The Paper Chase

On Saturday we were excited to head out to see the new movie “Notorious” about rapper Christopher “Notorious B.I.G.” Wallace. I’m not sure what was most important about this movie, but the one thing that has really stuck out for me was a scene between Biggie and Sean “Puffy” Combs that takes place before the creation of Bad Boy Records. In this scene Combs tells Wallace that he needs to choose between ‘chasing paper’ (money) and ‘chasing the dream.’ Whether that discussion ever really took place is of little consequence to me; the point as I see it is that money can sustain you for a short period of time but a dream can sustain you indefinitely.

Interesting that I should be thinking about “the dream” on this day we set aside to remember one of our greatest ‘dreamers,’ Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Everyone knows the words, “I have a dream,” but I am not sure many of us still get the importance of ‘chasing the dream.’

Having a dream and following it provides you focus. But there is something even more important. Take a look at most success stories and you realize we almost never get where we are going alone. The most successful people have historically been the best at communicating their vision, their dreams, and inspire those around them to help. When you have a clear vision and commit yourself, others people are anxious to see you succeed.

My readers (i.e. my wife) know that I have been job-hunting for almost six months. It occurs to me though that whenever someone asks me what I am looking for I usually take a long pause and then start mumbling something about how I want to be in a “trainer” role or something to do with training. Even if I know what I am talking about it certainly doesn’t inspire anyone to help me out. I think about many of the jobs I have had in the past and realize that in most cases I knew what I was looking for and went after it. When I moved to California I wanted a software developer position and got it. When I wanted to learn sales I started selling motorcycles. When I wanted to “move up” to cars I got a job with a Mitsubishi dealership. Sure, I have had a few jobs that I just fell into – but that was in a much better economy than we have seen lately.

I always say that it is much better to recognize that you are the primary reason for your own successes as well as failures. When you blame external factors you are essentially giving up control of your own life. But if you look at each problem in terms of how you can improve yourself you will be better able to face any adversity. Despite my philosophy I have blamed my unemployment on the weak economy. Even if that is true there is nothing I can do about it. I have to recognize that this is my fault and it is on me to fix it. Starting today I have to change my attitude and remove the obstacles I have put in my way. With all respect to Dr. King, I too have a dream.