How Big Are Your Dreams?

Mo Willems speaking at the 2013 NY SCBWI Conference

Several days after the NY SCBWI conference has ended - I find myself still pondering some thoughts of Mo Willems' from his keynote speech. I would say the one piece of advice that stuck with me more than anything else was his statement about his goals as a children's book author and illustrator. He advised on making your goals BIG - as big as you can.

"I've dreamed that everything I write will change the world for the better."  Willems said.

Now that is one damn bold statement. I would say that is about as bold as you can get. His dream wasn't to just be published, or to be famous, or to make x amount of dollars per year. But to CHANGE THE WORLD FOR THE BETTER.

So naturally, the first question I ask myself is -  "Are MY dreams that big?". And this is how I answered that question:

* If I was published and no one read my books - would I be satisfied?

NO

* If I was published and every single one of my books were read, but it didn't affect anyone - would I be satisfied?

NO

* If I was published, my books were read AND they created a positive change in the readers - would I then be satisfied?

YES


So the second question I ask myself is - "Am I worthy of such a dream? To change the world for the better?"

I think I have been telling myself "NO" for a long time. But what good is that going to do for me or anyone else? So my answer has to be "YES".

And now I ask YOU the same question..."What are you dreaming?" And do you feel you are worthy of those dreams?"