How to Chase Your Dreams
Many of us navigate life passively, waiting for opportunities to surface.
We all harbor dreams.
When we close our eyes, we can envision the lives we aspire to—whether it’s being present for our children, achieving career success, exploring the globe, or living on a tranquil farm.
Yet, upon opening our eyes, we often dismiss our aspirations with thoughts like, “Dreams are for the naive.” This tiny flicker of doubt can suffocate our grandest ambitions. We may underestimate our capabilities, feel it’s too late for change, or convince ourselves that our goals can wait.
Whether it’s fear, skepticism, or a lack of enthusiasm, we sometimes fail to recognize that we hold the reins to our lives and, thus, our happiness.
HOW TO CHASE YOUR DREAMS
YOUR ATTITUDE
“Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t, you’re right.” ~ Henry Ford
How often have you heard someone (perhaps even yourself) say, “I want to ____, but I just don’t think I can because ___.” Or “It’s easy for others, but I never had that chance”? No matter how supportive your circle is, a negative mindset will hold you back from achieving your goals. To pursue your dreams, you must sometimes believe the unbelievable and stop making excuses.
Happy, successful individuals don’t utter lines like, “I might give it a shot, but what’s the point? It probably won’t work.”
Regardless of whether your dream encompasses a rewarding career, a loving family, or excelling at a sport, you must have faith in your ability to turn your dreams into reality. Don’t let past experiences, external opinions, or age deter you from pursuing your desires.
SURROUND YOURSELF WITH “THE GOOD ONES”
You need to cultivate self-belief first. It doesn’t matter how many affirmations you receive from others; if you don’t believe in yourself, nothing will click. True motivation originates from within. By surrounding yourself with positive, encouraging individuals, your self-belief will blossom. Seek out those who lift you up with their inspiring energy. If you must engage with negative people, learn how to protect your own energy.
I often encounter those who offer encouragement in discouraging ways. Comments like, “Go ahead and try, but I doubt it will lead anywhere; good luck” or “That doesn’t happen to people like us” can sap your motivation. If you can’t share your dreams with those close to you, how can you genuinely support and nurture one another?
STEP OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE
Emerging from your comfort zone can be daunting and even paralyzing at times. Having dealt with anxiety myself, I know how even the smallest tasks can feel overwhelming. The lesson I’ve learned is that pushing through these barriers opens doors to personal growth. As you venture into unfamiliar territory, you uncover new truths about yourself, and the fears you once had can morph into sources of strength.
Comfort zones are tempting, and if given the choice, we might cling to them forever, where anxiety rarely intrudes. Only by confronting and moving beyond our fears can we cultivate growth. Those who chase their dreams regularly challenge themselves, enhancing their creativity and confidence. This journey can also reignite inspiration after feeling stagnant. You may even discover a passion within you that you hadn’t recognized until you tried.
KEEP GOING, NO MATTER WHAT
No matter what you desire in life, it’s crucial to maintain your determination. Don’t let discouragement from others or negative self-talk derail you. If pursuing your dreams were straightforward, everyone would surely be living their ideal life.
Chasing dreams is not always a smooth path.
Experiencing failure is inherently difficult.
Navigating tough times can be a battle.
Working towards your dreams when motivation is lacking can be exceptionally hard.
“Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will.” ~ Suzy Kassem It’s precisely because not everyone is willing to take on the challenge that not all dreams come to fruition. Should you want to realize your aspirations, you must lift yourself after falling and keep trying. Many perceive fear and obstacles as deterrents, and their instinct is to retreat. Instead, reframe that fear as a challenge or an opportunity. Don’t ask yourself: “What’s the worst that can happen?” Instead, pose the question: “What’s the best that could occur?”
DON’T CONCERN YOURSELF WITH WHAT EVERYONE ELSE IS DOING
In a world dominated by social media, comparing ourselves to others has become all too common, often leading us to feelings of inadequacy. Focus on your own journey—recognize that everyone has their unique path. Invest time in nurturing your own garden instead of worrying about someone else’s grass looking greener.
This can be challenging, especially when it appears that everyone else is achieving great things while you feel stagnant or uncertain. Rather than succumbing to envy or discouragement, view these moments as the Universe (or God, or whatever you believe in) reaffirming that your dreams are attainable. You deserve the same joy, opportunities, and experiences as anyone else. While some may have an easier path, this does not diminish your ability to find your passion and turn your dreams into reality.
Another crucial lesson I’ve learned? Embracing the possibility of failure is essential—acknowledging this can be one of the hardest obstacles to navigate. Your most invaluable lessons often arise from failures, even if some do not impart wisdom.
Simply dreaming without action is equivalent to wishing. You can’t sit idly waiting for the perfect moment or opportunity to present itself. You must actively pursue your desires and chase your dreams, even if it means taking small steps each day.
