don’t sacrifice your dreams for the success of your job
I have not been on this rock we call Earth for a very long time. I’ve been in the real world even less. Growing up in America and going through the public education system, we had long school years and short summers. Yet, those years seemed to fly by, often leaving me wondering how quickly time slipped away. One day, I was entering my freshman year of high school with my peers, filled with excitement and uncertainty about what the future would hold, and the next thing you know, I’m crossing over a bridge on my way out of my senior year, bidding farewell to that chapter, all in the blink of an eye. In retrospect, high school was just the beginning of a much larger journey, and the pace of life only accelerates as we continue moving forward.
After high school, I made the decision to pursue a trade, thinking it was a practical path to financial stability while also giving me a chance to develop a technical skill that could serve me for years to come. At the time, this felt like the right choice—something tangible, something that could offer immediate returns. I saw it as a way of working towards a solid foundation, a stepping stone to greater things. While this wasn’t my final destination, it was an essential pit stop that allowed me to learn valuable lessons, both about the world of work and about myself. I learned to adapt, to connect with others, and to manage the challenges that arose from the people around me. These experiences have shaped the strategies I use today, both personally and professionally.
However, as time went on, something became increasingly clear to me: the more I worked, the more my days started to blur together. The monotony of daily life started to set in. The routines of my job began to feel like an endless cycle, and I could no longer distinguish one day from the next. Sure, I could remember the big components—the significant moments, milestones, or challenges that punctuated my weeks—but in between, it felt like time moved too quickly, slipping through my fingers. The clock ticked forward, yet I remained stuck in a pattern that seemed to offer little growth or fulfillment.
Have you ever noticed that you don’t realize how much time has passed? It's a strange feeling—one moment you're filled with ambition, eager to take on the world, and the next you’re asking yourself, "What have I really accomplished?" At the time of writing this, it’s November of 2024. When I reflect on the past ten months, I have to ask: what have I been doing? Was it meaningful? Did it add anything substantial to my life? Have I even changed, even by a small margin? The truth is, a stagnant life, especially when you’re young, is a waste of potential. Time waits for no one, and once it's gone, it’s never coming back. If we let the moments slip away without purpose, we’ll look back one day and realize we’ve missed out on the things that could have brought us true fulfillment.
This realization led me to an important conclusion: don’t sacrifice your dreams for the success of your job. While jobs can be crucial for stability and income, they should never become the sole focus of your life at the expense of your personal dreams, ambitions, and aspirations. A job may help you survive, but it’s your dreams that help you thrive. They are what give you direction, passion, and a sense of purpose beyond the confines of a paycheck. As important as a job can be, it’s not the job itself that defines your success. True success comes when you continue to grow and pursue the things that bring you joy, fulfillment, and a sense of personal achievement.
Many people reading this are likely in their college years, or perhaps, like me, you’ve chosen to work right out of high school. But no matter where you are in life, it’s essential to make time for something that matters to you outside of your work. This is what gives you purpose, a reason to keep moving forward. Everyone’s purpose will look different. For some, it might be a creative passion, an entrepreneurial venture, or something that connects to a deeply held belief or cause. For others, it might be a hobby, a pursuit of knowledge, or a skill they’ve always wanted to master. The key is to give your body and mind something to focus on that isn’t work-related, something that ignites your passion and drives you toward personal fulfillment.
And who knows? Maybe, in time, your passion project could become your new career. But even if that doesn’t happen, that’s okay. The point is, don’t sacrifice your dreams for the success of your job. Your dreams are what will keep you alive, engaged, and truly growing—not just the next paycheck or promotion. They are what push you beyond the boundaries of routine and challenge you to reach new heights. When you live for your dreams, every day becomes a little bit more meaningful, and you begin to realize that life is about much more than just working for a living.
So how can you ensure that you’re actively pursuing your dreams while balancing the demands of your job? Here are a few strategies:
1. Create Clear, Achievable Goals:
It's essential to break down your dreams into small, actionable goals. Whether it's learning a new skill, starting a side project, or setting a fitness goal, having a clear roadmap gives you direction and helps you stay motivated. When you have a vision, it’s easier to see the steps you need to take to bring it to life. These goals will provide you with a sense of accomplishment, making the grind of your job feel less draining.
2. Time Management is Key:
Time is limited, and you can’t afford to waste it. Use time management techniques like the Pomodoro Technique or time-blocking to schedule dedicated time for your passion projects. Even if you can only spare 30 minutes a day, that consistency adds up. Be disciplined about setting aside time to nurture your dreams, and prioritize them as you would your job responsibilities.
3. Set Boundaries Between Work and Personal Life:
One of the easiest ways to lose sight of your dreams is to allow work to take over every aspect of your life. Setting clear boundaries between work time and personal time is critical. When you leave work, disconnect mentally and physically. This separation will allow you to recharge and invest in the things that truly matter to you outside of your job.
4. Find Ways to Incorporate Your Passions into Your Job:
If your job feels like a soul-sucking routine, try to find ways to integrate your passions into your daily work. For example, if you love photography, maybe you can take up event photography on the weekends or use photography as a creative outlet to document aspects of your job. If your dream involves helping others, consider mentoring or volunteering in your spare time. By aligning your job with your passions, you can make the work feel more fulfilling, and it may even reignite your motivation for your personal goals.
5. Surround Yourself with Like-Minded Individuals:
Surround yourself with people who encourage you to pursue your dreams, even when life gets difficult. Having a supportive community—whether friends, family, or fellow creatives—can help you stay motivated and inspired. They can offer advice, celebrate your successes, and provide perspective when the challenges seem overwhelming.
6. Celebrate Small Wins:
Don’t wait for the big achievements to celebrate. Every step you take toward your dreams is progress. Whether it's completing a chapter of a book you’re writing, launching a website, or learning a new skill, recognize and appreciate these small wins. These moments will keep you motivated and remind you that you are on the right path.
7. Stay Adaptable and Open to Change:
Life is unpredictable, and your dreams may evolve as you do. Stay open to new opportunities that align with your passions, even if they deviate from your original vision. Flexibility and a willingness to adapt are crucial in keeping your dreams alive, especially when life or work demands shift.
By incorporating these strategies, you can actively pursue your passions, set meaningful goals, and maintain a sense of purpose outside of your job. You don't have to sacrifice your dreams for success at work—both can coexist when you plan with intention and make time for what matters most to you.
As we move forward, we must ask ourselves what we truly want out of life. Do we want to look back and see a series of days blurred together, spent chasing someone else’s definition of success? Or do we want to look back and see a life filled with moments of growth, passion, and purpose—one where our dreams have shaped our journey? The world is too big, and the possibilities are too great, to allow a job to define our success. Your dreams are what will make you feel truly alive—never forget that.
I’m rooting for you!
