**Guest post written by Joshua Rich, a pop pianist out of Washington, DC.

"Have you heard the famous story about the invention of the V-8 engine? Seems that Henry Ford kept telling his engineers to create it, and they kept coming back saying it was impossible.  And he kept insisting it wasn't.  And they kept insisting that it was.  And he kept insisting that it wasn't. And here we are.

As a creative person - one who is pursuing my dream of becoming a successful performing artist, I think it’s super important to remember these points:

However much one believes in their vision is equal to that vision becoming a reality.

If Henry Ford had given up, or let his engineers convince him that his vision wasn’t possible, we would not be driving cars today. Think about that. Imagine the impact your dream could have on the world!

Only share your dreams with people who get it, and who can support your vision.

It’s so key to treat your dream with respect and care, and share it accordingly. If you were tying to grow a flower, you wouldn’t bring it around and let just anyone give you advice. You would seek help and support from people who appreciated flowers and who respected your enjoyment of them. Likewise, try to share your dream and your vision with like-minded people who will be able to affirm you, rather than dissuade you.

+Dear Indie Band, Your Friends Are Not Your Fans

Be on your own side.

Tell yourself positive things- try not to beat yourself up. It’s hard enough to go out on a limb and try to create something new or manifest a life that is uniquely your own. Treat yourself at least as well as you treat others, and remember that we can only move forward so, no need to regret mistakes or missteps along the way. We are always only doing the best that we can. Be patient, kind and encouraging to yourself.

+Do It Your Fucking Self...the blog

Surround yourself with like-minded people, who share a common value of creativity and visualization.

This isn’t to say that you should join a cult. It’s okay to be open to other people’s opinions. But if you sense someone has a negative agenda, graciously thank them for their perspective, and move on. Pursuing a dream is hard enough – you don’t need to battle people who don’t know how to support your vision.

Find successful people and pick their brains.

Not just artists, but business people, teachers, athletes – anyone who has had a dream and pursued it and become successful. Ask them questions. See what worked for them and what helped/didn’t help them along their way. Stay open to adapting your approach or even changing it if something they say inspires you.

+Mentors And Wisdom With Bob Lefsetz

Trust yourself.

This is probably the most important thing of all. Ultimately, it’s your dream. You know what you see, what you want, what you imagine. Trust that voice you hear, that message that comes through, even if it seems crazy or impossible or frustrating. Your dream is in your heart for a reason. Believe in it.

If everyone gave up on their vision, there would be no airplanes, TVs, radios, cars, streets, subways, buildings, bridges, movies, songs, instruments, supermarkets – you name it.  Nothing would exist if the people who had the ideas for it gave up.

It’s hard to have a dream and pursue it. I know. But in my opinion, it’s harder to give up and realize that you have the capacity for possibly changing the world, or at the very least, affecting it in a positive way, and you didn’t see it through.

Don’t give up."

Related Blog Posts:

+Getting Out Of Your Own Way

+4 Common Traits of a Wildly Successful Artist

+5 Reasons Why You Should Invest in Your Music