"You can be anything you want to be if you're determined and willing to work hard." These encouraging words are given to many children as they explore the untainted possibilities that life has to offer.
The truth is our excitement over dreams, like new year’s resolutions, tends to fade and shrink over time.
A fireman, artist, veterinarian, professional football player, President of the United States... To a child the possibilities are endless! There are no obstacles standing in the way of their when I grow up dreams. Then, somewhere on our journey to adulthood, our dreams shift from: The sky's the limit! To: Maybe someday. To: I could never accomplish that. We’re influenced by the thoughts and opinions of others. We begin to focus on the reasons we can't pursue our dreams, instead of taking action.
Over time, our dreams shrink to smaller, more realistic (and certainly less risky) goals. The confident, adventurous child inside of us fades, as does our openness to possibility.
As adults, we get stuck in the routine of life. We face social and financial pressure to follow a career path that may not lead to what we desire. Maybe you dream of starting your own business but the overwhelming pressure of paying the mortgage keeps you in a job you that depletes your energy. Maybe you want to change careers, but pursuing your degree at your age seems silly and impossible.
Let me tell you something (said in my best mom voice), “You can STILL be anything you want to be if you're determined and willing to work hard.”
The vision board I created for my coaching business had this formula at the top: dreams + action = SUCCESS. You’ve got the dream in your heart. There will never be a better time than now to take action. And not because we are about to start a new year. Because the sooner you decide to make yourself a priority and change your life, the sooner things begin to change in your life.
Tips to help you get started and keep you focused:
1. Stop comparing yourself to others. I saw a quote that said, "The best thing my teacher ever taught me was to keep my eyes on my own paper." Don't copy someone else's story; write your own. It's your life and everyone's journey looks different. If you talk to 5 CEOs, you will hear 5 different stories of how they became a CEO. There is no right or wrong way to get to your dream. Just because you are older than 25 and haven't created a life-changing application or gadget doesn't mean you won't someday.
2. Ignore the naysayers. It's your life. If you want something, go after it. There will be people who don't believe in you. For example, if someone told you 15 years ago that we carry around devices in our pockets that allowed us to communicate with others by using our thumbs, you would have thought that person was crazy. That didn't stop Steve Jobs. Sometimes it takes a crazy idea and self-confidence to create something amazing.
3. Start with small goals and set target deadlines for achieving them. Smaller goals get you started on your road to accomplishing bigger goals. Breaking a seemingly unattainable goal into smaller goals will help it feel more doable. Then as you start accomplishing those small goals, your pride and momentum will keep you going.
4. Surround yourself with positive influences. Find an accountability partner, a good friend, or a coach who will cheer you on and keep you inspired to work towards your dreams. Connect with others who share your passion or someone who has found success in similar fields. Meet with them so you can be inspired by their success. It will also remind you of the purpose behind the work you are putting in and that success is possible, especially when you're facing challenges along the way.
5. If it scares you - do it! Being fearless means letting go of control. It means going after something, taking a risk, or starting something new regardless of the outcome. It's true - if you don't jump, you won't fall. But won't you always wonder what the jump would've been like? How things might have turned out? Many of us only want to take a leap if success is certain. Don't be afraid of failing. Hold on to the possibility of success! In the words of Henry Ford: "Whether you think you can, or think you can’t—you’re right."
What would happen if you chased possibility instead of certainty?
Hi! I’m Crystalynn, a mom of two and a certified coach. I help moms on the brink of burnout to manage their stress, regain balance in their lives, and develop the skills and strategies they need to thrive as parents and individuals. I help my clients outline their goals, establish actionable steps to accomplish them, and help them maintain confidence as they work towards achieving them. If you want to learn more about how I support my clients with private coaching, schedule a free session. For more tips on chasing your goals, follow me on Instagram.
PS. If you need support getting started or accountability to stay focused, send me an email.