As the deadline approaches for applications to Dream Year on December 10, I'm getting emails asking what if I don't have a dream? Five thoughts for you...
1. I'm discovering that most people DO have a dream, but dare not speak it because it's so big. They've already discounted the possibility of achieving it because of fear, insecurity, comfort.
2. Most people live with their frustrations when God intends those experiences to shape a dream in your life. Ask yourself, what frustration am I choosing to live with rather than fight? Think of the Israelites who invaded Canaan but didn't drive everyone out. They lived a lesser life.
3. Doing SOMETHING is better than doing nothing. The waters don't part until your feet hit the Jordan. So maybe it's not your life-long calling... take your ability to execute to a whole other level by doing something. This is a system to do that.
4. The people around you know EXACTLY what you're bad at... and what you're great at. They're just too polite to tell you. So you have to ask them. You'll probably find your dream amid those stories. God will confirm or deny it for you.
5. This is why I created the Dream Year weekend retreat in Nashville on January 21-23. It's a place to explore and learn the principles of the Dream Year process, but not have to walk month-by-month with accountability for something you haven't identified yet. You still get the weekly lessons all year.
My dream is to have a dream !!!!!!!!
Posted by: Rosie | October 28, 2010 at 09:39 AM
For all those reasons I am glad this event is happening.
And number 1 is a huge one.
How do you decipher that from selfishness and an actual dream?
Posted by: Kyle Reed | October 28, 2010 at 11:03 AM
Good stuff, Ben!
Posted by: Justinlharris | October 28, 2010 at 01:20 PM
So... you've seen this I would guess.. http://gizmodo.com/5652380/the-church-of-the-sacred-hologram
Posted by: Jennifer | October 28, 2010 at 01:44 PM
Ben, what did you mean in point #4 when you wrote, "You'll probably find your dream amid those stories." Can you explain that a tiny bot for me?
Posted by: steve | October 31, 2010 at 01:50 AM
steve, i wrote about this a few weeks ago: http://www.benarment.com/history_in_the_making/2010/10/the-legend-about-you.html
a big part of my role as a coach is to listen for the dream amid the confusion and the clutter... and then interpret it back to them with more clarity.
Posted by: Ben Arment | October 31, 2010 at 12:32 PM
Awesome post Ben. This very thing was on my heart as I travelled to Story this year. I almost emailed you about it before I went.
I'm excited about the Dream Year weekend, still looking at the logistics of getting myself and my wife there. I think it's exactly what I need.
God's given me a big project, but I don't know if it's a dream :)
Posted by: Muntz | November 08, 2010 at 11:53 AM
can't wait to hear what it is... hope you can make it!
Posted by: Ben Arment | November 08, 2010 at 01:52 PM