How to follow your dreams (and what to do if it doesn't work)
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Chris Mosunic, PhD, RD, CDCES, MBA
Should you follow your dreams? Explore potential benefits and problems with this journey. Plus, how to follow your dreams and what to do if it doesn't work out.
Have you ever had a dream that you couldn’t stop thinking about? Maybe it’s a career you’ve always wanted, a place you’ve always wanted to live, or a skill you’ve always wanted to master. Dreams are powerful—not only because they tug on our hearts—but because they give us a sense of purpose and direction. They can make us feel excited about the future and motivate us to work hard and overcome adversity.
That being said, deciding to follow your dreams isn’t always easy. There are many factors to consider, like financial stability, family responsibilities, and how easy (or hard) it’d be to achieve your goals. Sometimes, the path to achieving your dreams can be filled with so many obstacles and uncertainties, you might wonder if it’s really worth the risk and effort.
Keep reading to find out when and how you can follow your dreams — and when to let them go.
Should you follow your dreams?
Following your dreams can feel complicated, but it’s really quite simple. The act of following your dreams means doing what makes you feel happy and fulfilled and taking actions that lead you toward a goal you’re passionate about.
The journey of following your dreams can be incredibly exciting, and when you’re pursuing a life of dream-chasing, you often feel more motivated and alive, which benefits your entire wellbeing.
You know how people at certain stages of life just glow? That could be you!
The benefits of pursuing your dreams (no matter how they turn out)
Dreams are more than just wishes or fantasies: When you follow your dreams, you’re actively creating a life that you find fulfilling and meaningful. Aligning your actions with your personal values and passions in this way can bring a deep sense of satisfaction and purpose into your life.
Pursuing your dreams can boost your mental health and wellbeing: Following your dreams can reduce stress and anxiety, because you’re engaging in activities that you love and that bring you joy. The process of working toward your dreams can also increase your self-esteem and confidence.
Facing and overcoming fear leads to personal growth: One of the biggest barriers to following your dreams is fear, from the fear of failure to the fear of the unknown, and, sometimes even the fear of success. When you challenge yourself, you learn more about your abilities and your resilience. You become more adaptable and motivated, which can lead to further personal and professional opportunities.
You open yourself up to new experiences: You might travel to new places, meet interesting people, or learn things you never thought you would when you finally give yourself permission to pursue your dreams. These experiences can broaden your horizons and provide you with a richer, more diverse perspective on life. They add depth and variety to your personal story, making your life more vibrant and interesting.
Your journey toward your dreams can inspire others: When people see you working toward your goals with passion and determination, it can motivate them to pursue their own dreams. This ripple effect can create a more positive and encouraging environment for everyone around you.
You will leave a legacy of perseverance: Even if you don’t achieve your ultimate dream, the effort and determination you demonstrate leave a lasting legacy. Your journey shows others (especially the young people in your life) the importance of perseverance, hard work, and staying true to one’s values. This legacy can inspire future generations to pursue their dreams with the same dedication and courage as you so bravely did.
7 reasons why following your dreams can sometimes be a problem
While following your dreams is often rewarding, it can also come with challenges. Honestly, what doesn’t come with roadblocks? Here are a few of those challenges to look out for on the path to pursuing your goals.
1. Unrealistic expectations: Some dreams may be based on an idealized version of reality, which can lead to disappointment when things don't go as planned. For example, wanting to become a famous actor or a successful entrepreneur might sound exciting, but these paths are highly competitive and unpredictable. It doesn’t mean these goals can’t be achieved, but it’s important to understand the hard work and dedication required to achieve the goals you set.
2. Financial instability: Many dreams require significant financial investment, whether it’s for education, starting a business, or relocating to a market more suitable to your needs. If not managed carefully, these expenses can lead to debt or financial strain. It’s important to have a financial plan in place and think about how you’ll support yourself during the pursuit of your dream.
3. Stress and burnout: Chasing your dreams can also cause stress and burnout, especially if you’re trying to balance it with other responsibilities like excelling at work, making time for family and friends, and prioritizing your health. The pressure to succeed can be overwhelming and can lead to mental and physical exhaustion. It’s important to prioritize self-care and maintain a healthy work-life balance to prevent burnout.
4. Fear of failure: The fear of failing can be so debilitating that you’re afraid to make a move. This can make it hard to take the necessary risks or make decisions to pursue your dreams. It’s important to accept that failure is a part of the journey and an opportunity for learning and growth. Embracing failure as a stepping stone, rather than a setback, can help you move forward with resilience.
5. Social and familial pressures: Sometimes, the people around you might not support your dreams. Family and friends might have different expectations or might not understand your passion. This lack of support can make the journey more difficult and lonely. It’s essential to communicate your goals and seek support from people and communities who understand and encourage you to follow your aspirations.
6. Loss of stability: Leaving a stable job or a secure lifestyle to follow a dream can be risky. The uncertainty and instability that comes with such decisions can affect your sense of financial security and wellbeing. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons and prepare for potential changes in your lifestyle, like spending less on frivolous things and gadgets and cutting back in other ways.
7. Missed opportunities: Focusing intensely on one dream might mean missing out on other opportunities. Life is full of potential paths, and dedicating all your time and resources to one goal might prevent you from exploring other interests or career options. It’s beneficial to remain open to new experiences and opportunities that come your way. Plus, you never know what you might miss if you keep yourself from exploring new paths as they arise.
How to follow your dreams: 6 tips to go after your desires while staying grounded
Chasing your dreams doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom! With careful planning and a flexible approach, you can make steady progress toward your dreams while staying grounded and balanced, all while keeping anxiety at bay.
1. Set clear goals and get clear on your dreams
Start by defining what your dream looks like in concrete terms. Write down your dreams and break them into smaller, manageable goals. For example, if your dream is to become a professional musician, set specific goals like mastering a particular instrument, composing a certain number of songs, or performing at local venues. This approach helps you become clear on what it is you want to achieve.
💙 Get specific on the goals you wish to set and the intention behind them with guidance from Jay Shetty’s The ‘Why’ Behind Your Goals session.
2. Create a plan to reduce overwhelm
Once you’re clear on your goal, develop a step-by-step plan to achieve it. Include timelines, milestones, and the resources you might need to effectively pursue what you want. Having a detailed plan can keep you on track and make the journey less overwhelming. Plus, a visual representation of your goals can be motivating.
💙 Reduce feelings of anxiety and overwhelm with the help of our guided meditations, like Managing Overwhelm led by Chibs Okereke.
3. Stay flexible to address challenges
Be ready to adjust your plan if things don't go as expected. Flexibility allows you to overcome obstacles more easily. For example, if your initial plan to launch your business doesn’t work out due to unforeseen circumstances, be open to modifying your approach or exploring alternative methods. Being adaptable helps you navigate challenges and find new ways to move forward.
💙 Take your time when navigating obstacles and moving through change with help from our Slow Down meditation.
4. Seek support to stay resilient
Talk to friends, family, or mentors who can offer advice and encouragement. Having a support system can provide you with different perspectives and keep you motivated. For instance, if you’re pursuing a career change, connect with professionals in the field through networking events or online communities. Mentors can share their experiences and guide you through difficult times.
💙 Make the connections in your life more meaningful (and learn to nurture new ones) by exploring our Relationships with Others Series.
5. Keep learning to keep inspired
Continue to educate yourself about your dream. Learn new skills, gather information, and stay updated with trends related to your goals. For example, if your dream is to become a chef, take cooking classes, watch tutorials, and read culinary books. Constant learning not only improves your abilities but also keeps you inspired and informed about the latest developments in your area of interest.
💙 Learn about your dreams (and yourself) with inspiration from The Daily Jay’s Your To-Be List session.
6. Maintain balance to avoid burnout
While pursuing your dreams, it’s essential to maintain a balance between your aspirations and other aspects of your life. Ensure you’re taking care of your health, relationships, and financial responsibilities. For example, if you’re working a full-time job while following your dream, set aside specific times during the week dedicated to your passion. Balancing your time helps you avoid burnout and ensures a more sustainable pursuit of your dreams.
💙 Learn how to build a nourishing self-care practice as you pursue your goals with Lama Rod Owens’ Radical Self-Care series.
What to do when following your dreams doesn't work
Setbacks are a natural part of any journey, so if your dreams don’t work out as planned, don’t be discouraged. Follow these steps to bring a positive mindset to your situation and decide on a course of action.
Reflect on your experience to understand progress differently
Think about what you’ve learned and how you’ve grown in the process of following your dream. Write down the skills you’ve gained, the knowledge you’ve acquired, and the personal strengths you’ve discovered.
💙 Check out True Reflections, a meditation for guidance on how to see your situation more clearly.
Reassess your goals to gain clarity and renewed focus
Sometimes, dreams need to be adjusted based on new insights or changing circumstances. Consider whether your goals are still relevant or achievable. Do you like the pursuit? Do you even want this anymore? Look at what needs to be modified or see if you need to set new, more attainable objectives — these 10 questions can help you reassess your path forward
Stay positive to stay motivated
Focus on the positive aspects of your journey and what you’ve achieved so far. Celebrate your efforts and small victories along the way. Remember that every attempt brings you closer to understanding what works and what doesn’t.
💙 Break up with not being positive and make space for good to come into your life with guidance from The Breaking Habits Series on Negativity.
Seek new opportunities that might lead you to success
Stay open-minded and explore different avenues that align with your interests and skills. The journey toward one dream can open doors to unexpected opportunities. For example, if your dream of starting a business didn’t work out, you might find a new passion for teaching others about entrepreneurship.
Learn from setbacks to avoid repeating mistakes
View setbacks as learning opportunities. Analyze what went wrong and identify areas for improvement. For instance, if your dream of becoming a professional athlete didn’t pan out due to injury, focus on what you learned about physical training and resilience. You can also consider pursuing other roles in the sports industry, such as coaching or sports management.
💙 Follow along with Jay Shetty as he explores taking a mistake and making it productive in Learning From Setbacks.
Connect with others to build a supportive community
Talk to people who have faced similar challenges and learn from their experiences. Join support groups or online communities where you can share your journey and gain insights from others who have overcome setbacks.
Keep moving forward and finding new dreams
Even if one dream doesn’t work out, don’t let it stop you from pursuing the next one. Set new goals that excite you and align with your passions.
Follow your dreams FAQs
How can I stay motivated when progress toward my dreams is slow?
Staying motivated when progress is slow can be challenging, but focusing on small achievements can make a big difference. Celebrate each step forward, no matter how minor it may seem. This helps you recognize your progress and maintain a positive mindset.
It’s also helpful to remind yourself why you started pursuing your dream in the first place. Keep a journal or vision board to visualize your goals and the reasons behind them. Surround yourself with supportive people who can encourage you and offer different perspectives.
Breaking your goals into smaller, more manageable tasks will also make progress feel more attainable.
How can I balance practical responsibilities with following my dreams?
Balancing practical responsibilities with following your dreams requires careful planning and time management. It’s important to stay flexible and willing to adjust your schedule as needed to maintain a healthy balance.
Prioritize: Start by determining which responsibilities are essential and which can be adjusted or postponed.
Schedule: Allocate specific times for working on your dreams while ensuring you meet your everyday obligations. For example, if you have a full-time job, dedicate evenings or weekends to your passion project.
Avoid overwhelm: Break your dreams down into smaller, manageable goals, making it easier to fit them into your daily routine.
What are some common pitfalls to avoid when pursuing personal dreams?
When pursuing personal dreams, it’s important to avoid setting unrealistic expectations as these can lead to frustration and disappointment. Set achievable milestones that allow you to measure progress and celebrate small victories. It’s also wise to prepare for potential setbacks by having backup strategies in place.
It’s easy to become consumed by your passion, but maintaining a balanced lifestyle is necessary for long-term success, so don’t neglect your health and wellbeing. Avoid isolating yourself by seeking support from friends, family, or mentors who can provide guidance and encouragement.
Are there any signs that indicate it might be time to reconsider or change my dreams?
Sometimes, it becomes clear that it might be time to reconsider or change your dreams. Ask yourself these questions to help identify and address the situation:
Is pursuing your dream causing significant stress or negatively impacting your mental and physical health? Chronic stress and burnout can be signs that the pursuit is unsustainable.
Is following your dream leading to serious financial instability? Financial troubles are a clear sign that it might be necessary to reassess your approach.
Are you still finding joy or fulfillment in the journey toward your dream? If your passion for plans has faded, it could be a signal to explore new interests.
Reassessing your goals doesn’t mean giving up. It’s about finding a path that aligns better with your current circumstances and wellbeing.
How can I find a mentor to help guide me in following my dreams?
Finding the right mentor can have a significant, positive impact on your journey toward your dreams.
Identify people who have achieved success in the area you’re interested in. You can find potential mentors through networking events, professional groups, or online communities related to your field.
When reaching out to potential mentors, be respectful and clear about why you admire their work and how you think their guidance could help you.
Ask to meet for a brief conversation to discuss your goals and see if there is a mutual connection.
Mentorship is a two-way relationship, so take time to think about how you are prepared to contribute positively to the interaction.
Once you find a mentor, maintain regular communication and be open to feedback and advice.
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