#DreamChaser!
#CantStopWontStop
“I won’t be denied!”
Our society is obsessed with chasing dreams….
Browse your favorite social media sites and you will see motivational quotes, pictures, and memes.
Youtube has playlists of everything motivational from Ted talks to motivational speakers screaming about Spartans and LIONS……..
We are all chasing dreams and we have subscribed to the belief that we must do whatever it takes to obtain that goal. Its us against the world! Its us against anyone who doesn’t perfectly see our vision. We are going to prove the world WRONG!! You get ready for work or school, put your earbuds in, turn on your Eminem “Lose Yourself”, and start
“Dream Chasing!!…”
While we are riding to our responsibilities with our Ray Ban’s on yelling Marshall Mather’s lyrics, we forget about several important facts about our dreams and aspirations.
The hard fact is that we are so hungry for our success and financial increase that we seemingly forget about the sacrifices and costs of that success!!!
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In my first season as an Strength and Conditioning Intern I took copious notes each and every day. I wanted to learn from the absolute best coaches and administrators in the business. I wanted to know what made each on of these mentor/leaders work!
After relationships were established and I began to learn their personal stories, I realized how much each Coach loved their job and how much they had sacrificed to continue their life’s passion.
One day during recruiting, one of the assistant football coaches approached me to inquire about my experience with his players. After several minutes of discussion, he asked me a very direct question….
“So KD, where is it that you see yourself in 10 years? !Which school? Which Position?”
I paused for a moment and I replied, “I want to be at a Power 5 and be the top recruiter in the country!”
The coach replied the most prophetic words I have heard during my career……
“KD, you are going to get there…..BUT ITS GOING TO COST YOU!!!”
The years went by with stops in Florida, Texas, Louisiana, New York, Virginia, Tennessee, and Alabama. At some point along the way, I started looking around and noticing some very sobering issues…..
There were costs! Big Costs to the career path I had chosen! Don’t get me wrong, I wouldn’t change a thing but….
There has been a cost to the dream……..
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As you begin your journey toward your dream….whether its….
-landing your floor routine in the Olympics.
-Holding up that National Championship trophy.
-becoming a partner in the firm you work in.
-becoming the top salesperson in your region……..
There are sacrifices that you will be forced to make….regardless of what the people you see in your goal APPEAR to have made!
Long before the gymnast steps foot on the mat, there have been 5am runs, meals to be prepped, and training dues to be paid. The coach is the exact same way. Before his team even reached the playoffs, coaches family’s are lonely, their children’s recitals have been missed. Also, to become partner at the legal office that employs you, you may have to take cases the other partners do not want. To lead the region in sales, you may have to “step on some toes” and establish new networking lines.
Everything you want in life will have a cost.
This week I want to ask a series of constructive questions to help you take inventory of where you want to go. They include distinct areas that must be considered….
Lifestyle: This is how your life is going to actually be. This is not “what you see on TV” or on YouTube! It is reality. You may see the Head Coaches mansion on the lake….but you don’t see the 1 bed/1 bath apartment they could barely afford for 5 years.
Relational: What type of relationships do you require? How will your relationships be affected by your lifestyle? Will you be able to spend time with loved ones? Dating/Marriage…will you be able to be the person they need. Would you be able to sacrifice the same for them? Will your significant other be able to understand your 12 hour a day training schedule for Olympic Judo?
Financial: Will you be able to support yourself financially on your journey. Will you be able to support yourself and a family on your quest? Will you be able to delay gratification of some things in life…….sometimes for a long time….so you can pursue your goal? Is what you are doing FINANCIALLY SMART AND SOUND?
The Following are some more focused questions that you need to ask yourself from time to time!
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-What are your 3, 5, 10 year goals?
-If you have a specific job/profession in mind, what is the cultural of that position? Travel? Move to a new city?
-Are you willing to leave family and loved ones for months ….erh….years to pursue what you want?!
-Are you dating someone/ Married? Have you discussed all scenarios with loved ones and included them on any/all decisions?
-Are you able to take a financial hit to make a move or transition? Could you financially handle a move from Tampa to Dallas? Dallas to Birmingham?
-How long do you anticipate the process taking for you to reach financial security and stability while “Dream Chasing”!?
–What are you NOT willing to sacrifice for your goal?
Ladies and gentlemen, there are no easy answers. There are no easy answers to any of these questions! I felt lead to bring these obvious, yet rarely mentioned life questions to the forefront today. As you consider where you are in life and where you want to apply your God-given talent….sit down…Pray…and write it down. No, seriously! WRITE IT DOWN!!! When you put words on paper, your brain treats it differently!
As you age, the way you perceive situations in life will change! To proceed through transitions well, you need to see things for what they truly are! That, my friends, is what makes a champion a………
Champion!
Whatever you decide to do….Do it will all your heart and soul!!!!
Much Love,
#CoachKD
coachkd.org 