I remember when I was a kid, and I firmly believed that I could do anything! I climbed trees as if gravity didn’t exist.  I played sports because I liked it and didn’t care whether I was good or not.  I dreamt of multiple career options and was full of confidence that I could achieve it when I grew up.

Kids are fearless dreamers.  But as we age and become more “responsible,” we start putting up guardrails to protect ourselves. Yes, this keeps us out of harm, but it can also prevent us from pursuing our dreams.

What dreams would you pursue you do if you knew you could NOT FAIL?

How do you overcome fear and start taking steps towards achieving your dreams?

Here’s an exercise designed to help you uncover the fear and assumptions getting in the way.

Grab a pen and paper and write down your responses to these questions:

What DREAM do you want to achieve?
Example: Get my master’s degree

 

What do you need to DO DIFFERENTLY to achieve it?
List specific behaviors necessary and frame them as what you need to START doing
Example: Prioritize my time to research grad programs and financial assistance

 

What things are you doing or NOT doing that most GET IN THE WAY of achieving your dream?
Example: Working too many hours, not asking for support from my family and employer

 

What’s on your WORRY LIST?
Write down the fears that are holding you back from taking the appropriate actions to pursue your dreams.
Example: Not getting accepted into a program, taking time and financial security away from my family

 

What are your COMPETING COMMITMENTS?
Example: I am committed to spending time with and taking care of my family, I am committed to being financially responsible and not incurring too much debt

 

What are your BIG ASSUMPTIONS?
These are the beliefs or hidden truths we assume that make each hidden commitment feel necessary.
Example: I assume that I can’t afford the financial or time investment required to go to grad school

Notice how the big assumptions lead to the behaviors that hold you back from pursuing your dreams.

This will stir up some uncomfortable emotions – which is a good thing.  Working through those emotions and disproving those big assumptions are the first steps toward getting yourself to take the actions necessary to pursue your dreams.

The next step is to COMMIT TO ACTION.

If you want some accountability, send me an email and tell me about your dream and what action you commit to doing this week.  I’ll follow up with you to see how you’re doing with your commitment.

Now, go chase those dreams!

Wishing you the best!