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"If you never flew why would you cut the wings off a butterfly?" Lying in the Hands of God, Dave Matthews Band
Why limit the dreams of others by projecting your own doubt, insecurities or inexperience on them? By the same token, why let others limit your potential with their negativity?
I have 3 children and every night as we sit around the dinner table I often hear idealistic dreams of space travel, Superbowl championships, the list goes on and on. As a 36 year old woman, the realist in me knows that only a very small percentage of the population will ever actually get a chance to realize these goals. But as a mother of dreamers, I believe it my job to encourage every one of these dreams. I may never get to go to the moon in my lifetime, but if my son dreams to, who am I stop him from believing? Neil Armstrong's mom would never have guessed her son's fate, but nonetheless, his dream became a reality.
So often in life I observe situations in which someone, when challenged with a problem, immediately dismisses it as unsolveable. "It can't be done." In a group setting this can be dangerous because usually the one projecting the negativity is often the loudest in the room. They love to give their opinion because they believe their way is the only way. This is often most evident when older management is faced with decision making on new systems. Change is a scary subject not often embraced with grace. There are classes dedicated to Change Management because it is such as unsettling feeling. What I do know is that the best managers embrace change. They take the time to learn, trust the young, new blood's suggested direction and lead the cause for change. Those who get stuck in their own insecurity rarely finish the race strong, as most of the time, they lose the loyalty of the younger generation who eventually lose faith in management's ability to lead and foster their growth.
This scenario could just as easily apply to a parental relationship, marriage, or friendship. Squashing the dreams or solutions of others just because you are afraid of possible change is as destructive as it is unfair. Not only to the other person but also to yourself. Think of all that Neil Armstrong would have missed out on if he believed all those skeptics who told him he was crazy to envision himself on the moon.
Embrace Change. Fly. And give others wings to do the same.
