This week, I’ve been thinking about what it really means to follow your dreams. It’s not all glamorous montages and cheering crowds—sometimes it’s just you, a stubborn idea, and a whole lot of people scratching their heads, wondering why you’re bothering. But here’s the thing: your dreams don’t need anyone else’s permission to matter. There’s something raw and real about going after what lights you up, especially when the path isn’t obvious to everyone else. Maybe you’ve got a vision—a book you want to write, a project you’re itching to start, a goal that keeps you up at night—and the people around you just don’t see it. They might question it, doubt it, or even try to talk you out of it. And that’s okay. Their confusion doesn’t dim your fire. The truth is, the best dreams are the ones that don’t fit neatly into someone else’s box. They’re messy, bold, and a little wild—and that’s exactly why you shouldn’t give up on them. Every step you take, even the shaky ones, is proof you’re building something real. Think of all the people who’ve changed the world—writers, inventors, dreamers—who kept going despite the side-eye and skepticism. They didn’t wait for a green light from the crowd. They just kept moving. So, what’s your dream? The one that’s yours, not anyone else’s? It doesn’t have to make sense to them—it just has to make sense to you. And when the doubts creep in (from others or even yourself), remind yourself why you started. Write it down if you have to—a single sentence about what keeps you going. That’s your anchor. Here’s my challenge for you this week: take one small step toward that dream. Doesn’t have to be huge—maybe it’s a page of that book, a sketch of that idea, or just telling one person what you’re chasing. Then, hold your head high, even if they don’t get it. You’re not here to convince everyone—you’re here to build something true. I’d love to hear about your dream or that step you take—drop me a reply if you’re up for it. Keep going. The world catches up eventually. Until next week, Justin PS - I have a weekly update that I will include on my dreams below, this is something I have been doing personally for more than 2 years now, and it is my guiding light for how I make decisions and decide what I want to be doing and chasing. If you ever want to became part of what I am creating, you can sign up at www.justindcstephens.com for the Employee Empowerment Initiative. Justin Stephens |
I am on a journey to document the true value of time. I am doing that through writing my own documentary on my life on X. By subscribing, you will be seeing behind the scenes on how I believe we as a society can collapse time and take care of each other better.
This week, I’ve been thinking about what it takes to make things happen—specifically, the combo of taking action, prospecting, and sticking with it long enough to see results. It’s not always flashy, but it’s where the magic lives. Let me tell you a quick story to paint the picture. Imagine a guy named Sam, a prospector back in the gold rush days. Sam’s got a hunch about a spot by the river—nothing fancy, just a gut feeling. Day one, he’s out there with his pan, sifting through mud, finding...
This week, I’ve been chewing on a distinction that’s been a game-changer for me: identity versus role. They sound similar, but they’re worlds apart—and understanding the difference might just shift how you see yourself. Your identity? That’s the core of who you are. It’s the you that doesn’t budge—the values, the quirks, the essence that makes you, well, you. It’s not tied to what you accomplish or how others see you. It’s a solid 10, always, no matter what’s going on. Your roles, though?...
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