For me, its roots lie in fourth grade. I was adjusting to a new (small) town, and getting used to wearing glasses, with difficulty, to say the least. As a result, I had some major issues that came out in the classroom, and those led to even more difficulty with my teacher.

I’m not saying she was a bad teacher, but some of the things she said got stuck in my mind and wouldn’t leave. Those comments, perhaps made out of frustration on her part, became accusations and devaluations to me. Things some of the other kids said helped to solidify those thoughts. Eventually, I came to accept and reinforce them myself.

Self-doubt can take many forms. For some, it is perfectionism. If I do this thing over and over again until I get it perfect, maybe then I will be able to accept myself. For others, it is a lackadaisical attitude that accepts whatever comes along. For others, it is voluntary subjugation. They will not accept anything more than the absolute minimum from anyone.

As this new year begins, let us move beyond self-doubt. We are too gifted, too valuable to impose limitations on ourselves.

Some have been swindled, trading their dream for the illusion of safety, or approval, or affluence. Others have had their dream stolen by fear, lack of confidence, or some other factor.

If you are not actively pursuing your dream, I have good news. It’s not too late! As long as you are alive, as long as you can act, you can pursue your dream. It doesn’t matter if you don’t know precisely what your dream is. It doesn’t matter if you ignored your dream for ten, twenty, or even fifty years. Your dream is still there, still waiting for you to pursue it. It is an opportunity to affect the world that is uniquely yours; no one else could do it nearly as well. So start today! Discover your dream, and pursue it diligently. You will never regret it.

(Photo by Garry Knight)

So how do we gain an accurate, positive image of ourselves that leads to beneficial actions? How do we have a self-concept that enables us to pursue our dreams, without degrading those around us? As a follower of Christ, I believe the first step is having a relationship with our Creator, who knows us better than we know ourselves. Without that relationship, we will pursue what we think we want. We will also have a skewed idea of what will fulfill us. With that relationship, we develop an accurate view of ourselves and those around us. Our dreams will change; some slightly and others drastically, to where they will fulfill us and benefit everyone. As the relationship deepens, our dreams will become more focused, more fulfilling, and more freeing.  Everyone’s dreams will be unique. They will never be something that goes against our deepest desires. Following them will lead to the most satisfying life possible. The choice is up to you. Will you join me on this adventure of pursuing our dreams?