A man walked into a bank one afternoon, holding a check and a guarded sense of hope.

He approached the teller and asked, “Can you cash this for me?”

“Of course,” she said. “Just endorse the back, hand it over, and I’ll give you the money.”

The man hesitated. “That makes me nervous,” he admitted. “What if I sign it and you don’t follow through?”

The teller smiled, trying to reassure him. “I understand your concern, but this is how it works. Your signature is your agreement. Once that’s there, I can give you what’s already yours.”

But he wasn’t ready. He left.

At the next bank, the same thing happened — and again, he walked out empty-handed.

It wasn’t until the third bank, after another round of resistance, that the teller finally said something that cut through the fear. Firmly and clearly, he told the man: “You have to sign to receive.”

This time, something shifted. The man picked up the pen, signed the check, and walked away with his money.

And that was all it took — not a different bank, not a better teller, just his willingness to commit.

This story illustrates the two most powerful choices that determine whether your dream becomes your reality:

1. Are You Clear on What You Really Want?

Many people ask Life for something better — “a good life,” “a meaningful career,” “more happiness” — but they haven’t taken the time to define what that actually looks like.

Life can’t give us a vague wish. Just like an architect can’t build a “beautiful house” without a blueprint, Life needs specificity to respond.

Being specific doesn’t limit you — it frees you. It helps your nervous system, your energy, and your creativity begin aligning with something tangible. Vague longing becomes focused intention.

You don’t have to know how everything will unfold. You just have to know what you truly want.

2. Will You Put Your Name on It?

Once you’re clear on your dream, Life asks for something in return: commitment.

Not half-hearted. Not conditional. Not “I’ll believe in it once it shows up.”

Life asks: Will you put your name on the dream before it’s real?

This is where most people pause. Understandably. Many of us were raised to be cautious. We want guarantees. We don’t want to be seen as foolish for wanting more — especially if we’ve spent a lifetime doing what’s expected and being “the strong one.”

But this part is non-negotiable.

Signing your name — figuratively — means aligning your energy, your decisions, and your self-concept with the life you want. It means saying “I am worthy of this” and “I am willing to meet it halfway.”

Whether you declare “I am ready,” or “I am enough,” or even simply “I am curious,” your identity shapes your reality.

When you align your thoughts, emotions, and actions with the life you want — even before it arrives — you trigger a response. People, resources, and circumstances begin organizing around your commitment. Not because it’s magic, but because you’ve finally stepped into harmony with what you desire.

Two Questions That Change Everything

So if you’re standing at the metaphorical teller’s counter, wondering whether you’ll ever get to live the life you quietly long for, ask yourself:

• What do I truly want?
• Am I willing to sign my name to it?

Life, like the teller, is ready. The question is: are you?

P.S. Want support in discovering and building your dreams?

In between my coaching and speaking schedule, I carve out a few strategy sessions each month. If you would like a complimentary strategy session (Value = $250), simply contact me here.