How to Stand Up for Your Dreams

“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.”
~Harriet Tubman~

With all the talk in January about making resolutions, working on personal goals and setting objectives for the year, don’t lose sight of what passionately inspires you. Keep your dreams alive, and remember all things are possible for those who have a big goal, put in the hard work and believe in themselves.

Here are eight quick characteristics needed to stand up for your dreams.

1. Vision

Setting a goal helps you outline where you are going. Your best shot at success is to start with a specific intent and clear vision to focus on what’s really important. Develop a plan of action to turn your vision into a reality.

2. Courage

It takes courage to decide to live your dream, rather than just dream as you live. Real courage requires wisdom, and it’s about being brave when faced with something you fear. Courage helps you take the first steps, whether that’s overcoming the fear of rejection or engaging stakeholders.

3. Patience

You must have patience to find and navigate the right path for your dream. It won’t happen overnight, and you can’t get there while sitting idle. As you take responsibility for your dream, patience will help you overcome frustration, and it allows you time to have good judgement to make informed decisions.

4. Determination

President Abraham Lincoln once said, “Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other.” Determination helps you move forward, even when you want to give up, and it’s about being firm on the goal you want to achieve. It’s the glue that holds you together, even when plans go awry or you’re confronted with an unexpected obstacle.

5. Persistence

Booker T. Washington was quoted as saying, “Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life… as by the obstacles which he has overcome while trying to succeed.” Perseverance and tenacity are essential to sticking to your goal. The ability to hold on or to get back up after getting knocked down is essential.

6. Confidence

Accept constructive criticism, but don’t let it pull you back. Stay engaged, have confidence in in your dream and work hard to hone your skills.

7. Resourcefulness

Make the best of every bad break, new opening or chance prospect. Take every opportunity to strategize, prioritize, set goals, seek new resources and monitor your progress. Be consistent as your work through your passion.

8. Knowledge

Every moment teaches you something, so never stop learning. Try to understand all the problems you’re faced with, and enjoy the process of increasing your knowledge and skills.