I recently met up with country music singer and song writer Lee Brice before a performance in New Hampshire. He's the deep melodic voice behind albums like Love Like Crazy, Hard to Love, and I Don't Dance. Many of his songs have risen to the top of country music charts, such as A Woman Like You, I Don't Dance, and Drinking Class. In addition to his own material, Brice has co-written singles for Adam Gregory, Eli Young Band, Tim McGraw and Garth Brooks. Having achieved massive dreams already, at the young age of 36, I asked Lee for four simple secrets to achieving big dreams. Here's what he had to say:
Be Where the Action Is: Lee says that whether your business is country music or selling widgets, there's very likely a hub where all the action takes place for your industry. For country music, the hub is Nashville. Brice says that had he stayed in his home state of South Carolina, he doesn't think he'd be where he is today. Nashville is where artists like him find inspiration from other artists and where country music talent gets found. Therefore, Brice says that one important key to achieving big dreams is to go where the action is for your industry.
Balance: Brice says that as much as he loves being on stage performing, nothing beats being at home with his family. He says that achieving big dreams requires that you find a way to stay grounded, and for him, he finds this kind of peace at home. He also says that just finding time to be at home is not good enough. He says the goal is to be home and to be present while there. Lee says that he tries to get as much rest as possible even when travelling so that when he finally arrives home, he's 100% present for his wife and kids. He says it's too easy to live a rock star lifestyle and then arrive home as an overtired, stressed out zombie. Admittedly the life of a country music star is not easy on the family, especially when he's on tour. Therefore Brice makes it a point to find plenty of time for family, and when he's with them, he's focused, enthusiastic, and present.
Keep on Grinding: If you have big dreams, Brice says you better be ready for rejection. The path to your big dream is a very long and difficult one. Brice's motto is to "keep on grinding." When the going gets tough, keep going. Brice says that you have to want it so badly that you will keep on getting up regardless of how many times you get knocked down. According to Brice, the difference between those who achieve their dreams and those who don't is how badly they want it. When you lay everything on the line to go after your big dream, you'll always figure out a way to keep on grinding.
Break The Rules: When asked if he has ever had to break the rules to achieve his dream, he said "Of course!" He reiterated that the path to anyone's dream is rife with roadblocks and obstacles. If the sign says slow down, and you know it's time to speed up, break the rule. Taking risk and breaking the rules doesn't always pay off, but according to Lee, it's a necessary part of achieving dreams, and every once and a while breaking the rules brings you one step closer to achieving everything you ever wanted.