One of the biggest questions I get from folks is, “How do I get support for my dream?”

Whether from friends, family members or coworkers, it can feel challenging to get people on board for your particular mission.

But, fear not, I’ve learned something about support recently.

Here is the simple truth:

People help people who help people.

That’s it.

Want someone to help you with your dream?

Help someone else first.

Become a beacon of help first.

Raise your flag first.

Help is a boomerang. And if you’re not constantly throwing it out, it will never come back your way.

Unfortunately, inspiration is not at all like the pizza guy.

Very rarely will it ring your doorbell.

Or knock on your front door.

Or find you on your couch watching a reality show.

But it is not mysterious. In fact, long ago Picasso told us all where inspiration could be found. And I agree.

Adversity is a comma in our story, not a period.

It is not the end…often, it is the point at which the story really gets good.

After all, cloudless skies make for boring sunsets.

Safe adventures make for boring stories.

Don’t believe me? Ask Dave.

Want to be a master?

Want to be the best in your field, your city, your planet?

Want to do something great?

Study greatness.

Like Hunter S. Thompson typing out The Great Gatsby, so he knew what great writing “felt like,” find some heroes and do what they do.

Paint someone else’s painting.

Be an apprentice.

Buck the trend of entitlement and be led.

Be mentored.

Be taught.

Set up an easel, like these people did in a museum I visited, and learn how to paint someone else’s masterpiece before you paint your own.

There is no guarantee my next book will sell well.

There is no guarantee you will finish your dream project this year.

There is no guarantee the business deal you’re working on will work out.

Or that guy will finally call you.

Or a million other things that maybe you’ve been waiting for.

But there is always possibility.

And this year, that is enough to keep going.

The start of a new year is always a good chance to assess where you are and decide where you want to be. As you do, make sure you don’t focus on the wrong things. Do this: