Why do you think Randy Pausch was able to achieve so many of his childhood dreams?
I think the main things that helped him to achieve his childhood dreams were following his mission, understanding success principles, and learning from good mentors and students.
In his journey, Randy Pausch discovered that part of his mission was to help others accomplish their childhood dreams, and in the process, he also got to fulfill his own.
Some of the success codes that he mentioned are:
- Never lose the childlike wonder. It’s what drives us.
- Loyalty is a two-way street, so help others.
- “Experience is what you get when you didn’t get what you wanted.” The “head fake” or indirect learning effect shapes who we become.
- Brick walls (Obstacles) are there to separate people who really want something from the rest. They are there so we can show our dedication and how badly we want something. Never give up.
- When you do the right thing, good stuff happens. We can simplify it as karma.
- When people give you feedback, cherish it and use it. If you receive feedback, it means that people care enough about you and don’t give up on you. No matter how difficult, get feedback and listen to it. It will help you improve.
- Don’t complain. Just work harder.
- Be good at something. It makes you valuable.
- Find the best in everybody. Most people will impress you if you give them enough time. Everybody has a good side, so wait, and it will come out.
- Be prepared. Luck is where preparation meets opportunity.
- Focus on other people, not on yourself.
- You can’t get there (to your dreams) alone. You will need people to help you. Show gratitude and apologize when you screw up.
As part of this last item on the list, he recognizes his mentors and students were the people who helped him to accomplish his dreams. That reinforces the importance of the right people in our lives.
Do you feel that dreaming is important? Why or why not?
I know dreaming is important, but I also know that only dreaming won’t get you anywhere.
Dreaming is the first step towards greatness because dreams motivate us to be more ambitious, to change things, aim higher, and to become better.
Discuss at least one of your childhood dreams. Explain why you believe you can or cannot achieve this dream.
When I was a kid, I had many dreams. Apart from having the last Play Station, my dreams were mostly related to gaining knowledge and experiences. For example, to become an astronaut, a veterinarian, a scientist, a soccer player, etc.
With time, I discovered I didn’t want to be all of that. What I wanted was to understand the world I live in and improve it.
I believe I can achieve it because I have the skills to learn fast and find ways to apply what I know to improve things.