Have you ever came up with an idea that you thought would be terrific and everyone you talked to told you not to do it? This is a common story with some of the most successful entrepreneurs in the country. They too were told that is was too “difficult”, “unlikely”, “impossible” and other negative terms. What did they do? They did it anyway – and it worked!

In this week’s parsha of Shelach, spies were sent into Canaan to report back what it was like.  They came back with stories of how fortified the cities were, how large the warriors were, and how they never thought Israel could never defeat them.  In other words, they came back saying the idea was “impossible.”  The penalty for this report, as we all know, was for the Israelites to wander in the wilderness for forty years.  It seems G-d does not reward us for a lack of courage.

If you have an idea that you really believe in and have done the planning – go for it.  Your friends, family and others will try to talk you out of it because they may lack the courage to do what you are about to.  Don’t let their fear interfere with your plans.  As Aristotle says, “You will never do anything in this world without courage.  It is the greatest quality of the mind next to honor.”  And from e.e. Cummings; “It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.”

Have the courage to live your dreams – whatever they may be.