For most people, pursuing their dreams seems just like that, a dream. While most say that they are trying to figure out their place in life, the majority of us are afraid to pursue those big dreams. Finding our purpose is only the first step, acting on it is much more complicated.  So, why is it so difficult for us.  What are we afraid of?

Author Ken Coleman says that the number one thing we need in order to overcome what holds us back is the “Fear of Regret”.  He says that the fear of regret outweighed his other fears in pursuing his dream. He explains it utilizing an oft-misquoted saying of Henry David Thoreaux.

Thoreaux said, “Most men lead lives of quiet desperation”.  Others have expanded on this with “and go to the grave with the song still in them”.  While we don’t know who to attribute this to, we recognize a true and paralyzing idea that for many of us, we go to our grave without ever pursuing that big dream.

“Most men lead lives of quiet desperation and go to the grave with the song still in them”.

Coleman left a successful job in IT in order to pursue a dream of working in broadcasting.  At the time he had no experience, no training, and no contacts. But he recognized the calling and pursued it, and found his true purpose in life.

Listening for God’s call in your life is the first step.  Discovering your greater purpose is a challenge and requires a willingness to go through the long and sometimes painful process of accurately assessing your skills and passions.