Self-confidence and belief in achieving one's dreams still seem out of place. We prefer to watch stories of modest, ascetic characters who, like Cinderella, move us with how much can be achieved through humility. What if belief in one's talent and rebelliousness are the qualities that allow one to reach the top?

Vision and courage

The foundation for dreams is having a vision. A vision is an internal image of the talent I have and why I am going out into the world with it. A vision is something that can be compared to faith. It allows you to see what has not yet come into being on the outside but is already deeply rooted on the inside.

A vision needs time to form. It does not arise from pipe dreams or fantasies. Vision is a stable image of what is written in our subconscious and what we can achieve. Having a vision is one thing, but another is not giving up on it and not succumbing to pressure from those around you who do not believe in your vision and treat it as something frivolous.

Why do you need a vision on the path to fulfilling your dreams? A vision is the best motivator in a world that will pull you down, because not everyone has the courage to fulfill their dreams, and you and your vision are fuel for those whom you remind of their inaction. The image of your fulfillment is the only stable thing and proof in a world that will take it away from you and undermine your courageous disposition. However, no one can take away your vision, because it can guide you if you do not succumb to the demotivating narrative of those around you.

Examples of successful people

At the age of 14, Michael Jackson wrote a letter to himself from the future, certain that he would become a singer. Pablo Picasso always said that he would become a great painter. Quentin Tarantino told his friends that he would become a famous director, even though he had no education and worked in a video rental shop.

What do all these figures have in common? Vision and confidence that what they set out to do would definitely happen. What else is necessary when drawing inspiration from these figures? Consistency. None of these famous people doubted themselves or strayed from their course but persistently pursued their plan. Success was not treated as an experiment or a coincidence. It was an obvious assumption and a plan that was consistently implemented.

There is no narcissism or bravado in this. Perhaps you will see a touch of madness here, because clinging to your vision in the face of events that do not yet promise even a hint of success requires great strength of spirit. And that is what courage is all about, allowing you to keep the doubts of the world at bay without disturbing the vision of your dreams.

The influence of the environment

The environment can have a big impact on a person who is trying to fulfill their dreams. Whether you are an artist, traveler, scientist, or anyone else, most people dislike those who are not content with a safe life and who reach for what has not been handed to them on a plate. People who are achievers, who want more from life, and for whom consumerism and money are not a point of reference, can be misunderstood by others. Deviating from comfortable values and believing in one's own agency is an attitude that reminds others of what they themselves were afraid to do and gave up on. Such people can be a catalyst for growth for others and an inspiration, or they can be seen as eccentrics and weirdos.

If courage is to take the helm, who you surround yourself with is extremely important. Your environment determines who you become. People can either give you wings and inspire you to take further action or discourage and demotivate you.

Tell me who your friends are, and I will tell you who you are.

(Johann Wolfgang von Goethe)

Perseverance is the vehicle of courage

The road to your goal requires a lot of perseverance. Especially since the beginning can be very difficult. Loneliness, lack of support, and trying to raise funds and make contacts among people who are supposed to believe in your talent require resilience to failure and consistency. It is somewhat reminiscent of an athlete's discipline. There is no room for doubt here, because you will be out of the game—someone else may realize your dreams. But you have to stay at the helm and sail on, regardless of whether there is a storm outside or the sun is shining.

If you focus on humility, you can fulfill your dreams, but you can only count on a miracle from outside. And that doesn't always happen that way. Most often, we are the authors of our own destiny, because dreams do not come true on their own, but we make them come true.

All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them.

(Walt Disney)

Believing in your dreams can also be associated with pride and a lack of humility. Some people see it as narcissism, not understanding excessive self-confidence. However, having a strong backbone of vision is a guarantee of success. Those who doubt fall by the wayside on the road to their dreams. Because if you want others to believe in you, you must first believe in yourself strongly and unquestionably!