Steven Aitchison

As a child, Monty Roberts was the son of a horse trainer and moved from stable to stable, from ranch to ranch, training horses. The boy’s schooling was constantly interrupted.

One day, when he was a senior, his teacher asked him to write about what he wanted to be when he grew up. He did not hesitate and wrote a seven-page paper about his aim to be an owner of a horse ranch. It was a detailed paper with the location of buildings, stables and even a house plan. Two days later he received his paper back with an F on the front page.

After class he asked his teacher why he received such a low score.

The teacher told him, “This dream is unrealistic for a boy like you, who has no money, no resources and who comes from an itinerant family. There is no possibility that you will reach this goal.”

Then the teacher offered him the opportunity to rewrite the paper with a more realistic attitude.

The boy went home and asked his father how he should respond.

His father told him, “This is a very important decision, so you must come to your own conclusion.”

After several days, the boy brought the same paper to his teacher. No changes were made.

He told his teacher, “Keep the F and I will keep my dream.”

Monty Roberts went on to own a 4000 square foot house in the middle of a 200-acre horse ranch. He framed the paper he wrote in school and hung it over his fireplace.

“They can because they think they can.” — Virgil

Whether we are in worldly pursuit or spiritual pursuit, there will be many who may put obstacles in our path or create distractions or simply discourage us from our pursuit. They should be just ignored. We should pursue our dreams with a single-pointed mind.  

“Don’t tell me the sky’s the limit when there are footprints on the moon.” — Paul Brandt

Always remember to follow your heart and never listen to those who do not believe in your ability to achieve your dreams.

“Great spirits have always found violent opposition from mediocrities. The latter cannot understand it when a man does not thoughtlessly submit to hereditary prejudices but honestly and courageously uses his intelligence.” — Albert Einstein