent with the masses right from the comfort of their home or smartphone. The days of needing an office, hiring employees and tracking overhead to sustain a business are a thing of the past. Whether it be a smartphone app, a blog, a tutorial, or a website, resources can be found everywhere that technology is available. And if there isn't one that your looking for, then perhaps that's your cue to create it.