Chapter 1: The Weight of Dreams

Sometimes, aspirations that seem dormant may reignite even when you've long since turned off the lights in your mind.

A friend of mine possesses all the qualities that would make him an outstanding politician: intelligence, eloquence, and a steadfast, conservative viewpoint on various matters. He is genuinely passionate about politics and has the added benefit of stature, which helps convey authority in front of an audience. Recently, he confided in me that he feels it's time to let go of that ambition. "Who knows? I might still pursue it in the future. Never say never. But right now, I'm okay with not achieving that dream."

"Never say never." What a reassuring phrase! It allows me to place my dreams on hold without guilt. Whether it's becoming a snowboarder, crafting exceptional music videos, or relocating to Japan, those aspirations may remain unfulfilled. Perhaps I won’t accomplish any of them. But still, never say never!

As we enter our 30s, I believe my friends and I are beginning to accept that settling is part of life. Eventually, everyone must come to terms with this reality. It’s impossible to do everything. You can never experience it all. However, if you have a loving partner, a few close friends, a fulfilling job, and a cozy home, what’s there to worry about? Some desires hold greater significance than others, but for many, achieving balance outweighs the pursuit of specific goals.

So what if many items on your bucket list remain untouched until the end? As long as you're content with how you've spent your time here, the absence of certain experiences won’t weigh heavily on you — but remember, never say never!

Life's path is unpredictable, and dreams parked in the garage can still start up long after you've switched off the lights.

Grab a copy of Nik's new book, 2-Minute Pep Talks.

2-Minute Pep Talks is a compilation of 67 bursts of motivation designed to instill hope, comfort, and love in various situations. With over two months of daily inspiration spanning five themes, this book will help you feel more at ease with yourself, encourage you to love yourself enough to pursue what you truly desire, and provide a rare commodity: hope. Whether you seek a boost, fresh viewpoints, or additional motivation to chase your dreams — if you’re ready to reignite that childlike passion and optimism, this book is for you. AVAILABLE NOW ON AMAZON! Read more from The Good Men Project on Medium:

Chapter 2: The Journey of Hope

Justin Bieber collaborates with Jaden in "Never Say Never," a powerful anthem about resilience and hope.

Cole Swindell and Lainey Wilson share a heartfelt narrative in "Never Say Never," emphasizing the importance of keeping dreams alive.