“Working on a Dream” - new anthem for entrepreneurs?
February 2nd, 2009
We entrepreneurs are a passionate lot. We’re all driven, each working on transforming our dreams into reality.
That’s why I propose that we StartupNation members officially make a song from Bruce Springsteen’s latest album - blasted out to the world during halftime at the Super Bowl yesterday - the new anthem for entrepreneurs: “Working on a Dream”.
We’re all working on a dream - pushing right through the challenges all around us. Working through the night, making the tough decisions, sticking to our knitting and pressing on undeniably - that’s what it’s all about.
Seems to me that The Boss has captured the whole spirit of what we in the StartupNation community are all about…
February 2nd, 2009 at 5:52 pm
What an uplifting halftime show. Best energy and performance I’ve ever seen on Super Sunday. And you’re right, no real option but to keep pushing.
Last I recall, Van Gogh was a pretty talented guy but never sold a painting during his lifetime…and I’m no Van Gogh…so I get up earlier, make more contacts, and stay up later during this rough stretch.
February 2nd, 2009 at 7:16 pm
What an awesome connection to make. I’m a HUGE Springsteen fan, so I obviously love the song… but it’s nice to connect such uplifting lyrics to what I’m doing.
February 2nd, 2009 at 11:24 pm
i say, wake up each morning and BLARE THIS SONG! and assuming you won’t wake the family, CRANK IT AT NIGHT, TOO! take inspiration wherever you can get it - it’s little stuff like this … putting yourself in the right mindset and surrounding yourself with healthy, constructive things, that will help you not only “work on” but achieve your dreams.
February 3rd, 2009 at 2:43 am
Rich — you are totally on to something here. For those who didn’t hear the lyrics well (it is the Boss singing, after all….), here is a snippet:
“The days are lonely
I think of you and i’m working on a dream
I’m working on a dream
Now the cards I’ve drawn’s a rough hand, darling
I straighten the back and I’m working on a dream
I’m working on a dream
I’m working on a dream
Though sometimes it feels so far away
I’m working on a dream
And I know it will be mine someday
Rain pourin’ down, I swing my hammer
My hands are rough from working on a dream
I’m working on a dream
I’m working on a dream
Though trouble can feel like it’s here to stay
I’m working on a dream
Well our love will chase trouble away
The sun rise up, I climb the ladder
The new day breaks and I’m working on a dream….”
I suspect all of us entrepreneurial-types relate so much to those lyrics. I know I do. Especially in this economy, it takes vision, courage, passion and LOTS of tenacity to make your dream become a reality! I was thinking about that today and how it is those who have the courage to forge ahead and work every day (despite the news) to make their dreams happen who are the unsung heroes, the true leaders who will help pull us out of these dark economic times, one business at a time.
“The sun rise up, I climb the ladder. The new day breaks and I’m working on a dream!”
Thanks Rich, I think I found myself a new mantra AND a new ringtone!!!
February 3rd, 2009 at 6:17 am
I’m in. Let’s crank it up! What a great way to start each day. I’m working on a dream! Thanks Rich.
February 3rd, 2009 at 6:19 am
Absolutely great! The attitude, the determination, the belief that what we are doing WILL become a reality is embodied in The Boss’s song.
I recently changed my signature of my emails to reflect this mind-set. It used to read “Living each day with purpose”. Now it’s “Driving the future”. Why? Because, even though we do have to live with purpose, we entrepreneurs are the ones that drive the future while others watch as it goes by.
So, all entrepreneurs of SuN, let’s keep driving the future by working on our dreams!!!
February 3rd, 2009 at 12:16 pm
Bruce blew me away with his high-energy performance at half-time on Sunday! His stamina and excitement go hand and hand with his longevity. Obviously traits required to keep it going. I was so incredibly impressed and inspired. I was also rocking in my living room as I was brought back to my own experience of my first Bruce Springsteen concert in the early 80’s.
What an inspiration to us entrepreneurs. Thanks for highlighting this connection Rich
February 3rd, 2009 at 12:25 pm
That’s right we are WOAD!
Thanks
February 3rd, 2009 at 12:39 pm
Yes, Bruce Springsteen through the years has been an inspiration to many of us — an American icon, no less. I was impressed last week when he admitted his deal with Wal-Mart may not have been one of his best business decisions. Perhaps it’s a reminder that even the best of us are not infallible.
February 3rd, 2009 at 12:53 pm
Thoughts Become Things….dreaming is the best work you can do.
February 3rd, 2009 at 1:11 pm
As a BabyBoomer and an entrepreneur - I already love The Boss for all the things he represents. Blue Collar all the way — and although I never worked in a blue collar industry I have a Blue Collar work ethic and that is what has gotten me to where I am today. I love what I do (helping businesses bring in more customers). Working on a Dream is great because it shows the Passion we all need to be good at what we do. Love to hear from you via my web site.
February 3rd, 2009 at 2:27 pm
what am i doing today?
i’m working on a dream.
(CRANKED IT this morning. off to a great day. hope you all are, too. nice self-plug, K Greider!)
February 3rd, 2009 at 2:47 pm
I really need to hear those words this morning WORKING ON A DREAM. I’ve been having a lot of downs more then ups with my Dream, but I will continue towards my goal. Vitality Shows not only in the ability to persist, but in the ability to start over.
February 3rd, 2009 at 2:58 pm
Rich, my sentiments EXACTLY! I LOVE that song. It epitomizes what I do everyday. The smell of freedom keeps me “worken on a dream” everyday. The Boss has done it again! It’s listed on my Facebook page as one of my favorites.
February 3rd, 2009 at 8:05 pm
Rich,
Thanks for sharing this with everyone. As you know you and I watched this live together….and I have been lucky enough to see the BOSS live 2 times. He has always been an inspiration and this song lays down the old school hard line that we were raised with on the east coast. Keep workin and smiling and share your good karma with people everyday…and you will achieve success in too many ways to count.
Peace
February 3rd, 2009 at 11:56 pm
Love it, Brent. you seem to be “living a dream!” great Super Bowl party. Glad to inherit the Steelers having come from the land of the Lions…
February 4th, 2009 at 11:15 am
not that you shouldn’t work on your dreams or the dream, but successful business is not all there is to life, people.
In fact, you would give up all you have now and all the dreams you got and 10 times that, if you realized what else there is to it. trust me..
February 4th, 2009 at 12:53 pm
Thanks for the anthem recommendation!
If there was ever a day I could use a bit more wind in my sail it was today!
February 4th, 2009 at 7:54 pm
mixix, i completely agree that there’s more to life than business. this morning i started off the day walking in a vineyard just after sun-up with my miracle dog, Max. little stuff like that and many other “big items” come to mind when putting business into perspective. you should check out our Life Plan section to get a sense of the balanced advice we provide at StartupNation. But this is a business blog, my friend, and we are people filled with ambition, innovative thinking, the desire to take control of our financial lives, and a world of possibility ahead of us. anything that can help someone move along their path, achieve their dream, well, that works for me and certainly is germaine to what i’m trying to achieve with this blog.
February 4th, 2009 at 11:26 pm
YES! There is always more to life than business! But I agree Rich, this blog post was about what we all want to achieve.
Aw.. but I would love to add, that a walk in the vineyard with you and Max would be awesome for me. Or really, with just Max, if he didn’t mind you not being there.:) I’m so glad he is still doing so well!!!
I’m “Working on a Dream”, just like you, and so many of us are!
February 8th, 2009 at 6:08 pm
What a strange coincidence that you would plug this particular song for the benefit of our StartupNation Community. I distinctly remember the first time I heard it on the radio and immediately adopted it as the theme of my New Year. I’m jumping into so many unknowns right now and loving every minute of it! I firmly believe that somehow blind faith will see me through to my dream. The operative word here is “working” on a dream, not just thinking about some out-of-reach fantasy which just gets a person nowhere. I especially hang on to the lyric “And I know it will be mine someday.” I had just finished reading “The Secret” by Robin Byrne before I heard the song and it just seemed to resonate with all the wonderful ideas presented in that concise yet very uplifting book. Add this to the fact that the song’s by Bruce Springsteen–what’s not to love? Just wish to thank you for your periodic pep talks; they always seem to come at just the right time. I truly appreciate your caring.
P.S. Also, thank you for keeping us updated on how Max is doing. As a dog owner myself, I can try to imagine just a little what you must be going through. Keep strong and positive. Love and Light to you, Rich
February 9th, 2009 at 1:51 pm
The whole point behind my dream is to be able to have the freedom to indulge all that life has to offer so DREAM ON Mixix, if you dare!
February 9th, 2009 at 3:49 pm
Oops! Correction: The author of “The Secret” is Rhonda, not Robin, Byrne.
February 10th, 2009 at 11:02 pm
This was awesome…i copied the lyrics that were in the comments and sent it to a few people along with a link to your post. Good Stuff.
Rae-blushblog.com