Life Lessons from American Inventor

I like reality shows. Not all of them, but being a people person I'm always curious what other people are up to. And, I've come to realize that you actually can learn a lot from other peoples' public successes and miserable failures.

So, when American Inventor came on the scene I tuned in to see what folks' creative minds were cooking up. Wowie! I had no idea that so many people out there were passionately creating such interesting things. Some are kooky, but others are downright fabulous. More power to the creative genius of the American public!

However, there are some really disturbing stories about people who simply cannot let go of an idea that isn't great or is, simply put, stupid. Some contestants have given up savings, retirement, houses, marriages, children, and in one case even a kidney to pursue what they see to be as their dream.

Come off it people - don't give up your family, your health, your relationships, your home, or your security for a dream!

Having a dream is great - we all need them and we all have them. But, how do we know when to give up on pursuing a dream?

Here's what I think. Give it up or switch gears when your dream becomes your life and your life becomes your dream to the exclusivity of all else. When you are placing all hope on something to be realized in the future then you completely ignore the present and life just passes you by. It's kind of like gambling, the prize is out there, it might be yours, but if you're playing a game with long odds then you may want to refocus on the prize that's in front of you right now - your life.

Dream away people, but don't forget that there is a lot of life all around you that is real, right now. Dreams are fabulous, necesary and a part of our life - not our whole life.

American Inventors - listen to what others say. If your dream invention is great the applause will be resounding. But, if your life is slipping away because of your dream, then it's time to live now and dream later.