Unleashing the potential of focused determination on your aspirations.
One of my former classmates from high school blossomed into an internationally renowned performer.
She has become a celebrated Hollywood actress, gracing the screens in countless movies that you, without a doubt, have had the pleasure of witnessing. She has claimed prestigious accolades such as Oscars, Golden Globes, and various cinematic honors.
Growing up in an ordinary middle-class household in Northern California, she attended the same high school as me. She was part of the creative, albeit somewhat ostracized, drama clique that frequently showcased their talents on the school stage.
Her sole devotion was to the realm of dramaturgy and theater. I witnessed her mesmerizing performances on numerous occasions. School attendance was hardly a priority for her, to the extent that she missed our own graduation ceremony. In truth, she accumulated an excessive number of absences, leading to her inability to receive a diploma.
During that period, she would often skip classes to immerse herself in the works of Shakespeare within the confines of her car. Her motivation was not rooted in the pursuit of worldwide stardom or glory-grabbing Oscars, but rather an unwavering commitment to acting, driven by her purpose and passion for the craft.
Imagine being so resolutely fixated on your dream that high school and the pursuit of a diploma become nothing but fleeting distractions. My classmate ardently chased after her dreams with unwavering intent.
Subsequently, she enrolled in community college to obtain her diploma and ventured into an artistic academy. Eventually, she earned admission to Julliard, where she immersed herself in the immersive study of theater and the art of acting.
Upon graduating, she left an indelible mark on some of the most revered films of my generation. Her multifaceted roles on the grand stage have garnered global recognition. She has amassed a staggering 5 million followers on Instagram.
While my friend commanded the stage in high school, I found myself actively engaged in the student council.
Politics had always entranced me, leading to my election as a class representative throughout my formative years.
Upon completing high school, I delved into political campaigns during my college days. Subsequently, I established a consulting firm dedicated to guiding aspiring candidates on their path to victory. I christened it the V Team—a name denoting triumph, unity, and the bond I shared with my lone comrade!
Though most of the candidates I supported fell short, that is beside the point. I chose to champion individuals who lacked substantial financial backing, instead embracing idealists who yearned to disseminate their message. These were individuals propelled by fervor and determination, rather than monetary influence. I orchestrated their campaigns, striving to secure their triumphs in various political arenas.
Following graduation, I briefly departed from the realm of politics to practice law. However, a nagging awareness within me assured that my ultimate return to the political arena was inevitable. I persisted in assisting candidates in their pursuit of election, as well as fundraising endeavors. I actively participated in political gatherings, ardently contributing to local political clubs, and remained earnestly attuned to every whisper within the political sphere.
Eventually, when my life encountered unexpected turbulence, doubt regarding my chosen career path began to creep in. The turmoil of a divorce propelled me towards the realm of blogging, where I candidly shared my experiences and insights on a platform that gradually amassed a devoted following.
Monthly readership grew to more than 20,000, prompting me to produce weekly posts and videos for my audience.
Over the course of a couple of years, I transitioned from an aspiring political figure to an aspiring writer in equal measure.
Mornings were spent fervently crafting written pieces, while evenings were dedicated to the pursuit of politics. Balancing these two aspects of my life proved to be an arduous endeavor, as both passions demanded my undivided attention. Politics encroached upon my writing time, just as writing encroached upon my time dedicated to political matters.
After years of writing, I began to question the very foundations of politics. Politics had been my dream for the majority of my existence, the path I embarked upon since high school. However, in my thirties, I found myself pondering whether it still aligned with my aspirations.
Gradually, I came to realize that I had begun treading the path of multiple dreams. My efforts were divided, scattered among my endeavors. It was no longer solely about politics; writing had also become an integral part of my identity.
No longer was I solely involved in political campaigns and attending political events. My undertakings now encompassed brainstorming, ideation, writing, and promoting my literary creations. I immersed myself in podcasts and pursued further education. The actual time devoted to writing steadily increased.
In my mind, my focus gradually grew muddled. What was my true calling at this stage? Should I persist in pursuing a political career, a path I had initially set out upon? Or was it my newfound calling to become a writer, to assist and bring solace to a multitude of individuals through the power of the written word?
I harbored dreams for both realms, cherishing them both, and pursuing them simultaneously.
Regrettably, pursuing multiple dreams often results in insufficient attention to any of them.
The shortest route to success lies in unyielding dedication to a singular purpose.
If you wish to embark on a dream and bring it to fruition, the achievements of my classmate offer a poignant reminder.
She embraced her dream and pursued it without a second thought, without a backup plan. Acting became her exclusive, all-consuming aspiration.
On the other hand, I oscillated between two dreams: delving into politics and becoming a writer. I dabbled in both, allowing myself to become entangled in distractions.
It is permissible to harbor multiple dreams, but to maximize the possibility of success and improve your chances of realizing one of them, it is in your best interest to choose just one and wholeheartedly immerse yourself in its pursuit.
By singularly pursuing a solitary dream, your energy, efforts, thoughts, and intentions will align and harmonize. Committing yourself entirely to a singular path opens the door to unforeseen opportunities and unexpected aid.
Devoting oneself wholeheartedly to a single dream amplifies the likelihood of its fulfillment.
When chasing after multiple dreams, distraction and surrender become more probable.
If you currently find yourself chasing multiple dreams, there is no need to exert additional effort to pursue all of them simultaneously. You need not seek extra hours in the day. Don’t dwell in guilt over divided attention for various dreams.
If you possess multiple dreams, take a step back and reflect. Engage in introspection, evaluate your aspirations, and determine which dream resonates most within your heart. Which dream offers the deepest fulfillment? What are you willing to strive for and work towards?
You require no external guidance regarding the dreams you are pursuing.
At this moment, what you truly need is clarity regarding the dream you wish to pursue.
Multiple dreams divide your efforts. A singular pursuit concentrates your endeavor.