IF YOUR DREAMS DON’T TERRIFY YOU — WHY BOTHER?
Level of my drawing now (keep scrolling for my Parsons portfolio)
Big audacious dreams are not for the weak, but what to do if you are weak, if you don’t see results, or if you feel like giving up? I got you. I’ve *almost* given up a million times, but somehow I keep going. What are impossible goals? They’re things that no one in your life has achieved and it’s currently beyond understanding on how you will achieve them, but you know you will. Honestly, my dreams are so huge that I sometimes laugh and sometimes I get so overwhelmed by them. It’s true what they say — if your dreams don’t scare you… why even bother? In this blog post we’ll explore pushing forward and what to do if you’re running low on hope, and results.
Setbacks, not seeing results, doubt and failure are just necessary steps towards achieving any goal, so let’s get to it.
Here are some simple ways on how you can stay inspired while you’re pursuing your wildest dreams:
Remember why you started & analyze if that’s still the case. First, you started this journey because there was a reason for it. What was the reason? Write it down and review it from time to time. Sometimes we get sucked into the daily tasks that we forgot to step back and analyze. Then, we evolve as our life and interests evolve. Is the dream you are chasing still your dream? Or are you just doing it because you’ve been doing it for a while? Make sure you remember the why, but also don’t be scared to change everything.
Remember it takes time… a long time. Don’t just think you’ll achieve everything in one day, month or even a year. The more ambitious you are, the longer it will take to see results and get to where you are going. I was just stalking the CEO of Versace on Linkedin to see what his career path has been and he actually started 20-ish years ago as a marketing manager at a fashion company. Imagine he gave up 10 years ago… he would never become the CEO of Versace. Now, he’s ICONIC.
Set smaller goals that you can achieve quicker. If your goal is to work in the fashion industry, but now you’re a doctor… figure out what you can do to make the switch. Maybe save up money so you can intern for a year for your dream brand? Perhaps you need to start going to fashion networking events to meet the right people who are in the industry now. Everything you do every single day should be pushing you towards your goal. Like — everything. Don’t skip a day without working on your goal.
If you make something small happen… celebrate it! We often get sucked in to work and forget to stop and smell the roses. This is great because the people who literally work 24/7 hours miss out on life. Yes, it’s important to get your tasks done, but life is also important. Don't forget to celebrate with family, share your achievements with close friends or give yourself a shameless shout out on social. The journey is the most interesting part.
Find the right support system. The smartest thin I’ve done in my life so far is fire 90% people from my life — no explanations. If someone is not helping you be your absolute best, let them go. Immediately! Do not surround yourself with losers, complainers and people who are complacent with their own lives. Find people who are hungry to win and who you can be completely transparent with. People who will tell you the honest truth and tell you when you are messing up or slacking are GOLD. Don’t take it personally when someone who has your best interest in mind gives you feedback. Take it and work harder.
Don’t give up. Giving up is the easiest way to not achieve anything at all. Always keep yourself honest about where you are, but never give up. You can always adjust your plan or pivot it completely, but gibing up is never an option. You want to be the senior citizen full of stories, experiences and accomplishments… not that person who is bitter because they didn’t do what they wanted and now it’s too late. Slay till the end.
Yes, it will be hard and you will at some point feel like giving up, but don’t make anything final. It’s ok to give up on goals, but it’s not ok to give up in general. If one thing is not working, you can take it behind the barn and shoot it (Kevin O’Leary quote)… but DO NOT give up. Yes, I am yelling at you.
It’s completely normal to feel discouraged if we don’t see results especially now that we are so addicted to dopamine hits from social media. Always remember that it takes time and effort and nothing will be done in a day. Often you’ll have to try a similar strategy 50 times before you make small progress. If you don’t try the 50 times you’ll never get closer.
LITERALLY What I submitted to Parsons aka LOL
It’s ok to take a break
Again, taking a break is always appropriate while giving up is for losers. How long is a break? I don’t know. You have to figure it out. It has to be as long as you need it to be. Sometimes it’s a month, a year or a day. Whatever it is feel free to step back. Creative people need space to think, analyze and breathe to figure out the next steps. Learning how to step back and analyze your progress is actually a great strategy.
Pivot TIll you make it
Don’t think you’ll be able to do the same thing over and over and get the same results. You won’t. Put your pride away and be honest with yourself about your approach. Don’t be afraid to experiment with various strategies of where you are going. No one cares if you fail, just keep tweaking until you achieve all you want.
Who cares about others
Turn your Instagram off and stop comparing your progress to other people. Unless someone you are comparing yourself to is your identical twin who is a billionaire while you work at Starbucks… it doesn’t matter. Others have different motivations, different plans and dreams. No one can do it like you and someone else’s journey will not bring you satisfaction. Focus on winning and surrounding yourself with other winners. That’s all.
