As I reminisce on this previously shared blog content (photos included in this article) of a few years ago, that recently popped out on my Facebook newsfeed as “memory post”, I come to realize how important it is to stay focused on your journey, no matter what the distractions might be and I thought I would share a little insight on the subject of… Dream killers.

“Now I could let these dream killers kill my self-esteem. Or use my arrogance as the steam to power my dreams… I ain’t play the hand I was dealt, I changed my cards, I prayed to the skies and I changed my stars”~ Kanye West, Last Call. 

Dream killers are the people in your life who don’t believe in you. They don’t think you can do things you vouched to do. They question the validity of your goals. They think you’re a “dreamer”.

Dream killers tend to highlight your missteps instead of acknowledging your accomplishments. Dreams killers are everywhere and usually, they are “your people”.  They are people you know very well and maybe, people you even count on.

When we take the random internet thug who doesn’t know you from a mile out of the picture, typical dream killers are often friends, or old friends, co-workers, and even family members. You know the people who kill your vibes and will never encourage you to take on a new challenge? The people who will tell you they love and wish you well, but are never happy or never there to support you when you’re actually doing something you like, that may lead to the success they wished you? These are dream killers. Learn to recognize them and be prepared, because you will, at some point in your life encounter them. Fear not, but be prepared, because they’re literally going to try to kill your dream.

So what if you encounter any of these so-called dream killers? Just put your blinders on. Let them judge and say whatever they want, but don’t argue. Don’t try to convince them, because you will never succeed. Let it go in one ear and out the other. Your best revenge is to get to work, doing what your heart, dreams, and mind are set on! Let your actions speak louder than your words.

Now here’s the ticker: Dream killers don’t necessary mean bad or ill. They are not necessarily people that don’t love you. Remember, they can be friends or family members, your mom, dad, or siblings. They are people that just “kill your vibes” whether it is deliberate or not.

They are the naysayers. Maybe they really don’t believe you can do it. Maybe they’re worried about you or scared for you. Maybe they couldn’t do it themselves; Maybe they can’t see a brighter future for themselves so ultimately they’re projecting their insecurities and failures onto you. Maybe they’re jealous or envious. Or maybe they just want to see you take a different path. Whether they mean to or not, they are still dream killers and you shouldn’t let them distract you from your purpose. Dream killers could be a distraction.

“Starve your distractions and feed your focus!” Daniel Godeman

Distractions will come your way. They will come in many shapes and forms…  Be smart and alert. Learn to recognize them and most importantly, learn to starve them. Don’t let them entertain you. Stay focused and keep your eyes on the prize.

My blogging and entrepreneurship journey has been and still is full of distractions. Had I fed them or paid them any mind, I wouldn’t have made it this far. I still have a long way to go, and I’m not even near where I want to be, but I’m grateful for where I am.

I know my paths are and will probably always be paved of dream killers, and I will not allow them to kill my vibe. I had people asked me: “Are you still doing that blogging thing?” Some would say “Wow… So, you didn’t quit, huh!? … Me to answer – Yes, I am still doing it; and I’m actually doing great and even more than just that… This is not me bragging. I’m simply stating that I know what I want and I claim it; and no dream killers will tell me otherwise!

Have you ever wondered why strangers or people you barely know would support you more than your own folks? – I believe it’s quite simple. Sometimes, your own folks have a hard time accepting that you came from the same place as them; place where they’re still while they can clearly see you (by your mindset, thinking and actions) successfully growing out of and leaving behind.

“Do you know why strangers support you more than your own folks? Your own folks have a hard time accepting that you came from the same place they’re still stuck in!” 

You will hear and read that success is about hard work. Granted, it is! However, keep in mind that success has even more to do with  your mentality. Your mindset is the key. You got to have a strong mind if you want to succeed in anything in life. Whether it’s in your career, wheight loss, marriage… You’re going to have a strong mindset. What you allow to ruffle your feathers matters. The negative thoughts you allow to permeate your mind. The negative people you surround yourself with, who would discourage you and throw you off-course play a crucial role in your success story. Choose your “entourage” wisely and quickly eliminate any negative thoughts (and thing) that may endangered your success.

Believe in yourself and your ability to make things happen. Trust your gut and follow your heart. Listen to your intuition. Work hard toward your goals and walk in your lane. Surround yourself with positive people – People that will build you up. People that support you and genuinely want the best for you. People who will scold you behind closed doors and deaf ears when you’re “acting up”, but will defend you out in the open when you’re being judged or wronged… because there has to be a balance.

When you find these people, cherish them, because they are your tribe! What of the dream killers? Ignore them! Love them if you have to, but ignore them! Like who they are, not what they represent… Don’t let them take you off your path. Your career or success depends on it. Keep working hard and let your success speak for you. Maybe one day, just maybe… They will catch on and ask you how you did it… And as my better half says, “those who doubted you and said you cannot do it are still watching… Make sure to put on a good show!” 

*Outfit post (and details) previously shared Here.