How to Quit Talking

I quit talking recently. It was something I had been meaning to do for the last twenty years. I would like to invite you, dear reader, to join me on this quest. If you decide to accompany me, I must warn you of the dangers inherent in pursuing what many would consider a futile task. The road is littered with broken dreams and irrecoverable opportunities. Persist, however, and the reward that awaits you is more valuable than you can possibly imagine. Let's begin.

I wasn't always a good talker. It wasn't until about the age of eight or nine that I really started articulating my desires. It began with a bold declaration to my family that I was going to be a movie star when I grew up. My mother and father showed their support by patting me on the head and replying, "That's nice dear." I was confident, however, and so I continued to talk. Four or five years went by, and I found myself in high school on the speech team. I didn't know anything about speech at the time, but I found out that it was very similar to acting. I began memorizing scripts and competing in speech tournaments. When success came, I eventually ran out of space in my bedroom to place all of the trophies I had acquired.

As I headed off to college, I really began talking. I talked about all the things I would be able to do with my talent. I talked of the numberless roles I could play, from cartoon characters to big screen icons. I loved acting. I got my first job as a pizza delivery driver to help pay for school. I talked to fellow employees about my plans for the future, and entertained everyone with my assemblage of impersonations and funny voices. Everyone I knew gave me the encouragement I needed to really boost my confidence. And so, I kept talking about what I would do.

Years go over, and when I graduated with a degree in general studies, I continued to talk about the things I was going to do when I 'grew up.' Everyone I knew agreed; the encouragement never stopped. In my mid-twenties, an opportunity presented itself to become a blackjack dealer. "Boy, would my communication skills be great," I thought to myself. And so, I began playing cards for a living. I was good at entertaining my newest customers and colleagues. I talked to many of my peers about my plans. I even laid out a road map and decided that I would set a goal and fulfill my dreams by the time I was 30.

That didn't happen.

15 years later, I have raised a son, worked for a delivery company, returned to school to get a master's in education, and taught in the classroom. A few months ago, I came to one simple realization--an epiphany if you will. I had spent most of my life talking about what I wanted to do, but I never actually tried.

Walt Disney once said, "The way to get started is to stop talking and start doing."

And so I quit talking. I decided to take the year off to pursue the thing I always wanted, and things are starting to take shape. I am riding on the "boulevard of broken dreams," but I am in the fast lane. I encourage all of you who read this post to do the same. Conquer your fears and self-doubt, and simply try. You'll be amazed at what you can accomplish.

Note: If you would like to monitor my progress this year, or if you would like encouragement or advice that might help you on your journey, don't hesitate to contact me.