Dreaming big?
Good.
But let me tell you something: dreaming alone won’t get you anywhere.
You need to turn those dreams into action.
The mantra “If you can dream it, you can do it” isn’t just a feel-good quote; it’s a blueprint for success.
Let’s break down how to make that happen.
Jump To Section
What is the origin of the Saying, If You Can Dream It, You Can Do It?
The saying “If you can dream it, you can do it” is widely attributed to Walt Disney, but its origin is more complex. While the phrase encapsulates Disney’s ethos of creativity and ambition, there is no concrete evidence that he actually coined it.
The Origins of the Quote
The phrase was popularized by Sheralyn Silverstein, a junior copywriter at Marsteller Inc., in 1981. She created it for a General Electric recruitment ad to inspire young people to pursue careers in math and science.
The tagline read, “If you can dream it, you can do it,” and was prominently featured in the campaign promoting GE’s innovative electric vehicles.
The quote later found its way into Disney’s Horizons attraction at EPCOT, where it was used in various forms, further solidifying its association with Walt Disney.
Disney Imagineers, including Tom Fitzgerald, also adapted the phrase, which contributed to its widespread recognition as part of Disney’s legacy, even though it was not originally his.
Despite its misattribution, the phrase resonates with Disney’s philosophy of dreaming big and pursuing one’s goals. It emphasizes the power of belief and visualization in achieving success. Over the years, it has become a motivational mantra for many, often seen on posters, merchandise, and in various motivational contexts.
“If You Can Dream It, You Can Do It” is commonly linked to Walt Disney; its true origin lies with Sheralyn Silverstein and her work in advertising. Regardless of its source, the phrase continues to inspire countless individuals to turn their dreams into reality.
If You Can Dream It, You Can Do It
First off, you need a vision—a clear picture of what you want.
This isn’t just about wishing for things to happen; it’s about creating a mental image that drives you. When you know exactly what you want, you can start to map out the steps to get there.
Think of it as your personal GPS. Without a destination, you’re just driving in circles.
Now, here’s the kicker: dreams without action are just daydreams. You have to take massive, deliberate action. Set specific, measurable goals; don’t just write them down—live them.
Break them into bite-sized tasks and tackle them one by one. It’s about creating a system that keeps you accountable. If you’re not tracking your progress, you’re just hoping for the best, and hope is not a strategy.
Let’s be real: the path to success is riddled with obstacles. But guess what? Those obstacles are your best teachers.
Each challenge is an opportunity to learn and grow. When you hit a wall, don’t back down. Analyze the situation, adapt, and push through.
Remember, every successful person has faced adversity; how you respond sets you apart.
Related: 7 Ways To Set Your Mind To Reach Your Goals
Life Will Take You to Places
Life will always take you places that you never imagined you would be. Sometimes, it will present you with great moments or periods of triumph, then turn around and haul you over the coals of hell.
It is up to us to take something positive from all facets of our personal growth period and always remember that there is hope even in our darkest hours.
This unyielding faith and principle is the foundation that makes up the building blocks of my life as I seek to make a name for myself in the world of country music.
The music business is not for the faint of heart, and one’s constitution must be made of steel to withstand the onslaught of rejections and pitfalls that are ever-present.
My travels to date have taken me from the backwoods and dirt roads of my native Jamaican home to the highways and bright lights of the United States, where I have made a deal with myself that I will see this journey as far as the road will take me.
I always knew that I had talent and believed that success was just around the corner, and I still think that my most significant break is within reach.
However, somewhere along the way, my quest for stardom and wealth has been superseded by my hunger and thirst to do what I love to do best—–WRITE MY SONGS AND SING EM’ ON STAGE!
Dream It Into Existence
While I may not sell out arenas and theaters all across this country, I am content to know that my band and I are highly sought after on the club and festival circuit in the mid-Atlantic region.
I never lose the thrill of hearing one of my songs being played at a significant nationally recognized country music station or station in my home state of Maryland.
I am no longer blinded by the glare of bright lights and glitz and glamour and have grown entirely comfortable in my skin, realizing that I am making a huge difference in many people’s lives through my music.
I share a special bond with the folks who love my music, and I often think of them as a family—with family being the operative word in this sentence because family keeps me grounded and deeply rooted in my core principles and values.
I take great pride in saying that I have always been my father’s son and my mamma’s boy, and every step along the way, I have lived my life in such a way that they can be proud of me and it is also of equal importance to be proud of one’s self.
My parents raised me to believe I could do anything I set my mind to, and they have always given me the freedom to dream.
I must point out that wishing and dreaming are two very different things that sometimes get confused and intertwined with the other.
Wishing and Hoping Doesn’t Work
Wishing is merely sitting back and hoping something will happen, while dreaming is the actual visualization of what you want to happen and believing that if you can see it happening, then there’s no stopping you from putting the pedal to the metal and making it happen.
Therefore, I am a dreamer, and I encourage everyone to dream and then some more because while they may all not come true, some will, and as we all know, the glass is better half-full than being empty in this regard. This helped me to live my ideal life.
Having faith in God and oneself is a powerful force that can break down walls and create an atmosphere for personal growth and development, and if you don’t believe me, try it!
Whenever I encounter impossible obstacles, somehow I dig inside and reach for my reserved strength, and I pray about the matter, and then I do my best to beat the odds.
By most accounts, life is a race, and we are our only and most significant competitor. The sooner we come to terms with this reality, the sooner we will achieve tremendous success.
These days, I measure my success not by how much money I have in the bank or how many records I have sold; I measure success by gagging my happiness meter.
True happiness and success derive from doing what one loves to do in life.
I am one of the lucky ones who found out from an early age that I wanted to be an entertainer, and I am thankful that I have met many people along my journey who have assisted me with time, resources, and love, virtually giving me the wings to fly and live out my life visions.
I implore everyone to figure out their true purpose—-now, this is the hard part sometimes. Still, once you figure this out, everything seems to fall into place as long as you are willing to put in the time and effort needed to fan the flames of a smoldering fire that truly is burning in you.
This fire still burns inside of me, and I pray that it will burn until I take my last breath.
A Call to Action:
So, what are you dreaming of? Don’t let it remain just a fleeting thought. Embrace the power of your imagination, translate your dreams into goals, and take action. Remember, the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
However, it’s essential to approach this concept with nuance. While desiring big can be inspiring, it’s crucial to acknowledge constraints and limitations.
Not every vision can be fully realized, and that’s okay. The journey holds immense value, fostering personal growth and contributing to the collective pursuit of a better world.
So, dream boldly, act courageously, and remember, the only limits are the ones we set for ourselves. Let’s turn our collective dreams into a reality, one determined step at a time.
Dream It, Believe It
Dreaming as the First Step:
It all starts with a dream. Whether it’s a personal aspiration, a groundbreaking invention, or a societal change, visualizing the desired outcome fuels our desire and provides a target for our efforts.
From Dream to Action:
However, dreaming alone is not enough. The magic lies in transforming dreams into tangible action.
This requires:
- Planning and goal setting: Breaking it down into achievable steps creates a roadmap for progress.
- Persistence and resilience: Obstacles and setbacks are inevitable. The key is to learn, adapt, and persevere.
- Hard work and dedication: Nothing worthwhile comes easy. Putting in the effort is crucial to bridge the gap between dreams and reality.
Beyond Individual Achievement:
The power of “If you can dream it, you can do it” extends beyond individual pursuits. It fosters a collective spirit of possibility. When we dream together, we can envision a better future and collaborate to make it a reality.
Conclusion
So, here’s the bottom line: if you can dream it, you can do it—but only if you’re willing to put in the work. Vision, action, and resilience are your keys to success.
Don’t just dream about your goals; get out there and make them happen. The world doesn’t owe you anything; you have to earn it. So, roll up your sleeves, get to work, and turn those dreams into reality. You’ve got this!
About the Author: Dean Crawford is more than just a gifted performer with a great voice. He renders traditional and contemporary country tunes with deep conviction, charisma and energy. Dean is also a talented songwriter.
⇒Read Next: Healing The World Through Pursuing Your Passions – Dare to Dream.