When I spoke to those bright-eyed LAS graduates at the University of Illinois, my heart was pounding as I talked about being “dangerous dreamers.” I painted this picture of a future full of possibilities, urging them to chase their dreams with courage and unwavering spirit. But as I walked off that stage, with the applause still ringing in my ears, I had a nagging thought – was I actually living by the advice I was giving out? Was I really a dangerous dreamer, or just someone who talked a good game? This essay is about my journey to “drink my own Kool-Aid” – to actually apply the wisdom I’ve shared with countless others, and to close the gap between talk and action.
The Speech and Its Big Message
In my commencement address, I talked about the idea of dreaming dangerously – not as some reckless pursuit of crazy ambition, but as a commitment to transformative action that can change the world. I shared stories of people who dared to dream and turned their visions into reality. I told the graduates to avoid complacency, to step up as leaders, and to create their own destiny. Looking back, I realized that I needed to take a look at my own life and see if my actions matched my words.
The Problem with Giving Advice
It’s a common thing – how easily we give advice, while conveniently forgetting to apply it to our own lives. I’ve seen it time and again, both in others and in myself – the disconnect between what we say and what we actually do. After that speech, the weight of my own hypocrisy became clear. It was a wake-up call, a demand for change.
Drinking My Own Kool-Aid: From Talk to Action
To me, “drinking your own Kool-Aid” goes beyond just believing in your vision; it’s about bringing that vision to life with the same passion and commitment that you encourage in others. Here’s how I started on this journey:
- Project Initiation: My company, Parallelscore, which operates in the fast-paced tech industry, became the place where I put my own dangerous dreaming into practice. I pushed the limits of innovation, took risks, and embraced the uncertainty that comes with exploring new territory.
- Community Engagement: I made a promise to mentor young entrepreneurs, not just with words, but with action. I shared my knowledge, my experiences, and my hard-earned wisdom, and I put the idea of collective dreaming into practice.
- Personal Growth: I made time for my own education, diving into areas where I had been coasting. I challenged my own assumptions, faced my intellectual blind spots, and pushed myself to grow.
These steps weren’t always easy. But each challenge, each setback, served as a reminder of the core message of my speech: dreams require action, resilience, and unwavering belief in the face of adversity.
The Ripple Effect of Practicing What I Preach
The results of this journey have been amazing. Not only have I seen my company grow, but I’ve also noticed a shift in how others see me – as someone who takes action, not just someone who talks. The feedback from my mentees has been overwhelmingly positive, with many admiring my hands-on approach and my willingness to get involved. This journey has taught me a valuable lesson: living your advice not only fuels your personal growth but also makes your message more powerful.
A Call to Action
Now, I challenge you:
- Reflect: Take a look at your own life. What advice do you give others that you could, and should, apply to yourself?
- Act: Take that first step, no matter how small. Whether it’s starting a new project, pursuing a personal goal, or getting involved in your community, break free from inaction and embrace the power of action.
- Connect: Find or create a community of like-minded dreamers who share your passion and your desire for change. Support each other, lift each other up, and dream dangerously together.