In browsing my LinkedIn and Facebook feeds this week, I came across a couple video clips of Steve Harvey. In one clip, Harvey was speaking with Oprah Winfrey; in the other clip (shown above), he was talking on his own talk show. In both videos, Harvey spoke about pursuing dreams.
Everyone has hopes and dreams. Likewise, each one of us has different gifts--different talents and skills--that we have to offer to our families, our friends, and the rest of society.
Some people may help nurture and harness your dreams. On the other hand, other people may make fun of your dreams, even bringing you down in public. The story Harvey shares in the above video is both sad and inspirational. Thankfully, he stayed true to his dreams and his gifts, listened to his father, and became the successful comedian and humanitarian that he is today.
Over the past several months, I have been thinking about a new mantra: "Lead with your bucket list." While I do not have all the answers I need yet, Harvey's advice hit home with me. By living my life with my bucket list in mind, I will be able to contribute my gifts to society--and, in turn, will experience both success and happiness.
If you are looking to do a better job using your gifts and pursuing your dreams, Harvey has put together a highly regarded book called Act Like a Success, Think Like a Success: Discovering Your Gift and the Way to Life's Riches. Another good book for exploring your hopes and dreams on your career path is Career Grease: How to Get Unstuck and Pivot Your Career by Alison Cardy. (For those wondering, I am currently reading both of these books.)
Furthermore, if you are interested in helping nurture and harness other people's dreams, you should check out The Dream Manager by Matthew Kelly. (I read this book after learning about it from a guest speaker for my MBA class.)
Feel free to purchase any or all of these books on AmazonSmile, where 0.5% of your purchase will be donated to the charity of your choice. In the meantime, I hope that you take the lid off your jar if you have not already done so, lead with your bucket list, and use your gifts to passionately pursue your dreams.