When Dreams Become Checkpoints, Dream Greater
As people we are bombarded with content all the time, we see so much that it becomes like white noise in the background of our day to day. In a world where attention is power everyone tries to grab the consumer’s attention for just more than a fleeting moment. So to create something so profound and as to make someone stop and think is something easier said than done.
Swimming in content everyday I couldn’t tell you the origin of the quote but I can tell you that it has stuck with me and has had a great impact on me. “When dreams become checkpoints, dream greater” I’ve fallen victim to this same phenomenon that I know plagues so many. I was under the impression of once I achieved, getting into college, or playing college soccer or really whatever my goal was I could relax and rest assured knowing I had accomplished what I set out to do. It is only after years of this mindset that I have realized that if you think “once I make it then it will be easier” you have lost and will continue to lose.
Why is Kobe Bryant one of the best and most relentless athletes let alone basketball players of all time? Because he has absolutely no idea what complacency feels like and never will even in retirement. You read stories about him as a multi-time all star calling his trainer at 4 a.m. to get a workout in. To rest on your laurels even for a second and become stagnant puts you at risk for someone to outwork you.
I am fascinated with Kobe so much because I think when we are young we see these professional athletes almost as super heroes who were blessed with this god given talent. When in reality they worked and worked tirelessly in an attempt to just gain a small break. Those small breaks eventually snowballed into great opportunities which landed them on the highest stages. Kobe is the epitome of this credo, continue to work like you are chasing something even though you have already achieved it.
I’ve made a vow to mold my life and my goals in a new direction, continue to work as if you haven’t achieved your goal. Hustle and grind like you are still at the bottom of the food chain scraping and clawing to get what you so desire. I implore you to live your life like this, set goals and when you achieve them, check the box but don’t take the pen from the paper as you’ll need it to outline your next goal.
Continue to work as if you are the low man on the totem pole in your company, you haven’t made the team yet, or you haven’t received that promotion. At the top of your game push forward like no one even knows your name.