20 WAYS TO RUN WITH YOUR DREAM

Are you sure of what your dream looks like? And you are set on the track to run with it. Let's figure it out together.
Let’s get started.

1. LEAVE THE FUTURE FOR THE FUTURE, AND DEAL WITH THE PRESENT:
Do away with the question, “What should I be when I grow up?” is wrong. Instead, focus on the question “What is next today?” Growth is a gradual process, we become adults one bite at a time, not in a day. So let what you do today matter most to you.

2. SHOP AROUND:
Just think of you going to pick up a new dress, unless you try on the outfit, you’ll never know which one fits best. Do the same with vocations, hobbies, skills & ideas. The taste of the pudding is in the eating, you’ll need to sample every flavour to know your true favorite taste.

3. SAY YES TO YOUR PASSION:
Say yes to the things that intrigue you, instead of the ones that bore you. Go after your passion.

4. FIND A PROBLEM TO SOLVE:
Being a solution provider makes you a success and it makes your work feel meaningful. Having an issue to work against also gives you a villain to play against—and makes you a hero.

5. BE FLEXIBLE WITH YOUR PLANS:
As you continue growing, your life may not go according to plan. Don’t worry if you get off your track. The track was initially imaginary anyway. The most important thing, which you must ensure, is to keep your mind in the race.

6. DO NOT FOLLOW SOMEONE ELSE'S DREAM:
Your parents want you to be A. Your boss wants you to be B. Your friends want you to be C. And society is clamoring for you to be D. You can’t please everyone, but if you do what YOU think you should, at least you’ll be able to have a rest of mind and sleep at night. Be the owner and driver of your own dream.

7. BALANCE YOUR TALENTS:
Instead of doing something that only takes advantage of one skill, create a mash-up of several things you do well (talents). You’ll set yourself apart and feel more satisfied with what you’re doing.

8. RUN THE RACE WITH PEOPLE YOU ACTUALLY LIKE:
It’s more satisfying to dig a ditch with friends than to design a skyscraper with a team of sociopaths.

9. GIVE YOURSELF PERMISSION TO CHANGE YOUR MIND:
Most of us chose our paths when we were teenagers when we never understood what purpose is. As time passes, you might find new things to do places to be and people to know, and decisions you have earlier made will probably need to be overturned. Please, change your steps, if need be.

10. ASK THE ELDERS FOR ADVICE:
They’ve been there, done that, got the experience. Experience they say, is the best teacher. If you seek the voice of elders, you’ll find out that happiness and satisfaction have more to do with love and purpose than naira and kobo.

11. ROAM THE LIBRARY:
You never know which book, author, or topic will speak to you from the shelves. You might just find what you didn’t even know you were looking for. Pick a book of interest and read it. Readers are leaders.

12. SEEK SUPPORT, NOT TOLERANCE:
You’re going to need help with anything and everything. Make sure you have people in your corner who do more than just nod and say, “That’s nice,” when you tell them your dreams. No! you need far more than that. Surround yourself with people who can stand and together run with your dream.

13. SPEND TIME BEFORE YOU SPEND MONEY:
This is really necessary. Invest in reading and talking and finding out before you plunk down a ton of money on a degree or certification relocation or investment. You might find that you don’t have to write a cheque to compose your future.

14. DON'T CONFUSE A JOB WITH A PURPOSE:
Ensure you outline the purpose for which you are seated at your desk. If you are working to support your family, then they are your real bosses. If you are working to further a goal or idea, don’t let your paycheck (however plump/token it is) become an obstacle to it. Set your mind on the goal.

15. THERE IS NO NEED TO BE THE BEST:
Very few people are the very best in the world at anything. Doing your best doesn’t mean you have to be THE best. Your best is more than enough.

16. DON'T KEEP SCORE:
No one will be at the top or bottom of their game forever, and who you perceive as your competition is a constantly changing cast of characters. Keeping score can become a full-time job if you let it run in your head, and that’s an awful way to spend a day, much less a lifetime.

17. BE AUTHENTICALLY UNCOOL:
Stick with what you love, even if others sneer at it. This is also referred to as integrity. They will still turn around to appreciate you and remain focused.

18. RELAX YOUR MIND:
Do not overstress yourself. There’s no right answer, but there are thousands of viable options. Take time to rest your bring and consider the available options to go about the race. It is necessary to unwind at the end of a busy day.

19. ENDURE THE PAINS:
There is no gain without pain. Growing up is painful. Pick your lesson from a child learning to work, he must fall several times before he can hold his feet on the ground and begin his movement to manhood.

20. DON'T GIVE UP:
Don't be deterred by the challenges that might come your way. PUSH - Persisit Untill Something Happened. Persistence breaks resistance. 

YOU ARE THE BEST.