William JamesIn this blog, I have shared quotations from William James, often called the father of American psychology, before (here is an example).  Today, I share another one – this one, full of positive possibility.

“Your hopes, dreams and aspirations are legitimate. They are trying to take you airborne, above the clouds and above the
storms, if you only let them.”
         – William James, psychologist

 

Questions to Ponder

  • When has one of your dreams come true?
  • How did it make you feel?
  • Do your hopes and dreams feel real to you?
  • What action could you take today to give wings to your dreams?

Action Steps

  1. Read today’s quotation again, and silence any “yes, buts” you hear.
  2. Listen to the inner voice telling you your hopes.
  3. Believe in your dreams.
  4. Take action today, as if those dreams are real and reachable.

My Thoughts

Sometimes we get cynical.

Have you ever noticed that it is easy to notice cynicism in others, but we don’t typically think of ourselves as cynical.  We aren’t cynical, we are “realistic.”

If you read today’s quotation and start started saying “yes, but” or immediately dismissed it as meaningless optimism, it is too bad.  Because if you did, and if you are taking a “realistic” view of the world, your dreams are already dashed.

Close the door behind you, and leave your dreams inside.

If you believe your hopes and dreams are real, and that they could be reached, you will take action towards them.  And the only way to, as James says, take them airborne, is by believing and acting.

What dream will you act on today?

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Kevin Eikenberry is a recognized world expert on leadership development and learning and is the Chief Potential Officer of The Kevin Eikenberry Group. He has spent over 30 years helping organizations across North America, and leaders from around the world, on leadership, learning, teams and teamwork, communication and more.

Twice he has been named by Inc.com as one of the Top 100 Leadership and Management Experts in the World and 100 Great Leadership Speakers for Your Next Conference. The American Management Association named him a “Leaders to Watch” and he has been twice named as one of the World's Top 30 Leadership Professionals by Global Gurus. Top Sales World has named him a Top Sales & Marketing Influencer several times, and his blog has been named on many “best of” lists. LeadersHum has named him one of the 200 Biggest Voices in Leadership in 2023.

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  1. I like this, great post! “Yes, But” is along the same lines as the “I wish” statement. Believe in yourself and you abilities and don’t let yourself or others discourage you from achieving your dreams!

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