There is an ancient biblical story concerning the patriarch, Abraham, who was described as a friend of God.
Having no children and therefore no descendants, God is said to have promised Abraham that he would be the Father of many nations.
In the story, God tells Abraham that his wife Sarah will conceive a child, despite being the ripe old age of 99 years old. This was met with some obvious doubt and questions. He then tells Abraham to step outside his tent and observe the night sky.
The Middle Eastern sky was full of stars and as Abraham looked, God said that he would provide for him more descendants than the stars he could see, and in so doing persuaded him to look beyond his own perception and limits to what was possible.
The story continues to say that Abraham did live on to become the Father of many nations, specifically the Hebrews and the Arabs.
This is a story I often use to demonstrate how we are limited by our perceptions and beliefs.
How often have we let the badges that people and society put on us decide what is possible for us?
Why do we allow the labels from authority figures to determine our futures?
I believe the antidote is in surrounding ourselves with good positive people and a community of peers who speak life, courage and leadership values into us and share a space to dream.
We need colleagues, friends and associates who provide space to allow us to get caught in their slipstream as they go on to better things.
Are you in a community that cherishes your ideas and makes you want to be a better person?
I know it was the encouraging words spoken over me, and about me, that lifted me to achieve the many things I have done.
They helped me grow to have a spirit that stretches the set realities of normal possibilities and enables me to push onwards.
We need to be drawn to step outside of our own mental tents. Take a step back and secure some time to look up to the stars and dream of the possibilities!
What are your dreams and who is helping you to reach them? Remember that being different is your biggest asset and you don’t have to be like everyone else.
If you need a career coach, drop me an email or private message today to get you on the right track.
Dave Brebner.
About the Author:
Dave is an Adult Educator, Speaker and Youth leader living in Western Sydney, Australia where he teaches the Electrical Trades at the Western Sydney Institute. He has Diplomas in Business and Training, a Bachelors Degree in Adult Education, Vocational and Workplace Training and a Masters of Education with a major in Career Development. He has lived with Tourette’s Syndrome, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Anxiety Disorders since an early age, you can read his story online. He is married with 6 children. He is a passionate coach and mentor to young people especially in the vocational guidance and career development areas. Dave is a professional member of the Career Development Association of Australia and has authored a course on Living with Tourette’s which you can study and purchase online through his website – www.davebrebner.com.