Dreams, Do-Overs, and Why It’s Never Too Late for Your Inner Rockstar

Like at least half of the young dudes in the world, I once dreamed of being a rockstar…

Dreams like mine play a significant role in who we choose to become. They’re part of growing up and navigating all the possibilities in the world.

The things that [made] you weird as a kid will make you great tomorrow.”

— James Victore, designer and artist

“Tomorrow” means now, of course. Hold on to that one for a minute…

How about you, did you have a big dream?

Most of us did.

A lot depends on how old you were when you latched onto it. The older we were, words like realistic, responsible, and practical begin to enter the equation. Then they take hold and dampen our dreams altogether.

Don’t quit your daydream.”

– Alicia Keys

Because hey, we must pay the bills… and so, like me and most others, you probably followed the good advice you received. Step #1 – Put your head down and meet the grindstone.

All dreams are heretofore voided. But wait, not so fast…

Maybe that first dream wasn’t the right dream?

I like to joke about being kicked out of my high school garage band because I couldn’t keep the beat. That’s true, by the way. And although I’m better today, the affliction remains.

You see, I have no inner metronome. That part must have been on backorder when God created me. To this day, I can’t even clap to the beat at a concert unless I give clapping my complete and undivided attention. If I try to multitask… off the beat I go.

At the time, I was convinced rock stardom was the path for me. And I lacked the deep inner desire to overcome my shortcoming and make it happen.

That kind of discipline often comes later in life… (sigh).

Sure, it was disappointing. Because in my young heart and dreamer of a head—I was absolutely convinced music was my calling.

Slowly, sometimes steadily, and other times not… I managed to discover and develop other new strengths and talents. 

What if the “Do-Over” we knew as kids were the answer?

When we were kids, we were afraid of threats hiding out under our beds or in the closet. But we were never afraid to try new things. Failure was simply an opportunity to try again.

This was known as the “do-over.” Remember do-overs? In my neighborhood, anyone could call an audible do-over at any time.

So, here’s where we can make a shift and borrow some wisdom from our younger selves.

As we go through this life, we enter new seasons and leave old ones behind.

Now combine that with the fact that as we get older, we tend to care less and less about what other people think.

Notwithstanding that the drummer and guitarist in my band happened to be right, in this new season I’m free to pursue whatever dream I desire.

In this season, I’m calling a “Do-Over!”

No, not on the rockstar thing. That wasn’t such a good fit… you know, all things considered. But if yours was, remember what Alicia said earlier.

Dreams are born. Some evolve and some go dormant. Some go away only to return later, at a better time. And I’m going to add that some dreams are reincarnated in new seasons of life…

And come back better than before.

I found my rhythm and I listened to my own beat.

And it’s okay that it’s for a different drummer.

So, dance to your own beat… the one that’s meant for you!

It is never too late to be what you might have been.”

— George Eliot

Be untucked.

p.s. We’ll be exploring these Seasons some more as we go forward with LifeUntucked®… Sound good?

p.p.s. The story ends well… in the end, my keep-the-beat deficiency hasn’t held me back from other pursuits. And I learned to play a mean stereo.