Grab Your Dream | Planet Ryan

I was lucky enough this past week to witness two brilliant friends launch their very own product. And even better, this particular product was not only innovative and cutting edge, it was also made with high quality ingredients (obviously, it’s a food product) and with a kind of genuine passion that felt like what probably existed in Steve Jobs’ garage back in the 1970s. Yes, it was that magical.

So many of us have the spark. The internal, eternal entrepreneurial flame that tells you that you are capable of something more. You might have an idea for a product or service, but you’re not sure how to start, so it paralyzes your dream. That’s a huge problem, because human instinct is probably going to err on the side of caution and safety, which likely will not lead to the fulfillment of your dream. You know… that one idea you think about every night before you go to bed.

I’ll make this short and sweet – because not much needs to be said. If you have an entrepreneurial dream, what’s stopping you right now from starting it? Remember, you don’t have to start big. Take baby steps, and a year from now you’ll be very thankful you started when you did. Just think of what you can accomplish in a year’s time? Set goals. Don’t be afraid to fail. If you do, get up and go again, and again, until people wonder how you’re still standing. It’ll eventually pay off. It has to.

Is it money that’s stopping you? Fear of failure or rejection? Are people telling you you’re crazy, even your friends and family? Been there, done that. It’s all bologna. You can always find a way to make something happen, and yes you might have to get creative and it might not be ideal, but it’s a start. And as far as the people who tell you that you can’t or shouldn’t do something, well; they should ignite within you the fiercest desire to succeed.

I’ve found that the very best method to get an idea off the ground is to surround yourself with like-minded people. Even if you’re a bit shy or prefer going solo, hear me out on this one. These people probably won’t be existing friends or even your family. Typically, they will be people you meet in seemingly odd places, but trust that they were put in your path for a reason. Go to events or networking meetings with like-minded folks, and I promise, you’ll be absolutely blown away at the sheer power of a smile and funny conversation, and what it can lead to.

Trust me. Don’t chase your dream. Grab it and hold onto it.

I’ll leave you with some wisdom from a person who probably takes the proverbial cake for the most profound entrepreneurial quotes ever coined:

“Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great.” – Mark Twain

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Republic-Times

The Republic-Times has been Monroe County's hometown newspaper since 1890. Serving Columbia, Waterloo, Valmeyer, Hecker and every town in between, we strive to provide the news that matters most to you in the timeliest manner possible. For more information on subscribing to the Republic-Times, call 939-3814 or visit the "Subscribe" page on this website.
HTC web
MonroeCountyElectric300X15012_19