Can Everyone Really Live Their Dream?

Kitty Boitnott, Ph.D., NBCT, RScP

Career Transition & Job Search Coach

If you are one of the millions of people who have watched the movie, The Secret, since its release in 2006, you know that there are many people who espouse the idea that everyone can live their dream. You just have to know how to use "the secret."

Coincidentally, that movie came out at just about the same time as I undertook for the second time my study of the philosophy known as Science of Mind, founded by Dr. Ernest Holmes.

I had been intrigued by the teaching of Dr. Holmes since 2001 when my ex-husband introduced me to it. As I was going through my divorce, completing my doctorate, and considering a run for the office of President of the Virginia Education Association throughout 2006 and 2007, I found the principles taught in Science of Mind to be more than a little useful to me.

I eventually became a Licensed Science of Mind Practitioner and Minister, and today, to the extent that I can (because I am human and make mistakes), I live the principles taught by Dr. Holmes and espoused in The Secret.

What does that mean, exactly?

It means that I believe everyone CAN live their dream if they are crystal clear on (a) what their dream is in the first place, and (b) the steps that they must take to get them to it.

And let me be clear. It may also take some sacrifice. That is why most people don't do it.

It would be nice if you didn't have to give up anything to live your "dream," but that isn't how it usually works. You must be willing to take meaningful action, and you must be prepared to give up something to achieve your ultimate "dream."

Living your dream is not about sitting back, making a wish and waiting for the Universe to provide. I know that in some instances, that is what some of the gurus in the movie, The Secret indicated.

I think that was misleading because I believe to make your dream a reality, you have to have some skin in the game. You must be willing to do something radical. Otherwise, even if you achieve your dream, you won't appreciate it.

So, why am I sharing this with you today? We seem to be caught up in a lot of negativity right now. It's everywhere.

Whether we look at politics, social mores and the pervasiveness of impolite behavior in public, social media platforms, Twitter trolls...negativity is everywhere. And I will be honest. I am not immune to it. I can get wound up into a fit of self-righteous indignation right along with the best of 'em.

But then I remind myself that there is nothing to be gained by my contributing to that negativity. I need to bring myself back to the fundamentals of the teaching that I believe in so firmly. That means recognizing that no matter what is going on in my life at any given moment, I am responsible for how I respond to it. I can allow it in and allow it to ruin my day, or I can block it out and let it slide off my shoulders without feeling the need to respond.

This is something I will have to remind myself of, however, the next time I want to like, share or post a snarky comment on my Facebook page or Twitter account.

What does that have to do with everyone being able to live their dream?

In Science of Mind,  Dr. Holmes maintained that we are each responsible for our lives because we are each responsible for our thoughts. You have no doubt heard the famous saying, "thoughts become things." Just look around you to see evidence of that simple statement. We have thoughts to thank for every invention and innovation--both good and not-so-good--in our experience.

As we learn more and more how to use the knowledge that our thoughts become things, we can become more responsible for how we manage and control our thoughts. If it is true that "thoughts become things," then don't we want to be careful to only think good ones?

Yet, how often do we follow a negative train of thought down the proverbial rabbit hole? Someone cuts you off in traffic...how many of you just want to flip that person off? It is almost automatic for many people.

Maybe someone says something spiteful to you at work. You may decide to brood over it and share your hurt feelings with colleagues. Gossip is not only a bad habit, but it can be damaging to both parties--the one doing the gossip as well as the one about whom you are gossiping.

The bottom line is that we can decide to control our thoughts. And by extension, we can create thoughts that bring about positive results more and more.

I know that I am a perfect example of that. In January of 2013, I made up a new vision board for myself. (If you aren't familiar with what a vision board is, check out the link.) 

On it, I put two pictures of dogs...a Golden Retriever and a cute little Jack Russell Terrier. I was dogless at the time but thinking that I would want one before too long.

Six months later, I got Bernie, an adorable and mischievous long-haired Dachshund. It wasn't until several months after bringing him home, however, that I realized his coloring matches exactly the coloring of the two dogs on my vision board...in fact, except for his freckles and longer ears, he looks just like the Jack Russell Terrier.

At that same time that I was making up that vision board, I was not in a relationship. I cut out a magazine photo of a nice looking guy with blue eyes, a nice smile, and gray hair. He was the type of guy I thought I would like to date. Again, it was months later before I realized that the guy I started dating a while later has blue eyes, a nice smile, and gray hair. I have since replaced the magazine photo with a photo of Bruce.

These are called manifestations or demonstrations in Science of Mind. They are the physical representations of what I first held in my thoughts. They only became "real" in my experience later, after I had focused on wanting them in my life.

My most recent manifestation is in the form of my new car (well, it's new to me). It is exactly like the photo of a new car that I cut out of a magazine a few months ago when I decided that I would need to buy a new car this year. I have had that photo on my vision board for about 6 months. I bought that same exact car last month.

My point is that if I can do all of that...and I do feel like I am living my dream in every way...then anyone can because there is certainly nothing special about ME except that I know the fundamental principles, I believe in them, and I practice them faithfully.

I also know that for things to work properly, I have to do my part. I have to be willing to take meaningful action in the direction that I want to go. If I get side-tracked, it may be a sign that what I wanted isn't what is best for me. 

The bottom line is that I do believe if you want something badly enough and you are willing to do whatever it takes (within the law) to get it, you can be, do or have whatever you want. That is why I encourage my clients not to limit themselves to what they think they can do...I ask them to stretch themselves and consider what they want to do with their lives. Life is too short to settle for being less than happy with your health, your relationships, your financial situation or your career.

What is YOUR dream?

Until next time.

P.S.

Hey, before you go, did you hear about the special I am running on the "Jumpstart Your Job Search" program?

Until midnight, March 17th, I am offering a deep discount. Instead of $750, you can get an updated and modified program for only $550!

How is it changed?

You still get lifetime access to the 10 modules and bonuses, and you still get private phone consultations, but now instead of 6 private consultations, I am modifying the program with 3 private phone consultations and 8 bi-weekly group coaching calls.

The coaching calls start Monday, March 20th and will run through June 26th.

There is still a 90-day money back guarantee.

You also get access to a DIY program, "Courage, Risks and Rewards" which is a $100 value as a bonus.

And you receive access to a private Facebook page. That is a $300 value.

On March 18th, the program will be modified again and is going up to $1000, so if you think it is time to consider a new job or career direction, you will definitely want this program now.

If you aren't interested but know someone who might be, let them know. This deep discount is only available until midnight, March 17th. 

I am also offering an option to pay in two or three payments. For those options, click here, or hit the buy button below.