On a recent episode of the Full Production podcast, I spoke with Peter Payne – a shining example of a guy who’s not let age or life circumstances dictate to him what he can and cannot do. Prompted by his proud family, Peter recently realised a life-long dream of becoming a lawyer. Prior to that, he was the owner of The Occidental Hotel – a foundation of the Cobar community.
In my conversation with him, Peter outlined his story and how he felt about this big life transition. He told me how pubs used to serve a real practical function beyond socialising spaces. They were employment hubs and real points of cohesion. But, according to Peter, that’s all changed now. With so many regulations and liability, he and his business were put to the sword. Peter had to get out and find something else, so fell back on legal work, which is one of the things he always wanted to do. Pete’s now been a qualified solicitor for four years.
Peter is someone to emulate. If you think ‘following your dreams’ sounds wishy-washy, then consider the following:
Your dreams are what can get you through even the worst days. If you’re struggling, your dreams are your reason to keep going. They are why you wake up in the morning and try again. They are what make your entire life worth living. Without our dreams, we’re nothing.
Here are ten additional reasons to define your dreams and never give up on pursuing them:
- You’ll meet other dreamers. There’s no better feeling than finding people who think and feel as you do. If you’re following your heart, this happens more often.
- You can be an inspiration. If you’re taking a crack at what you really want to do in life, you’ll light a fire under those around you who are just sitting on the sidelines.
- You ensure your family is provided for. If you’re highly motivated to achieve something, such as a dream job, your odds of success are probably higher than in a humdrum job you hate.
- Working a job you don’t like has enormous mental and physical costs associated with it – breaking out of it is the solution.
- No one will follow your dreams for you. Be proactive in your life by taking steps toward what you really want – let’s face it, no one is going to do it for you.
- Dreams are correlated with happiness. You’ll likely be far happier if you’re working on what you’ve dreamt of.
- Prove others wrong. Everyone’s been doubted or laughed at in their life – it’s a bad feeling, but the best revenge is living to every inch of your potential.
- It will make your family proud. If you’re adamant about your dreams, and you work hard to achieve them, those closest to you will have every reason to look up to you.
- It will make you proud of yourself. Self-satisfaction is perhaps one of the most priceless things in life.
- You only live once. If you only have one go at this, then why not come up with the biggest dreams possible and put 110% into reaching them?
Listen to my entire conversation with Peter here.
