tips + advice :: achieving the dream

Having a dream is easy, achieving it is a whole other story. Sometimes I think we settle with simply the idea of the dream - like we're satisfied with the thought that "at least we came up with an incredible dream", but no. That's not enough friends, and you don't need to sell yourself short. Sure, sometimes the dream may come out looking a little different in the end, but if you want it bad enough, it can happen. Let's say it together, It. Can. Happen. Alright, now that we're feeling a little motivated, let me share some tips with you on achieving your dream.

B E  Y O U R S E L F :: 

It's easy to start to compare yourself to others, but the truth is you are not them and sadly they are not you. Because you are remarkable. There is no other human being like you. You bring a whole set of skills to the table that is rare and special. Why do we insist on trying to fit into anyone else's mold? I honestly think it's because we're trying to achieve perfection, and just like with any recipe, we think a pinch here and and a spoonful there, taking out a few addiditves and we have the perfect cake! You are not a cake ladies! You cannot be perfect (sorry), but you can be a perfect you. It's cheesy, I know, but c'mon, we have to learn to love ourselves. If we can't start there, then how can we ever have enough confidence to go into the business world and conquer it, or to be the next Amelia Earhart, going into unchartered territories even when we're being mocked. You're only as bold as you believe you are and you can only go as far as you're willing to.

W O R K  H A R D ::

Some may feel like this is the only step, as it is crucial and generally the most time consuming. Hard work is innevitable to any project, goal or dream. It is crucial that you capitalize on these small beginnings and not take for granted the hard work and effort that you put into your dream now. Because what they say is true - hard work does pay off. There will be a day when the late nights, crying fits, and just plain exhaustion will give way to a beautiful and brighter tomorrow. Hang in there.

Furthermore, be practical with your time. Don't work yourself into the ground and cover it up by saying, "well, I have to work hard..." No. If you're dead, then your dream is no longer. So take care of yourself! Know when enough is enough and call it a day. Utilize your time wisely and plan accordingly.

D O  W H A T  Y O U ' R E  P A S S I O N A T E  A B O U T ::

Reexamine your dream; make sure it is in fact worth all of the time and effort you're putting into it. If it's something you're truly passionate about then the work won't always be work, it'll be fun and enjoyable. It will be a joy to go to work and invest in something you believe in. Follow your heart and trust your instincts. There are characteristics that are innate to your being that are propelling you towards something great. So when you feel an urge to move, for goodness sake, take the leap!

N I X  T H E  C O M P L A I N I N G ::

I fall victim to the complaining monster all too often. It's natural to air your frustrations or worry, but at some point, enough is enough. First of all, because your loved ones (no matter how much they love you or say they don't mind) do not want to hear you complaining constantly. We have to be secure enough to know that people see our battle, they may not feel it but they know it's there. Secondly, we can't find strength in people knowing our weaknesses, we should find strength in knowing that our trials are merely practices making us stronger each day. Believe that "what I'm doing is building my own personal empire, something I am proud of and I consider it an honor to be a part of." 

I should state, it is healthy to have a confidant, someone to lean on and go to for advice and help. This is healthy. If you can schedule a time of the week to meet with such a person and be able to talk through the things you would normally complain about on a daily basis, that would be great! Complaining only makes you more aware of the issues. Talking gets you answers.

D O N ' T  L I S T E N  T O  T H E  N A Y S A Y E R S ::

Can I just say, from personal experience, that sometimes, people have no idea what they are talking about. Yes, sometimes people are purely selfish and terrible. Not everyone is going to agree with your dream. Not everyone is going to back you. Not everyone is going to share kind words with you and in fact they may try to tear you down. This mostly stems from their own issues of inadequacy or their inability to imagine the impossible. You however can, you see beyond the expected and understand that possibilities are indeed within your reach. You must have confidence and boldness. When you're asked to step out of the boat and walk on water, you have to do it! Even when the people around you don't understand it, don't believe it and are telling you not to. It's unfortunate that not everyone has the best intentions, but I do firmly believe that there are few that we encounter that would shut our dream up, because they care. It's because they understand the pressure, the amount of work and effort it'll take out of you, the tired nights and what it may do to you emotionally. They understand on a deeper level how it might change you if you fail, and we can't blame them for being realistic. And at times their voices will come in and try and quiet your passionate heart, but in those moments remember to be strong and not so easily swayed. 

Please note that you are the only one who can judge a person's true intentions when it comes to your dream. If they have your best interest at heart, listen to their concerns, but with all things, take everything with a grain of salt. Use your ability of discernment to take in the good and let the rest fall by the wayside.

T A K E  Y O U R  W E L L N E S S  I N T O  C O N S I D E R A T I O N ::

Staying healthy is a responsibility. It's something that must be tended to if we are wishing to operate to our fullest. This covers everything from our mind, body and soul. A little rest and relaxation is crucial. I'll be the first to admit that not doing anything - as in having free time - is very difficult for me. Mostly because I have every hour of my day planned with something, so anytime I don't, I immediately think, "okay, who can I meet with, or what can I work on, since I have time." People, that is so not okay. I literally have to force myself sometimes to just sit in bed and watch a show without doing anything else. My first instinct is to grab my computer and work on a post while I watch, or work on some sort of craft and deem it hobby. Which, may be true, but for me, it gets me in "work mode" and that's the opposite of what I'm trying to achieve. Work in time to relax, because you deserve it.

H A V E  P A T I E N C E ::

It's going to take time. I'm sure you already know this, and honestly it's the one step I know the most about. So much of my life has seemed to have taken 5 times as long to get to than I would've planned. When we envision our life, it makes the most sense to plan for things to just happen, but that's not always realistic. the one statement I've held on to when it comes to being patient is "If it's worth having, it's worth waiting for." If I'm not willing to give up on it, then it must mean something more to me and therefore, it is worth my energy and my time. Be patient and persevere.

E N J O Y  T H E  M O M E N T ::

We talked about the work, the worry, the people who may not believe in you, the waiting and now what... ? The fun! Yes, you can actually enjoy this time in your life. However hectic or crazy it may be, it is still your life and it is still you making your dream happen! That is exciting and something you will never get to relive! I do this thing with the Mr. where I'll randomly stop what we're doing and say "this is real, this is our life.". It's good to take a step and just breathe it all in. Sometimes stating the obvious can be the most revelational thing. We get so used to being who we are because we're changing slowly each day, but have you ever looked at yourself in the mirror and thought, I look different? We're changing right before our eyes, and we rarely even recognize it. In the same way, our lives are changing everyday in tiny ways and we need to stop to recognize it! Enjoy this time because you won't get it back - it'll be the days that you look back on when you're living your dream, and think back fondly on. 

I hope this was helpful for you and where you're at in life. I believe that we are all capable of doing and being more than we ever thought possible, if we're only willing. If you want change, then start to change; only you can change your circumstance! Go after the dream!

For other helpful tips and advice, you can scroll through this archive.

xo. melisa