In 1963, Martin Luther King Jr. spoke those famous four words "I have a dream" that has gone down in history as instrumental words of change.
King came from an ordinary background, living in an ordinary town, with a fairly ordinary life, but became an extraordinary leader.
Just like many other great leaders who came from ordinary backgrounds, King decided that he would stand up and be counted when he was challenged by the events of the times. His dream was that all people would be seen as equals, regardless of color, creed or religion.
Because of his dream or vison of what was possible, combined with his determination and persistence, King made significant strides and an immeasurable impact towards better race relations and equality in the United States and, as a result, around the world.
The truth is that the majority of extraordinary leaders in the world today come from ordinary backgrounds just like you and me. Rarely do great leaders come from bloodlines that are rich with a history of money and power.
It is true that some leaders do come from such backgrounds. President Trump and Prime Minister Trudeau for example come from the rich and politically famous.
But what about the extraordinary leaders in our communities who are making a difference?
That board member of your child's sports club who has been there for a decade and impacted the lives of so many. That dedicated community troublemaker who has been a thorn in some people's sides but has been an instrument of change. That small town political leader you know who has been so devoted, regardless of party lines.
How about that neighbourhood mother, who is steadfast in looking out for the best interest of your children and their friends?
The business owner, who has taken a risk and built an organization that does more than just line the owner's pockets, but really works to serve its customers and contribute with jobs and so much more to the community.
As ordinary people, we are called to stand up like King. Maybe we don't have the speaking ability, perhaps we can't rouse a room full of people, conceivably we don't have the same gifts. However, if we want to make an impact with our lives, if we want to follow our dreams, if we are passionate about making a difference, we must take the steps forward.
King didn't one day become a great leader, a great orator, a great civil rights leader. It started when he was angry about an injustice that happened in his youth. Even then, at the age of 13, he did not have the skills, experience or knowledge that allowed him to become the leader he became; however, he knew something needed to change. Given the opportunities and time, he was able to make strides towards that change.
We too, in our quest for change, in our desire to make a difference, need to look for opportunities to move toward our dreams, to fulfill our vision of what is possible.
It is never too late. Gandhi was 61 when he took his walk for independence. Harlan Sanders started KFC and Laura Ingalls Wilder wrote Little House on the Prairies, both at the age of 65. Benjamin Franklin signed the Declaration of Independence at age 70. Nelson Mandela became president of South Africa at age 76. Each of these people had years of hard work that took place after they first had their dream.
If these people could accomplish so much at such a late stage in their lives, what is holding you back? Perhaps your dream is not as grandiose, perhaps it won't affect so many people? But if there is something that you would like to do, to build, to change, perhaps its taking that first step and then the next one, that will make all the difference.
Whether you are interested in political, social or economic change, you can make a difference.
Start living your dream!
Dave Fuller, MBA, is a certified professional business coach and the author of the book Profit Yourself Healthy. Email your comments to [email protected].
