I’m spending this year trying to make a living by speaking. I wanted to commit to this for a full 365-day period. Even though I already speak 15-20 times a year, and I’ve built up to that “on the side,” I have made a commitment to go all in this year and see what can happen.
I’ve stepped back from a lot of my day-to-day duties at Proof Branding, a company I co-founded just 18 months ago. Proof is thriving, going gangbusters with Matt Cheuvront’s leadership and skill. On paper, it was foolish to walk away from that job and step toward one with no guarantees.
But after telling clients – entrepreneurs, mainly – at Proof that they had to put everything into chasing a dream, I decided to take my own advice.
As it turns out, I’m in good company:
- Shanley Knox committed to launching and growing Nakate for a year and would then either keep it going or shut it down. She’s still going strong.
- Niki Mathias organizes her life around a theme or activity for an entire year, which is necessary with ambitious goals.
- Rosetta Thurman has selected three themes for her work for this year, wanting to take what she does to the next level.
- And, check out the idea of The Leap Year Project.
Often times, we go after our goals in spurts. This is not how great things were meant to be achieved. They were meant to be chased continually over a period of time. They were meant to be committed to, longed after, and sacrificed for.
My challenge to you is that if you envision a different life for yourself, spend at least a year (and then four) going after that life. An entire year. Quit your job. Focus. Work hard. See what happens.
You may still think you can’t and you shouldn’t. That too much is at risk. Fair enough. I’ll just leave you with the question that has been nagging me:
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
Congratulations Sam! Now your commitment is made, I’m certain the universe will support your path…. let us know how we can support you this year.
Thanks, Niki! I appreciate the encouragement and I’m sure we’ll be in touch about this and other stuff. Here goes something!
Sam, that’s awesome. You can do it. I’m really excited and proud of you. I’m still in dream shaping stage right now to an extent honestly. Again, congrats- excited for you. Let’s do coffee again sometime when you are in Nashville.
Thanks, Jim!
Your posts always seem to hit home for me. Seeing as how my dad’s dream has been gradually being pursued (which should be a whole other story for you sometime), I started also looking at other things I’m passionate about. I finally admitted to myself that acting was something I needed to pursue since it has come up in my list of dreams for my whole life. I’m in classes and attending auditions, and I feel so challenged and energized. If nothing else comes of it, I have pushed myself out of the box and started looking down a completely different path. I suppose that’s got to count for something.
Just like with everything else you have gone after, I’m sure this year will be very successful and fulfilling for you. I’m excited to read more about your journey!
Thanks, Cate! Best of luck with the acting. It’s awesome to hear that you’re following one of your dreams, no matter where it leads you!
This is awesome, Sam! Unfortunately, some of us are in a place where we can only go after our dreams in spurts. But, that doesn’t mean there won’t come a time where we can follow your example and go after them full force. Best of luck to you, I have no doubt you’ll succeed!
Thanks, Sam. Yes – many times, dreams will need to be chased part time or on the weekends. If I had tried to chase my public speaking dream full time three years ago, it may not have worked out. Over time, I’ve built up the momentum I now need to carry me through this year.