The One Childhood Trait You Cannot Afford To Let Go Of

Written by
Doug Greathouse (aka Captian Arcimedia)
on September 29, 2009

Categories: Featured, Personal Development

Do you remember when you where a kid and life was full of possibilities? Then it seemed that as you got older the dreams got smaller and you no longer thought that you could be anyone or do anything you put your mind to. We were all told by someone whether it was a teacher, family member, boss, or someone else that obviously felt the need to “bring you back to earth” that we where being unrealistic. Their prognosis of our worth or ability was more than likely based on where we where in our life at that point. We may have not had great grades, been a good athlete, or not in a good social economic situation.

I bet you can think of a few “Champions” that choose to not believe the limited value others chose to place on them and put complete belief in themselves. Ever hear of Michael Jordan? Someone thought he wasn’t good enough to play varsity basketball as a sophmore in High School. Or Walt Disney? There was a time when no one would hire him as an artist or even an ambulance driver. Well instead of these individuals accepting “their lot in life” they chose instead to prove to the world their worth. Michael took his “demotion” to the JV squad and became a star in every level that he played at from that point on. As for Walt, well I guess we all know he can draw.

The naysayers tend to grow when we reach adulthood. Life can defeat you if you let it and when we feel defeated we tend to pass that defeat on to others. Remember this No-One is going to believe in you more than you believe in yourself. I urge you to be an inspiration to others and not a dream crasher. If you truly believe that you can accomplish something and are willing to do what it takes to get there, do not let anyone take you off track. Most of the time people extend to others what they believe about themselves, so in essence when someone tells you that you cannot do something, they are saying that they could not see themselves doing anything of the caliber of what you are shooting for. That is more than likely true for them because they allow a limited belief structure to exist in their lives. Do you think Michael Jordan tells his kids to compromise on what they want to be or do?

I hate to say it but a lot of the blame can be placed on some of our parents. Every mother and father say that they think their child can do or be anything, but in their heart of hearts do they really believe it? When that moment comes when your child wants to chase their dream, do you give them all the “sensible” options or do you tell them to go for it. I am not saying that if your child cannot play Mary had a little lamb on the piano that you tell them to go start auditioning at concert halls, but inform them of the hard work and dedication it takes to realize their dreams and then if they understand urge them to follow their passion. Work filled with passion will always lead to great things. Maybe start with more piano lessons. Success has a price for sure, so for those of us that are willing to pay that price, in the words of Aerosmith “Dream On!”

“Whether You Think You Can or Can’t, You’re Right”–Henry Ford“

Charity Akers Durham

I think I can. Thank you for reminding me, I am my biggest fan. No one knows me, like me and no else is responsible for the success or failure of my dream.
http://twitter.com/jcbrewer Justin Brewer

“Work filled with passion will always lead to great things.”
redsprings

Kids are wonderful at being authentic, then they unlearn it, we talk them out of it, reality gets in the way. I was told I could do anything, ANYTHING as a kid because I had visionary parents. Sure, I still believe it is possible to be an architect, environmental campaigner, singer, musician and dolphin teacher. I just have to live long enough. Anything can be learned, the desire to do it and the belief that you can is innate. It can lead to a confusion and lack of focus as an adult, but nice problem to have!

It is a parent's role to create the best possible human being they can. Not a baby or a child, but a real live human who will hopefully grow into an adult and tell other people that they can do whatever they believe in, it's contagious, and it can take some work, but start young. If you have the power to create a real live person with that mindset, then you are smart and blessed! For those of us lucky enough like me, remember it and remind others often. For those of you not fortunate enough to have that belief instilled, just close your eyes and imagine, feel it and work towards it. Impossible is nothing as the adidas saying goes! Thanks for the post, nice!
http://www.superheromarketing.net Doug Greathouse

Redsprings,

Thanks so much for your added Insight!
http://www.marykurek.com marykurek

Good post – nice reminder of who we really are as human beings – the core of what drives us, keeps us sane, and provides motivation. I'm a believer that big dreamers are the ones that get big things done. You never really know what you can do until you attempt the impossible.
http://www.superheromarketing.net Doug Greathouse

That is so true Mary and not enough people are willing to get out of their “comfort zone” and attempt the impossible.
http://www.annabarcelos.me/ Anna Barcelos

This post resonated with me. We all have had some champions in our lives who pushed us beyond doubt during times we felt we couldn't do something. Sadly, some of these champions may not have been our parents, but don't dwell on that – learn from it and always be aware. There isn't a time when my kids say, “Oh, I can't do that!” and I immediately respond, you can do anything if you want it bad enough. Offering constant support to those around us is one of the best feelings in the world.
http://www.annabarcelos.me/ Anna Barcelos

This post resonated with me. We all have had some champions in our lives who pushed us beyond doubt during times we felt we couldn't do something. Sadly, some of these champions may not have been our parents, but don't dwell on that – learn from it and always be aware. There isn't a time when my kids say, “Oh, I can't do that!” and I immediately respond, you can do anything if you want it bad enough. Offering constant support to those around us is one of the best feelings in the world.