Just a little over a year ago my brother, Ryan, had decided to begin his own law firm. Upon graduating from law school, he’d begun working at a small firm where he didn’t feel as though his experiences were leading him to become a better lawyer, nor did he feel his work and input were ever truly valued or appreciated. So, he decided he’d had enough. And he asked himself a very powerful and life-changing question.
“Why not me?”
“Why can’t I begin my own law firm? I have the same degree. I, too, have passed the Bar exam. I have everything needed to begin.”
So he did. Just one year removed from law school, he began his own law firm. Despite the many “experienced” lawyers advising otherwise and despite his many friends and even family whom may not have “seen” the potential to make it work, he jumped completely in the deep end and began his business.
The reason I share this is not to pat my brother on the back nor is it my intention to gain free law counsel from him, but instead, it’s to show that when we ask ourselves powerful questions and when we have a vision and a dream in our lives, simply taking action can help make that dream a reality.
In the beginning weeks of his business, his “office” was his apartment space, and his means for income was a job at the Home Depot. Initially, the decision appeared to everyone to be the wrong one. Here’s a guy whom had a steady income and benefits, a law degree, and a Pennsylvania Bar Certification, yet he gave it all up to pursue a dream, which ultimately led him to having to work a 4 A.M. – 10 A.M. shift at a Home Depot and make a measly $10/hour to help make ends meet.
Fortunately, Ryan was soon able to generate enough business to give up his part time job. By the third month he had his own office space and was soon able to hire other employees. Again, this is not to gloat about my brother (in fact he’ll probably be mad I’d written this!), but instead to prove that you and I have the same opportunities to fulfill our dream that he did.
So, moving forward – why not you? You have the skills. You have the talents. Even if you don’t have the resources, start with what you have and where you are. Sure, it’s not going to be easy, and yes, it will require much sacrifice. But much like Ryan, he wasn’t too concerned with “what he didn’t have.” Nor did he listen to the naysayers whom may have ridiculed him for working a minimum wage job with a law degree.
That’s the sacrifice and mind-set needed to help us push onward toward our dreams. Begin today in asking yourself powerful questions, and more importantly give yourself a powerful response that allows you to recognize that the very dream you hold dear to your heart is not impossible nor too challenging for you to attain. In fact, it can be done as long as you’re willing to endure the path, the criticisms, the adversities, and make the sacrifices along the way. You have what it takes! You can do it! Live your dream!
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