It’s tempting to play it safe.  If we dream big, we might fail miserably or fall really hard.  But as you live your life you learn that there are much worse things than trying and failing.  Like NOT trying at all and living with the regret.

Take a look at this incredible set of pictures.  This is bodybuilder Nick Trigili, one of the nation’s top amateur competitors who is sure to join the pro ranks in the near future.  The pictures on the left are Nick “before” at 170 pounds.  The picture on the right is Nick TODAY…at 280+ pounds.  Here is a young man with a passion, a drive, and a dream come true.

What’s really amazing about Nick is that he has made this transformation in 2 1/2 years!  Of course, I understand that there are many of you reading who don’t want to look like Nick today (heck, he didn’t look so bad at 170!) or may not appreciate this extreme level of development.  But my point in this blog post is simply to point out what is possible.  Here is a great example of someone who has worked tremendously hard and realized a dream.  A man who has gained over 100 pounds of muscle in 2 1/2 years time!

On the Marching Roundtable podcast we have recently been in touch with a lot of young performers who are marching drum corps for the first time in 2012.  All of these students had a dream to march on the DCI field, and are making it a reality.  There is no doubt that for every single student and their family, a great deal of work and sacrifice will be involved.  Marching is not cheap, takes a lot of time, and is extremely demanding on many levels.  But, of course, the rewards for these marchers will be memories and experiences that will shape the rest of their lives.

So take a moment and look into the mirror.  It’s still early enough in January to stop and take stock of your life.  What are your dreams?  What are your goals?

My wonderful friend Mary White gave me a plaque which I have at my desk which says “What would you do if you knew you could not fail?”  I have to admit that the first thing that immediately came to my mind is, in fact, something I have NOT done and may never do.  But having this reminder in front of me HAS given me the courage to pursue dreams and take chances.

The launch of the Marching Roundtable, and the somewhat stressful marketing campaign we are just completing, has been quite a daring adventure.  There is much to lose, from time and money to reputation and self-esteem.  But I can’t imagine NOT taking the chance.  We wanted to DO SOMETHING to help out, to make a difference, to start conversations, and by all appearances we are doing just that!

So rekindle that dream, let yourself imagine what YOU truly want.  Then start moving in that direction.  Nick Trigili is pointing the way, with a very large and powerful arm.  Make it happen!  Imagine what is possible!