MY TWO CENTS:
I’ve been encouraged to dream over the years. I know that some people find that hokey, or have a hard time getting themselves into that mode of thinking. It was cultivated in me early (thanks, Mom!) and that fire has been stoked over the years to consider what’s beyond the horizon for me.
As a younger person, most of what I looked for “beyond the horizon” was related to improving my own situation, status, or stuff. Don’t get me wrong…there’s absolutely nothing wrong with dreaming about a better life for yourself and your family. But, is that all there is?
Thankfully, I’ve had mentors along the way who have challenged me to look “beyond the horizon” for the impact I can have on the world around me, on the people with whom I interact, and in the circumstances in which I’m called to lead. It’s an amazing experience to let your mind wander to how you can be a part of improving someone else’s situation, status, or stuff.
Dreaming for someone else might seem strange, but it’s really a pretty powerful experience. Being aware of needs and dreaming about how to engage in solving those needs helps move us beyond ourselves and can provide some exciting motivation. Maybe this exercise will reveal an opportunity to engage with our time via coaching or mentorship. Maybe it’ll be an opportunity to lead in an organization to make a greater impact. Maybe it’s giving of our financial or physical resources so that doors can be opened for others to see “beyond the horizon” for themselves.
It never ceases to amaze me how thinking beyond myself improves my own outlook. Acknowledging that our blessings can be offered to bless others helps set me to looking for those opportunities to BE a blessing. Now the trick is to figure out how to do that with more consistency throughout my day-to-day activities and interactions.
Do you have any tricks you’d like to share that help you keep your eyes open to the opportunities to be a blessing?
What dream have you had for someone else that you’ve been able to see come to reality for them?
What have you experienced in helping someone dream for themselves and their family?
We’re always looking to improve and, if you’re willing to share, we’d be grateful for that opportunity to grow ourselves.
Make it a great week!
Scott Cousino, CFP®, CEPA®
President