The beauty of the Pursuit of Happiness is that no matter who you are, where you live, what you know, when you were born, or who you love, you can be happy. True happiness is above the five W’s and so are you. Learn how to find happiness in the good and bad times of life. Believe it. Read it. Be happy.
Joe Douglas
– Editor-in-Chief –
Progress is measured by goals. A dream is the compilation of those goals. The results of setting goals, reaching them, and using them to move forward can and will make it possible to reach any height.
Dreams are long-term goals. Unlike most goals, however, dreams may seem unreachable, fantastic, and/or physically impossible. Some common dreams include: being elected president of the United States, becoming an astronaut, curing cancer, or owning the next monopoly. Many of these accomplishments are for the cream of the crop, the best, and therefore not everyone who has that dream can attain it. It’s not because it’s impossible for all but one person, but that it takes one person with undying resolve and determination to reach their desired destination over the compeition.
However, some of these unbelievable dreams are subject to ridicule and put-downs. Phrases like “You’ll never be able to do that,” “That’s stupid,” and “You should focus on something that will make you more money” are common. There are countless temptations to give in, give up, and throw the dream away.
Every day is full of reasons why a dream could be unattainable. It takes the aforementioned resolve to see the value of dreaming and challenge the everyday critics.
Take Judah Folkman, M.D., a surgeon and cancer researcher. In a 1971 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, Folkman announced his theory that cancer tumors triggered angiogenesis, the growth of blood vessels to help support the tumor’s ever-increasing requirements of nutrients.
According to an article written in the July 2005 issue of Reader’s Digest, Folkman’s theory was disregarded and thought impossible for years. He was told by fellow doctors he was “studying dirt,” meaning his efforts to find evidence of angiogenesis were futile. During a speech he gave to other medical minds about the importance of his discovery, half of the audience walked out on him.
It took more than a decade of resilience, determination and self-confidence to prove the world wrong. In a 1984 issue of Science Magazine, Folkman published the culmination of his research: the detailed discovery of angiogenesis. Overnight, he went from a foolish surgeon to a world-renowned cancer researcher.
The discovery has lead to numerous improvements in treatments for cancer and Type 2 diabetes, and to the development of anti-inflammatory drugs used widely today.
Folkman had something to give the world. He didn’t give up or give in to the critics he was faced with on a regular basis. He was confident, persistent and determined.
Unfortunately, not everyone has a dream. Cynics have extinguished every candle that gave them a shimmer of hope. They may be going through the motions, waiting for the next day without anything but retirement or their next paycheck to look forward to.
Dreams revive a lost energy, an energy that children have when they look up to their mom or dad and say, “I want to be just like you.” Dreams grant a new sense of purpose in life, provide direction, and by denying the critics they become a source of budding self-confidence.
Begin thinking about some big goals or dreams that feel important. Maybe it’s starting a new business, writing a book, or having a family. Don’t give up. No one is too old to find a new dream. No effort is unreachable with the undying resolve and self-confidence that one day that dream will be realized.
