Dreamers Never Die
“Kids nowadays just getting too lazy, people have stopped dreaming…..” Michael Antolin
What started out as a casual conversation soon turned into one of inspiration and one that I feel is blog worthy.
I met Michael back in May at the second Air Yeezy drop and instantly knew he was a cool guy but more than that he was driven. Micheal was armed with his camera and literally snapping the night away – you could immediately see that Photography was his passion amongst other things. And that was the basis of our conversation the other night – passion and drive and how it seems to be lacking amongst our peers.
It should go without saying that you should be motivated in your life. If you look around you, as I often do, there are things that can get you down or make you doubt that certain things are not possible but we shouldn’t be constricted by our environment and in our present state of life. Whatever we are doing we should always envisage the future, you should always want to strive for better things, you should always dream.
Excuse me if I’m sounding a little too poetic but I’m a big dreamer. Those who know me best, know that I think a lot, and although it can be to my detriment I like to imagine as I truly believe that dreams act as the foundation of our thoughts.
Without sounding too condescending, I see the kids in question and you can just tell that their mindset is solely focused on the here and now rather than the bigger picture. Their dream is short-lived, they want all the rewards now and are not prepared to work for it. It is true that good things come to those who wait, but you have to be prepared to wait, to watch your initial dream grow and manifest into something great. Marcus Troy posted these words a couple days ago and I agree with them, “People say they want IT, but they don’t really want IT. The thought of having IT sounds great, but they’re not built for the work to get IT.”
Many a time I call my Dad when University work and life are getting to me and his words of reassurance are always the same, “No-one said this was going to be easy, you have to work for it doll!”
Working hard for your dreams should be at the heart of everything you do. Just ask yourself this, how bad do you really want it?
I was inspired not only by Michael but also the self proclaimed “bloggers blogger” William Yan and an email he received called Defining Your Life’s Direction that I feel ties in to what I’m trying to say about being driven in your life and pursuing a dream, “no one is born with and understanding of the scope of their purpose. If you have drifted through life, you may feel directionless. Striving to discover your life’s work can help you realize your true potential and live a more authentic, driven life.”
Michael said he respected my hustle and that really humbled me. I never mean to come on here and brag with what I’m doing and what I have done if anything it should show you that your dreams are attainable. In my quest to get into footwear design but more specifically product marketing I have pursued certain avenues in order to get advice and make a dream come true. Yet, I’m not the blueprint for this, but the formula is simple. Don’t be afraid to dream, to try and work hard because if you want it that bad, you should really go for it. More words from Michael Antolin “its all about acting upon things, if you don’t do anything your not going to get anything out of it and if you put in the hard work now, you will watch your success grow.”
I love Michael’s words because they are true. Some people lack passion and drive and as a result are failing to achieve their dreams. It comes from inside – self will and drive, you should, “take stock of your strengths, passions, beliefs, and values can help you refine your search for purpose if you don’t know where to begin.”
Chipmunk’s song Beast featuring Loick Essien has a great line to sum this up, “If you get that chance then take it, don’t let talent get wasted.”
Don’t let you dreams die!
this was such an inspiring post. well said!
I think that this blog is one big ego trip . Don’t get me wrong. I’m happy for you and I have a lot of respect for you but there are young people who live for the moment and people who are completely driven. You just need to accept that. Carry on chasing your dreams. Just mind your own business and stop worrying about other people.
@Cornelia
I’m assuming you realise the curious (and comedic) total contradiction in your post? You’re posting on someone else’s blog telling them what to do, then telling them to mind their own business? Oh dear.
I’m not sure if I agree with the above comment..of course there are young people who live for the moment and those who are driven, but I think what lem was trying to say is that young people want things the easy way, without grafting and paying dues, as much of a cliche as that may be. Surely you can’t deny that there seems to be a lack of ambition for any ‘career’ that doesn’t involve being rich and famous, instead of merely being bloody good at what you do, and inspiring others. Also I think it has to be said that those of us who ‘chase dreams’ are also capable of living in the moment! I don’t think it’s easy to make such a clear distinction.
sorry for the rant!
I’m sorry if that sounded rude and contradictory. I laughed too. I think it’s unfair and harsh to say that kids are getting too lazy. Do you mean kids in general are getting too lazy, because that’s how it came across. I think a lot of young people, who have had a balanced upbringing, are quietly seeking their goals in life and don’t feel the need to display or preach about it. They just work extremely hard at it. On the other hand, there are young people who’ve been spoon fed their whole lives so are they really to blame if they lack motivation? In response to Tola’s quote, I’m not denying that at all. The media is definitely to blame for that. It does help to have an income though. I’m not talking about a wealthy income but a practical one and SOMETIMES it means not having that dream career.
I have read all what you guys have said about Dreamers Never Die and will be addressing Cornelia’s points in my next post. I do feel I have to break down what I really meant as I think she has misunderstood the message as TOLA has pointed out.
Thank you to all!