Despite the blog post title, I’m not a big self-help, “envision what you want to happen and it will” kind of guy. A lot of it just seems like mumbo jumbo and kind of hokey. Strangely though, I’m a person that is inspired relatively easily. Confused yet? Yeah, me too.
I was reading a post on JohnChow.com the other day about Lufthansa Technik’s treatment of the Airbus A380. It’s an ultimate private jet of sorts with more room and opulence than I may ever experience on a plane in my lifetime. Here are a couple of pics so you can catch the drift of what I’m talking about:
Seeing this seemingly out of reach luxury got me to thinking about being inspired by a dream to the point where it drives you to action. There’s several potential outcomes for dreaming about something big like this.
- Your dreams drive you to action. You want something and you work towards getting it. This can be an actual “something”, a lifestyle, a skill, or whatever. By the way, I’m not talking about being driven by things that don’t matter or sacrificing family, friends, or happiness to get stuff. There has to be a healthy balance and the “things” we dream about are different for everyone.
- You dream, but don’t act. Kind of like the auto mechanic or bartender who always talks about “opening his own place”. Nothing wrong with that, but I’d venture to guess we all have met or know at least one of these types of people. They talk big, have big dreams, but you know they’ll never actually act on them.
- Your dreams bring you down and you fall back on the safety net of telling yourself (and others) it will never happen. In my opinion this is more of a protection mechanism against trying and potentially failing. It’ll happen to “someone else” but not you. Sorry to say you’ve already failed by failing to act. So you might as well pick yourself up and give it a try!
So, dreams are good, but what about the economy. Isn’t it a terrible time to be thinking about working towards a pimp daddy jet?
That’s the other point in the post that got me to thinking. Read this excerpt:
One might question why Lufthansa would introduce such an extravagant toy during a world wide recession. The answer is simple. Recessions doesn’t affect the rich as much as it does the poor and middle class. Case in point. While nearly every automaker is swimming in red ink, Ferrari posted record profits in 2008. Another thing to keep in mind is more millionaires are created out of bad times than good times. A recession presents a great opportunity for people who know how to take advantage of it. And Lufthansa Technik seems to be taking advantage of it. [from JohnChow.com]
I hadn’t really thought of the recession that way before, but it’s really true. Although there are a number of high end brands really feeling the burn, a number of them are doing just fine. It’s also interesting to think in terms of the global economy. We’re seeing a downsize in terms of wealth across the boards, but are we seeing much of a change in the gap between the rich and super rich, the lower middle class and upper middle class, etc? I don’t think we are.
Certainly there are some incidents where very wealthy people have lost a major portion of their wealth or a middle class family has lost their job, house, cars, etc. But by and large, the effects of the economy are hitting everyone, so instead of focusing on the state we’re in, we should be looking for the opportunity this type of hardship brings.
As bloggers, online entrepreneurs and people otherwise trying to make money using the Internet, we’re presented with opportunities every day that we log on to the Internet. We have the tools and much of the knowledge required to take advantage of these bad times and the money that is flowing online from both consumers and businesses. It’s actually a very exciting time to be doing what we’re doing.
My point in all of this is don’t be afraid to dream, but more importantly let what you’re dreaming about fuel action. Right now is a time we are going to look back on and view as a turning point for a lot of businesses and individuals. Let’s make it a turning point for the good and remember the incredible opportunities we took advantage of while things were down.
February 28th, 2009 at 2:06 pm
OMG i thought tht it must be a pic by some artist. Its awesome!!!!!
February 28th, 2009 at 2:32 pm
The rich do not get affected because the money from the system has been sucked out by the rich. The guys who do not understand this basic law of life can do nothing about dreaming big. The trick is to dream so big that when you make it, you are part of the system that sucks out the money. More importantly, just dreaming will get you nothing. You have to act. Exactly as you so nicely point out.
February 28th, 2009 at 3:37 pm
The dreams that have to be motivated everyday to get real result need quick action and lots of research.Cheers
February 28th, 2009 at 4:52 pm
Defo, I want to travel in that plane!
March 1st, 2009 at 6:37 am
My dad used to tell me to get a picture of something I really want, put it on my wall, and look at it everyday for motivation to succeed in getting it – I think it's a great mindset to have
March 1st, 2009 at 7:48 am
Yes that would be inspiring.
I agree that the rich can get richer in a recession. There are tremendous investments available if you have the money and the stomach to invest now.
March 1st, 2009 at 8:17 am
This is really awesome. Read it on JC's blog too. I think it matters not whether its a dream or not. The more important thing is that you must do something about it.
March 1st, 2009 at 6:38 pm
Wow, I thought that was a shot from a computer game but that's a real jet? I don't know, it seems like a wasteful way to get around. I do agree though, now's the time when new millionaires will be made.
March 2nd, 2009 at 6:42 am
Yes,really looks like a dream! To have a dream is useful,it increases motivation and helps the dream become a plan in the process of time.The next point is its realization.
March 2nd, 2009 at 8:32 am
Dreams are great, you have to have some to look forward, otherwise you end up like a miserable celebrity hooked on drugs or commiting suicide. You can even dream about the simple things, that make you happy and that change your life to the better, it must not be some sicko lufthansa airplane
But maybe dreaming is the wrong word, the power of visualisation would be better. Great leaders and sports people are very good at picturing what they are going to do and how that happens. Nevertheless most of those work their butts off to get their stuff together 
March 2nd, 2009 at 4:02 pm
That would definitely be a nice jet to ride around in. During a recession, while many are having a tough time, some are still getting rich… it would be nice to be one of those that are getting rich.
March 2nd, 2009 at 4:26 pm
Yes indeed, but that mind set has to be diverted into robust action.
March 2nd, 2009 at 4:28 pm
The question to ask is how come the rich have the money now to buy bargains! We must learn from them and ensure that the next time around we do not get caught in the trap that most others have got into.
March 2nd, 2009 at 6:03 pm
Sounds like a good idea! Will try it out now. I'll put the picture next to my PC
March 3rd, 2009 at 1:39 pm
Great post and I like your choice of words. Visualization puts a greater feeling of forward thinking into it and shows that you've got places you want to go, not just some ideas that are lost in the clouds.
March 3rd, 2009 at 7:05 pm
With the recession going on, why are still some that can afford to generate income. These shows that they have great motivation. Thanks!
March 3rd, 2009 at 10:48 pm
[...] from an income standpoint. Let’s just say we won’t be putting the pimp daddy Airbus A380 VIP on order this [...]
March 4th, 2009 at 6:54 am
Yeah, it tells another story of "In times of darkness, there is always a light, just figure out how to get it."
March 4th, 2009 at 12:43 pm
Hi Ryan, you're first line is pretty funny
Its my first time to visit your blog and I really like what you are saying..If I could just put my two cents in, I would like to say that if you have the right dream then every action should be like a labor of love. And that success comes after a person has made a contribution. We only get what we give.
March 5th, 2009 at 11:46 am
I absolutely agree with the idea of contribution,giving is before receiving.Some people say what should I give if I am poor.He can give his thoughts,his time,his imagination dreaming of wealth and it will appear..
March 5th, 2009 at 3:54 pm
Wow Ryan, that is amazing design. Good job some people have still got money.
March 5th, 2009 at 9:57 pm
that right, dream make you on the track of success.
March 6th, 2009 at 3:53 pm
It is good to have a goal. At my first real job it was my goal to buy an old 64 and half mustang convertible with eggshell paint and red leather interior. I kept a picture of it on my desk and sure enough the picture was motivation enough. I finally got that mustang after a year of hard work.
Keep working toward that plane. Your dream can become a reality. If you aim high you will get there!
March 7th, 2009 at 2:31 pm
This was well written. Your breakdown of the three different types of people in regard to acting on dreams is fantastic and very truthful. We are in opportune times, and those that have prepared themselves for such times with a master plan that they are determined to act on will come out successful. It's sad, I know of a few people with big dreams that are unemployed atm. They've been offered some great opportunities to break into the field of their dreams, but they say that they have to search for a realistic job first and reject the opportunity. They continue to have no success because they coup themselves up and don't get out to network. It really fits your explanation of falling into the safety net, which in many cases is a death trap of dreams.
BTW, those pictures are insane. It is hard to believe the inside of a plan can look like that. I hope he cherishes his financial position and has a good family to share it with.
March 7th, 2009 at 2:39 pm
I believe that, while some of the super rich are immune to a recession/depression, the wealthy rich are in the position they are in because they are fiscally conservative and avoided the temptations of greed and unreal returns offered by Madoff and Stanford. They've diversified their savings (keyword is savings because 90% of America wanted to live beyond their means and thus never saved). You'd be surprised at how many millionaires drive used cars, have pre-paid or minimal cellphones, don't have premium cable, and only have one home. On the flipside, how many of those that are struggling have high end cellphones as a status symbol, drive C class Mercedes that they can't afford, and have subscriptions to HBO that they "can't do without."
It's sad really… but for those of us that have prepared.. I really feel that this is a time of opportunity (heck, even the loss of a job opens up opportunity to those willing to take it).
March 9th, 2009 at 1:10 am
This is a great post, I agree dreams are a great way to inspire yourself to get things done, you can always think about it and do it. It will help you push further and work harder to make that dream come true.
March 9th, 2009 at 1:35 pm
Very cool picture. I like it! Thanks you!
March 10th, 2009 at 6:03 pm
Wow! I can't believe that is a plane…now you've got me dreaming!
March 13th, 2009 at 3:33 pm
This was seriously a great post. I'm one of those motivated people who believe I can do things with hard work. But I do know a few mechanics lol
March 18th, 2009 at 1:55 am
really awesome
nice
March 18th, 2009 at 11:05 am
Excellent write-up. I wish I can have such kind-of-a experience some day. Fantastic treatment really in the Airbus A380.
March 19th, 2009 at 5:16 pm
Dreams are how people keep going. This kind of person everyone needs to sit back and admire him for all his confidence and drive. Great post. keep them coming!
March 20th, 2009 at 2:11 pm
Yeah, looking forward to something is good. In case you can really picture yourself doing it you will become a person who might end up becoming what he wants to be
March 20th, 2009 at 6:56 pm
I've just put a picture up of my dream house beside my PC. It's already motivating me!
March 22nd, 2009 at 6:20 am
O my god , it's really a plane ? …it's awesome .
March 28th, 2009 at 1:12 pm
Its very important to have dreams. Everybody needs something to strive for, those pictures are amazing.
March 28th, 2009 at 11:57 pm
There are two motivators for people; Something that makes them happy, or the fear of unhappiness. Happiness is much more fun.
April 13th, 2009 at 2:16 pm
Your picture of that luxury aircraft reminds me of a book I read years ago about an aspiring
high flyer who used to look out from his economy seat in an airliner at all the private jets parked up.
He promised himself he too would have one of those.
And he did. But after experiencing the crippling monthly bills for pilots salaries, fuel, maintenance
costs etc. he went back to renting. What you think you want isn't always what you really want, if you get my meaning.
June 2nd, 2009 at 3:42 pm
This is a great post. Dreams are a person drive. It is amazing what one can do when they have the will to do it. The airbus, is an example of just that.
June 5th, 2009 at 7:57 pm
I would have stayed forever in the Airbus
. I think you just need to believe in yourself and go to their dream, and it is sure to come true.
July 4th, 2009 at 10:05 am
very nice ispiration , mybe i just to much dream than…realize my dream..so from now on..after read your post..i will..try to work harder and make my dream come too..^ ^
July 30th, 2009 at 5:31 pm
Thanks for the help! I usually post personal life stuff so readers can get to know me better. Though now when I started a few tech posts, and changed my w-p theme, no readers have shown up.
October 7th, 2009 at 9:58 pm
Certainly there are some incidents where very wealthy people have lost a major portion of their wealth or a middle class family has lost their job, house, cars, etc. But by and large, the effects of the economy are hitting everyone, so instead of focusing on the state we’re in, we should be looking for the opportunity this type of hardship brings.
October 29th, 2009 at 9:08 pm
Ryan, you are true and the pictures seems to be awesome. What will be the experience to board the jet. Dreams are bare minimum necessity to any success but not to forget then needed enough fuel to kick off the land.
January 20th, 2010 at 3:49 pm
Mmm, the reality between dreams and what it takes to fulfil them intimidates many. Me included! It's sobering to have someone put that in print though. Not that I am after my own private jet – yet!
February 19th, 2010 at 11:24 pm
Nice work cool breakdown. Two thumbs up on this one.
March 1st, 2010 at 4:09 am
I agree