"夢を達成する方法についてではありません 人生をどのように生きるかについてです"

Here's the essence of the quote: It's telling us that instead of obsessing over the step-by-step plans to reach our goals, we should focus on living a life that aligns with our values and passions. When we do that, our dreams tend to follow naturally.

The quote became famous in the context of a lecture by Randy Pausch, a professor at Carnegie Mellon University. He was known for his insightful and heartfelt “The Last Lecture,” delivered after he was diagnosed with terminal cancer. The lecture, and the subsequent book, were meant to leave a legacy for his children and inspire others. Pausch wanted to convey that the journey is more important than the destination, and how you live your life matters more than the specific achievements you rack up.

Take the example of J.K. Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter series. Before she became a household name, she faced numerous rejections and hardships, including living on welfare. But instead of giving up, she focused on her passion—storytelling. She didn't fixate solely on becoming a best-selling author. Instead, she poured her energy into creating a magical world that resonated with her own values and imagination. The success of her books was a byproduct of her dedication to her craft and her commitment to leading a life true to her passions.

So, how can you apply this wisdom? Start by identifying your core values and passions. What excites you? What do you find meaningful? Once you have a clear understanding of these, let them guide your daily actions and decisions. Instead of making a rigid plan to achieve a specific goal, focus on living each day in a way that aligns with these values. Keep honing your skills and pursuing what you love, and you'll find that opportunities and successes will come your way.

Imagine you're at a crossroads in your career. You could take a high-paying job that you're not passionate about, or you could take a lower-paying job in a field you love. If you focus solely on the goal of making a lot of money, you might choose the first option. But if you think about how you want to lead your life—pursuing what you love, finding joy in your work—the second option might be more fulfilling in the long run.

Think about your friend who’s always wanted to be a musician. They spend years working a day job they hate while practicing their music at night. They don’t have a detailed plan for “making it” in the music industry. Instead, they focus on getting better at their craft and finding joy in playing music. One day, they get noticed by a local radio station, leading to more gigs and eventually a record deal. By leading a life true to their passion, they end up achieving their dream.

The takeaway? Don’t get bogged down trying to reverse-engineer your dreams. Live your life genuinely, and let your dreams unfold in the process. Sometimes, the most direct route to our dreams is simply living well, one day at a time.