You COULD Win An Oscar…

How?

Well it all depends on what an Oscar is to you.

A few weeks ago, I was beyond thrilled to be with my colleague of two decades, Gregg Goldston, when a moment he had dreamed of came to life.

Many years back, he had told me about an idea he had.

Having collaborated with Gregg on literally dozens of projects since 1994, I knew his concept was brilliant the moment he explained and demonstrated it. In essence, the idea was to teach young children about words and the alphabet by using his skills in movement and mime. With a handheld camera in a small Manhattan dance studio, we filmed a few test clips… and then the idea got set aside. Gregg and I talked about it every so often, and then for months or even years at a time, it would go on the back burner. We were both busy with our careers – he teaching and touring internationally and me launching my speaking and consulting business. But Gregg never forgot the idea. And that’s the key.

Though others may help, your dreams are your responsibility—to nurture, to grow and to care for.

You must devote time and attention and creative energy to them.

And as Ben Affleck said tonight with his Oscar in hand, you must do the hard work…and work harder than even you thought you could.

Gregg did all of these.

Years later, his vision came to life. Two of his mini films aired on Sesame Street a few weeks ago.

Here is Gregg on Sesame Street. I am so proud of him.

Whether your art is writing a book, starting a business or family (or both!) or creating a unique form of art—the elimination of your dream is rarely done by others.

The truth is, it is WE who take ourselves out of the game.

Don’t do that…

Instead, start building on your vision for your Oscar. Do the mental work; do the dream work; and do the hard work. And at some point in the not too distant future, like a dream inverting into the surreal moment of “I can’t believe this is happening,” you might just find yourself on your equivalent of the red carpet…or on the Street.