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I remember telling my parents and friends that I wanted to get into advertising. I was 22, a fresh graduate with a science major, wishing for life in the creative world.
The responses I received were reasonable. Most were supportive, and some with an underlying tone of “I’ll believe it when I see it.” In other words, “I’ll believe you when you show me.”
How does one begin when they have big dreams… with no evidence and little faith?
Activate your will
When I started job searching, I remember feeling timid and insecure.
At that point in my life, I believed that my credentials determined my success. So from my perspective, I was not set up for success because I had neither an industry degree nor experience.
One day, as I was complaining to a friend about my dreams and how they seemed so distant, he told me this (and I’ll never forget it):
“Activate your will, and watch what happens.”
What happened next is this: I swapped night-outs for night-ins to expand my skills, weekend fun for workshops, and negative self-talk for conscious attempts at gratitude. I even knocked on doors to hand out my resume, which helped me build resilience.
During this process, it became clear to me that if I dare to dream it, I can become it.
If I dare to dream it, I can become it.
How to develop faith
There are many ways to increase your faith. You can learn to trust yourself by taking action and being consistent.
You can also learn to trust your vision by finding expanders (role models) who have achieved what you desire.
Another way to build faith is through God or the Universe. I believe that we are never alone in our vision and that they are always working things out for us.
Whichever path feels the best for you right now is the one I recommend.
May you dare to dream.
May you dare to become.
May you dare to be happy.
Confidence
Confidence is how you wear who you are; it does not hinge on a specific outcome, manifestation or achievement. It is a state of being.
Yes, our dreams are often so big that it doesn't feel possible. That’s why it’s natural to shrink in the face of them, but,
Do not let the initial fear and disappointment take camp in your heart. Instead, let these feelings pass through you. At the turn of the tide, you will be called forward.
God gave you the vision—and only in you will it thrive.
I really love the line “activate the will and watch what happens”. I’ve been trying to learn how to let go of the “how” and live in the space of faith and impact.
It’s hard when the logical mind says “you need to make money” and the spirit says “I just want to help so many people” and so I’m constantly reminding myself that “I’m always taken care of” through God and the Universe. When you focus on your gifts and giving you will never lose.
Thank you for an inspiring read, your article helped me start my day in a positive way :)