New Blog Series: How to be a Dream Chasing Realist
Feeling Stuck
According to a 2017 Gallup Poll, 85% of people strongly dislike their job. And while this staggering statistic should surprise me, sadly, it doesn’t. I often hear from people frustrated with their job. Either they’re burnt out, aren’t feeling challenged, or are just not in the right place professionally. Employees are often under a tremendous amount of pressure to do more, over shorter periods of time, with fewer resources. Couple that with increasing personal commitments and stressors outside of the work environment, it makes sense that people are feeling so overwhelmed, stuck or wanting a change.
Wanting More
For many, this intense workplace dissatisfaction may lead them to consider alternative career options, like entrepreneurship. According to this article from Purple Cow Agency, factors that drive people to start their own business include:
- Working an average job isn’t rewarding to them
- They find office dynamics and daily tasks mundane
- Their creativity and innovation skills are going unused
- They don’t like having management looking over their shoulder
- They want a say in important business decisions
- They want to feel like they’re making a difference
Even if the entrepreneurship path isn’t for you, you may identify as an overworked, underappreciated and just downright unhappy employee. You might want to do something about it, but you don’t know where to start.
“Chase your dreams!”
Motivational and inspirational messages are everywhere — on posters, cards, social media, and on the cover of the latest self-help bestseller. They tell us to “Chase your dreams,” “Follow your heart,” “Pursue your passions,” “Live your adventure.” We are continuously reminded there is something better and more purposeful eluding us. These messages encourage us to be bold, courageous risk-takers and to step out in faith. We are encouraged to follow the path to a better tomorrow. But that’s easier said than done. We have mortgages to pay, after all.
Let’s be real
So that begs the question, how do we reconcile our need to follow our dreams when very real and practical needs remain? These obligations and responsibilities provide a daily dose of reality and can leave us feeling hopeless and without the option to pursue something different.
I worked for over 25 years in the corporate world before making the giant leap of faith to start my own company. I’ve experienced first-hand the longing to pursue my dream while facing fear and real-world responsibilities.
I’ve learned a few (dozen!) things along the way, and to help my clients through major life transitions, I’ve developed a list of actionable steps to help move them toward their goal while honoring their current needs and obligations.
I want to share these steps with you, so I’ve created the “How to be a Dream Chasing Realist” blog series. Stay tuned over the next few weeks as I share a series of posts that will break down each step to help you through your transition journey.
I am a realist. I don’t think that chasing your dreams and living a realistic life are mutually exclusive concepts. As a leadership coach, I am a believer in finding the right fit personally and professionally. You can live your talents fully and find meaning in what you do.
More soon!
