A lot of people talk about following your dreams, but only a few people seem to actually do it. I personally stopped pursuing some of my dreams because other people told me they weren’t achievable. I think that’s what happens a lot, we listen to other people way too much! Thankfully I did manage to fulfil some of my dreams and I’m not done yet. I want to share how I did that and how I’m still doing it in this article. I’m sharing my tips to fulfill your dreams. Because anything is possible in this world, but it’s up to you to make it happen. So here is some practical advice to get you started, let’s go!
Try everything
I never knew what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wasn’t really good at anything, so I tried almost anything I could think of. I tried drawing, playing guitar, singing, make-up art, running a webshop, working in retail, studying social work, becoming a fashion designer, blogging, vlogging and running my own business. I’m sure I forgot a few things, but I think this gives you an idea of all the things I tried. Sometimes I still feel like I don’t know what I’m doing, but there are a few things that stuck and that I really like.
My biggest tip is to at least try everything you dream of. It might work out for you or it might not, at least you tried. There is nothing worse than having ‘what if thoughts’ or FOMO which stands for Fear Of Missing Out. When you keep thinking about a dream and you keep coming back to it, take it as a sign. Say you want to be a fashion designer, take a few sewing classes. Learn how to draw designs or try to get an internship. It all starts with the first try, so get to it! You can always change your plan accordingly along the way.
Make a plan
What really helped me fulfilling my dream of running a marketing and PR agency was planning. Through making a plan you can break down your dream in smaller goals, which makes the journey towards fulfilling it seem easier and more achievable. A few small steps create one big step. Example: For running an agency I needed to create a business plan, so that was step one for me. I also setup a timeline for myself, which allowed me to work towards my dream much easier. I knew I wanted to be able to rent office space after two years.
Two years and four months later I was able to do exactly that. I also wanted to be able to hire employees and lease a car. This meant I had to plan a goal to create more revenue by getting more clients. I wrote down exactly what and how I was going to do that. Practical steps are often the biggest part of fulfilling your dream. Dreaming is fun, doing it is better. Start with setting up a plan and don’t take too long. Your plan doesn’t have to be perfect because you’ll be perfecting it as you go. Just get started with a good outline and go!
Practical steps are the best
Like I said before: Dreaming is fun, doing is better! If you (for example) want to become the best photographer you can be, start taking pictures right now. Many people who ‘failed’ making their dreams come true, never really got into the practical part. They just kept dreaming and got mad at other people for making actual steps, don’t be like those people. Fulfil your dreams by stepping into them every day. You could start by making one photograph a day. Maybe take a class, watch Youtube videos and ask other photographers for feedback. Whatever you do, keep it moving!
Put yourself out there
I wanted to give this tip its own paragraph because it’s very important. We’ve already talked about being practical, but that often goes hand in hand with putting yourself out there. The most successful people, meaning people who fulfilled their dreams, did the same. They were often very scared to put themselves and their work out in the world. It’s not weird, because there will always be people who have something to say about it. And if you really love what you do, it might hurt when someone doesn’t like your work or results.
Just remember that putting yourself out there will also help you connect with people who do want to support you. Every person who was able to fulfill their dreams got into contact with someone who helped them further along. I know it can be really hard to deal with well-meant and negative criticism, but you need it to grow as a person. Negative reactions to your dreams might also mean you’re on the right path. After all, people in bad places may try to keep you on the same level. Start moving into the spotlight when you notice people doing this to you. You’re right on track!
Don’t you dare to give up
My best tip to fulfill your dream is to never give up, if it truly is your dream to become <insert whatever you want to be>. It’s going to take hard work, dedication, blood, sweat, tears, money, time, patience and a lot of love. I personally have been trying to fulfill my dream since I was eighteen. I’m thirty now and I’m not done yet. You see, you are the only one that decides your dream has to come to an end. I personally still want to make a number one album. As crazy as it sounds, I’m convinced it’s possible for me.
Just like I was convinced I could run a marketing and pr agency, which I’m doing right now. And yes, I have days where I feel like I should go back to a day job. When I feel like no one supports me, because there really isn’t anyone in this dream of mine but me. But the moment I walk into my office, I just know I’m fulfilling my dream. That is the greatest feeling in the world and no one can take it away from me. I wish you the same, so don’t give up! Find out what your dream is and keep going.
Go on girl, go on boy… Fulfill your dream!
Kaya-Quintana
P.S. Please let me know if this article helped you in any way, shape or form!
