For the majority of my adult life, I have been someone who is constantly trying to juggle my career, my family and pursuing my dream.
After 20 years of working as a full time oncology nurse, I decided it was time to get serious and take the steps I needed to actually live my dream. I had thought about it for years, and talked about it with my closest confidantes but I hadn't taken any real action other than wishing my fairy godmother would appear and wave her magic wand. After spending time with other passionate entrepreneurs, I realized that if I was going to actually live my dream instead of talking about it, the time to start working toward it was now. While it hasn't been easy, I have spent the past year waking up with the energy and excitement of being one small step closer.
Living the dream means something different for each and every one of us. It could be living in a foreign country, having a career you love or simply living a life of freedom and good health. Here are three unforgotten truths about living your dream to keep in mind as you get ready to pursue your own.
1. It Never Goes as Planned.
You can dream and scheme, create a business plan or hire a business coach but somehow things never go quite as you expected. There will be forks in the road, results you didn't anticipate and you may end up in a direction you could not have imagined. But if you don't get serious, intentional and take clear steps toward our dream, you can be sure it will not come to be.
2. The Timing is Never Perfect.
Life is busy, there is no other way to say it. Work responsibilities, family obligations, and parent teacher conferences are a reality. The perfect time to pursue your dream does not exist. It's true, you can put things off and procrastinate for months or years, but eventually you have to make the decision to take action if you truly hope to make a change.
3. Your Relationships May Change When You Pursue Your Dream.
Many of us are used to the status quo. Day in and day out we have become accustomed to complaining about our commutes, our jobs and our bills. When you change your attitude about your life or begin to share your dreams you may find friends and family who are excited and supportive, and others who are down right negative. "Who do you think you are?" is a common question you may hear, as others feel threatened by your new plan. It has been said that we are a combination of the five people we most often surround ourselves with so pick your company carefully and don't let your inner circle thwart your determination. Don't be discouraged by the thoughts or attitudes of others.
If you have a dream that you want to fulfill in your lifetime, take a single step toward making it a reality. Get serious about doing the research, putting in the hard work and chasing that dream. It won't be easy and the results may not be what you expected, but you will definitely feel satisfaction in knowing you tried. And who knows what you might discover at the end of the rainbow.
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