Fight for your dreams in 2011
By
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Happy New Year! If you’re like me, you spent some time in the past few weeks reflecting on the past year and looking ahead to the coming one. I’m already excited about what’s in store for the next twelve months!
What dreams do you have for 2011? Or maybe a better question is, do you have dreams for 2011? For some people, dreaming is easy. Your mind is full of dreams just waiting to be expressed. But what about those who find it hard to dream? What if you’re not sure if you have a dream you want to pursue?
Let’s face it: Many of us were not encouraged to dream. Others had dreams, only to see them actively discouraged. The world is filled with dream crushers and idea killers. Why? Some people without dreams of their own hate to see others pursuing theirs. Other people’s passion and success makes them feel inadequate or insecure. Others think they’re being helpful: keeping us from risk or hurt.
Business professors Gary Hamel and C. K. Prahalad wrote about an experiment conducted with a group of monkeys. Four monkeys were placed in a room that had a tall pole in the center. Suspended from the top of that pole was a bunch of bananas.
One of the hungry monkeys started climbing the pole to get something to eat, but just as he reached out to grab a banana, he was doused with a torrent of cold water. Squealing, he scampered down the pole and abandoned his attempt to feed himself. Each monkey made a similar attempt, and each one was drenched with cold water. After making several attempts, they finally gave up.
Then researchers removed one of the monkeys from the room and replaced him with a new monkey. As the newcomer began to climb the pole, the other three grabbed him and pulled him down to the ground. After trying to climb the pole several times and being dragged down by the others, he finally gave up and never attempted to climb the pole again.
The researchers replaced the original monkeys, one by one, with new ones, and each time a new monkey was brought in, he would be dragged down by the others before he could reach the bananas. In time, only monkeys who had never received a cold shower were in the room, but none of them would climb the pole. They prevented one another from climbing, but none of them knew why.
Perhaps others have dragged you down in life. They’ve discouraged you from dreaming. Maybe they resented the fact that you wanted to move up or to do something significant with your life. Or maybe they were trying to protect you from pain or disappointment. Either way, you’ve been discouraged from dreaming.
Take heart. It’s never too late to start dreaming and pursuing your dreams. My friend Dale Turner asserts, “Dreams are renewable. No matter what our age or condition, there are still untapped possibilities within us and new beauty waiting to be born.”
If you haven’t done any dreaming yet this year, set aside some time to explore possibilities and commit yourself to new opportunities. It’s never too late to dream.
~Adapted from my book Put Your Dream to the Test
ThnX for this encouraging words!
Beautiful post! This is BANG ON with how the world is out there. Not matter what dream you have, people who don’t know how to dream or people that are just negative will always try and hold you back or criticize your dream.
We need to guard our association and get around people who do dream and dream BIG!
All the best in 2011! Look forward to hearing you at Spring Leadership in Spokane!
A brilliant piece.. a gentle reminder and wake-up call. Thanks
Yes !! This is so true! Thank you for those words, as usual you always give me a boost that helps restore my spirit! I love you, and Im praying for you and your family!
If you stop dreaming, your life ends. ~ Ps. Nala Widya
Hi John,
I couldn’t agree with you more! Absolutely fabulous article that really exemplifies how our minds can play tricks on us. The key is to get rid of those negative templates and believe that our goals are attainable. Once you set forth that belief system into progress, all things are possible.
Thanks for reminding us to go for that brass ring, no matter what.
Happy New Year!
Patricia Phelan Clapp
someone said: Dreams are the language of the Holy Spirit!
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….. just finished (re reading 360 degree leader!)…. so many golden nuggets for me John!… In 2011 I hope to add depth into my life as a servant leader! and continue helping others grow theirs!…. the New year started out great already as I gave three of your books to key mentors in my life….. let’s see what God has in store this year!, bless you , your family and your team John!…..
Keep dreaming and keep speaking what God is inspiring! Fulfill Acts 2:17/Joel 2:28, regardless how young you are or how old!
” I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
your old men will dream dreams,
your young men will see visions.”
‘Dreams are snapshots of your destiny”- Dr. Myles Munroe
Never stop dreaming!
What a great post! I will pass this along as I know it will encourage others to keep pressing on towards their dreams.
Ever since childhood, God has spoken to me through dreams and shown me things about my future. Just this past October one of my lifelong dreams became a reality when my first book was published through a major publishing house. I faced a lot of opposition, setbacks, and distractions along the way but God was faithful to see me through to the finish line. If God places a dream in us we have to have great faith and bulldog tenacity to see it come to fruition.
Thank you for your leadership and encouragement to the body of Christ and may God bless and keep you and your family in 2011.
A great one, as at this time of the year.
Just point me in the right direction
In life the most basic of principles is that of relationships. I would like to direct you to the most important of all relationships and this your relationship with the God of the universe.
One cannot find the reason he was created without asking our Creator. If I wanted to learn to drive my new car, I would first open my owner’s manual written just for me to guide me the greatest level of fulfillment with my new car. I would have to read it carefully and make sure I understood everything the Maker wanted me to know.
If God created me and the universe and He gave me a bible, that must means He has a lot to tell me and there are some very important things in the bible I need to know. No matter how you succeed in life if lose the most precious of your relationships like that with God and your family then your dreams nor success will matter.
If in our success will accurately determine our priorities, those beginning with our most important relationships, like that with God and our family, than slowly the rest will begin to fall into place. Don’t look out there to find your purpose, but begin by looking into your heart for the very reason you were created, and that is to have an intimate relationship with God.
John 6:27 “Do not work for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you, for on Him the Father, God, has set His seal.” 28 Therefore they said to Him, “What shall we do, so that we may work the works of God ?” 29 Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent.
I would like to encourage you to attend your local church, read your bible and discover the real reason you were created and find your greatest fulfillment, and that is to have an intimate relationship with God. He gives meaning and purpose to life.
Thanks for the encouragement to dream once again. Its time for me to take action on some dusty dreams.
Great article. It’s a good reminder that dream is the starting point to any success in life if followed by a definite action plan. I love the story/experiment about the group of monkeys because it’s like the human nature. Most of us will give up on our dreams and goals once we experience failure.
Wow! That’s powerful research. DREAM is my word for this year and this post spoke into that vision/goal.
Would love to get this ebook for m Kindle… but why is the price so high compared to the physical book price ($8.66)?
John, after I read his book, Prayer Partners, I began to admire him. That book helped me a lot in a very difficult time. I think that post is encouraging and will contribute greatly to all those who are disillusioned with their dreams. I would be closer to enjoy more of his teachings, but I’m in Brazil.
God bless you.
This explains why Amway IBO’s like to discourage people from working hard at their jobs, and investing. They want everyone to start an Amway business and drag them down.
Hi John, great article, but i have a question: a dream and a goal are the same??
Tk!!!
Thank you very much! Awesome article!
Good Morning, my name is Brian… and I am your friend. Thanks for refreshing that story about the Monkeys. I still like that one. and it helps remind me to stay persistent and consistent about our own dreams and goals. I know this coming year will be a very prosperous new beginning for us. the creator has already brought four people to us that need a change and are looking for the guidance that you have taught us to share.
Happy New Years John, thanks for being our friend…
and stay out of trouble at the airports.
I have always believed in the “If we can dream it, we can do it” philosophy of life. The bigger and bolder our dreams are, the bigger and bolder the opportunities that await us will be! Thanks for reinforcing this way of thinking and indeed, this way of living. Without dreamers, society would never move forward. John, on a personal level, you have reignited my passion to dream again and passionately move forward into this new year with a dogged determination to make 2011 my best year ever!
Love the one about the monkeys! Really speaks of my hearts desire to help people look at what they want to do rather than what people tell them they can do:) Still learning from you Mr. Maxwell; Thanks!
Hi John,
Thanks for the awesome article! ^_^
HAPPY NEW YEAR! You have the best leadership skills!
I love this! I am a dreamer, having a creative heart, but work with those monkeys who keep pulling me down. I will definitely share this!
With any dream a person has to be willing to give up in some cases it may be sacrifices. I guess it just depends on how important is the dream to the person? Is the person willing to follow the dream even though others may or may not support them? I guess it just depends ….
Thank u for d butiful piece.I’m committed to dreaming & pursuing my dreams!!!
Dreams are much more exciting when you are attempting to realize them. What a great article and I plan on putting my dreams to the test.
this is great..! thanks..!
When I talk to my friends, I always tell them that they should be free to dream. Anything or circumstances that limit or hinders them from dreaming, has trapped them from enjoying the best of life. Dream is a seed, if properly sown, no matter the circumstances will yield its increase. Joseph(in the bible) is a perfect example of a dreamer, who kept his focus on his dream. The funny thing about dream is that it is always bigger than the present state of the dreamer, so if your dream is not bigger than your present state, check your dream. Thank you, Mr. John C. Maxwell you have been a source of inspiration to me over the years, your books (360degree leaders, Talent is never enough and others) has been a blessing. I would describe you in one word, my “ICON OF LEADERSHIP”.
Thanks John for this wonderful, timely and encouraging blog! It does make an impact when you have a dream for 2011 and pursue it to see it come to pass. Thanks.
Happy Happy New Year MY loving bro Dr John Maxwell
” Your word is your world, what you spoken out will allow you to influence other or disqualified you form them, make that you cannot live with people around you”
thank you.. i am deeply encouraged.. God is a God of all possibilities and in Him I put my trust!
John,
Thank you for the encouraging words to keep dreaming. It’s a good reminder when I’m having a challenging week!
Happy New Year!
Brilliant post – I love this book. It’s such a strong analogy to life, the monkey experiment – others dragging you down without there being any real reason why. Thank you for raising awareness of this phenomenon and opening our eyes to the possibilities that lay ahead if we just choose to believe in ourselves.
Thank you! This is a good word.
Thanks for this post! This is exactly what I need at the moment as a newly published author. I saw the fulfillment of my dream of writing and publishing a book (Rediscovering Your Intelligence) November last year. I thought that was it…. Only to realize that self-publishing is not easy.
My first book launching was a success. I was already climbing up the pole, about to reach the bunch of bananas…. then came the next two launchings that weren’t as successful. And so my husband and I couldn’t meet our target of a weekly reprinting of 100 copies. Obligations and needs have been more overwhelming than sales profit…. We actually need a miracle in order to start again….
Just a while ago, I was discussing with my husband about some marketing setbacks and people who seem to be dragging us down with their indifference. I was already asking God if we made a mistake of venturing into this publishing dream… I was on the verge of giving it up until I read your post. It must be God starting to work out His miracle. Indeed, it’s never too late to renew my faith in the Giver of dreams!
That was really encouraging. Thanks for reminding me that dreams are renewable. Just two weeks back I got your book, “Your Road Map For Success.” Have not started reading. You have broadened my understanding of leadership. Thanks once again.
Dreams are what makes reality come true!
Thanks for your encouraging words
Thanks for this post John. This suggests that in the year 2011, there are associations we may need to avoid. A dog that flocks with Sheep will eat grass. I think the environment we choose to live in will determine the type of dream we dream.
Thanks John!
I have lived too many years in an environment of dream crushers. That’s for the shot in the arm to keep dreaming!!
Thanks for the great reminder and challenge to look within to see how we have been conditioned to not dream. Make it a great 2011. – Dan
I have never been a dreamer until recently and so this post spoke to my heart. I have become a fighter for my dreams through my new business as an Amway IBO and am starting to see things come around that I never would have seen through my regular, unpredictable job. Thank you John Maxwell for your support of dreams and of Amway!
Thanks for a great reminder John. I have been spending time lately dreaming of possibilities for this new year. Now it is time to put my head down and ‘take charge’. I’m putting plans into concrete steps, and setting goals to pursue, so that those dreams become a reality!
Hi John! I am wondering if a well known bestselling author will be interested to read a newly published work by a somehow never-heard beginner… I emailed you a complimentary ecopy of my book through Linda’s email address.
You’re one of the Christian authors who have inspired me to dream of writing and publishing my own book. And you’re actually in the last two chapters of “Rediscovering Your Intelligence. I am hoping you’ll be interested to browse and read….
I’m from Bali, Indonesia. I always love your books and articles.
I hope i can come to Hillsong Conference this year to see you there.
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Thank-you-Sir.
You-have-been-a-great-blessings-in-my-life.
“Remember that you can’t do much good for the world unless you do it for yourself,and that you never let the end of your schooling become the end of your education “
And how important it is to learn that what God has placed in our hearts may be true even though everything seems to go the wrong way! When we seemingly fail, we need to give our failure to God, and allow him to turn it into a seed – a new beginning instead of an end. If we do that, he will lead us right and we will see more of what´s really His plan in our lives, and that is always more wonderful than we ever imagined – even in our wildest dreams.
Hi Brother John thanks for this post it, uplifted my spirit, thanks for empowering us .God bless u brother Maxwell so true.
Hi Brother John thanks for this post, it is so uplifting. When i was brought up i was never told to dream, but thank God he invested a mentor in my life. Thanks for your wisdom. Shalom.
Mr. Maxwell:
I enjoyed your story. Many times I have had to pull my hat down and move on feeling stupid or dumb that I was the only dreamer in the bunch. I have a 98 year old mother who encouraged me to dream, and never gave up on her.
Unlike monkeys, we are Gods children. We are given the ability to reason and discern. I am a Christian who believes God gave us all wonderful minds. Minds of Christ.
I dream; I pray; I believe he hears my prayers and answers them. One time back in 1988 I prayed for God to heal my sick son who was dying; to remove the discord between my wife and I, and to give me something to do for a living that I could sink my teeth into, and not bounce from job to job. My son, though near death, recovered completely and now preaches and teaches about Jesus Christ and His saving Grace. My lovely wife and I have raised three splendid, dynamic children who are now 27,29, and 31. We are going on our 33rd year together. Finally, God answered my prayer that night, and on January 27Th, 1988, he gave me my life’s long profession, but I didn’t realize it for 3 years. He gave me the ability to invent! I never dreamed of being an inventor; nor did I ask him for the gift. But, in his infinite wisdom, He knew what I needed; something that I would never have asked for. God has given me a faith that I can, through Him, withstand any forces thrown against me. Through faith, I can pray to a Holy God and He hears my voice.
Monkeys can’t pray.
My best to you,
Jake Merrick
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