1) Think about what you wanted to be as a kid
An astronaut, a doctor, a singer… as kids, we’re so hopeful for what the future holds for us. But why is it that as we get older, we forget about that hope, about what we truly want to be? Some will argue that it’s because we learn about the reality of life and that not everyone can go to the moon or perform on a stage, but, honestly, it’s because we settle. We learn about what it takes to get to where we want to get, and it scares us. Rather than taking a risk and facing that fear, we cower and settle for something “less risky.” If your dreams don’t scare you, they’re not big enough.
2) Set time aside to truly think about what you want to do
Maybe what you actually don’t want to be what you wanted to be as a kid. You learn about the world, learn about other careers other than being a doctor. Maybe you learned about a trade that you’re passionate about but you feel like you’re not good enough. These are all things you should think about without interruptions. Choose your day off, the weekend, or vacation break to just think about what you want out of your life. No interruptions, no stray thoughts, nothing except what you want to do, see, feel, experience. What are the things you like to do? What brings you joy? What is a job you feel the quote “Do what you love and you won’t ever work another day in life” can apply to. What kind of people do you want to meet, surround yourself with? Ask yourself all the relevant questions. If you still can’t figure it out, do it again and again andagainandagainandagain until you feel certain.
3) Separate the things you have to do from what you want to do
It’s easy to forget about what you truly want to do when responsibilities keep coming up. Sure, you’re working at your current job to pay the bills because you have to pay the bills. We get stuck in this cycle of feeling that you have to do things you may not want to do but have to do, to eventually do what you want to do. How many times have you heard “It can wait till' retirement?” Why wait for eventually or retirement? Why not start now? I’m not saying quit your job right here, right now. Life-long dreams aren’t achieved overnight, within a day, a week or even a month. There are processes, steps, milestones to every dream. Begin by taking that first step. Want to travel the world? You can start by looking up the places that you would want to see or how much that may be so you can start saving up. Want to go to grad school? Start doing some research! Step after step, before you realize it, you’ll be half way, 3-quarters of the way, or maybe even at the finish line.
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