When Your Dream Gets Derailed
A dashed dream is a disappointment. Recognize and validate whatever emotions are connected to the loss and use that as a force to propel you towards your next challenge. You have the power to imagine and start something new.
Determine what caused the false start. Was it your lack of readiness or a situation outside your control? Was it an unrealistic goal? (i.e. you live in a small town that doesn't have a business with the position you want.) Only you can determine if your dream is worth pursuing and if it's the best time to act on it now. Consider your options from either of these vantage points:
LOST INTEREST IN THE DREAM
1. Decide whether it is important to you to drum up new inspiration for this dream.
2. You can't work on an empty stomach - if there's no juice in it - let it go.
3. Create a new dream that has an immediate impact to re-energize you.
4. Expand your horizons. Consider options outside what's comfortable and familiar.
5. Be realistic, know your skills and strengths to readjust and move ahead.
-OR-
STILL MOTIVATED, BUT NOT SURE HOW TO GET GOING AGAIN
1. Redefine your dream with a fresh perspective and a new plan.
2. Develop a timeline that adjusts to changes, yet suits current and projected needs.
3. Get your advisory team in place for support - emotional, financial and technical.
4. Need an outside assessment of your readiness? Take a seminar or hire a coach.
5. Consider who is doing the work you love and interview them. Share your dream.
***
HERE ARE SOME INHIBITORS TO WATCH OUT FOR THAT WILL KEEP YOU STUCK:
***
1. An inflexible, black-or-white approach, considering no variations of your dream.
2. Unrealistic timeframe or one that doesn't have alternative strategies built in.
3. Too broad or too narrow of an approach. Weigh options; then get specific.
4. Unclear finances. Do the math on what the dream is expected to provide in the long run and the costs to get you there.
5. Unpreparedness. Do your homework; research the requirements. Dreaming is great, but you have to know what's required of the job.
6. Overpreparedness/Procrastination. Too much measuring will delay a table from getting made. Get your materials in place, know the right dimensions, but then build the table.
7. Poor self-esteem. You can't give up quickly; you have to stay strong in your beliefs. Doors don't always open as quickly as we'd like. If you feel deflated, take baby steps that still move you closer to your dream.
8. Fear of rejection in taking the risk. Have your current plan, a backup plan and guidance to introduce you to the right connections in your field.
9. Lost touch with original vision. You have to talk about it to others to keep it alive. Yet, it's risky when it's only a dream, so share with supportive listeners.
10. Holding on to comforts - let go of false securities and being too comfortable where you are. To make headway, jump into the void of an unknown future.
Always remember the key to change is optimism. Dreams can get derailed, but are not shot down for good. Take new action on an old dream or reinvent something new - it's up to you. Despite detours, rely on your personal motivation and believe that you will fulfill your dream.
Related Tags: fear, change, career, self-esteem, dream, career change, challenge, goal, plan, personal change
Laurie A. Sheppard/c. 2007
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Master certified Life Coach and Career Strategist Laurie A. Sheppard helps mid-level professionals and small business entrepreneurs who want to make quality career and personal changes. Author of the double-audiotape, "The 3 C's for Effective Living: Change, Creativity and Communication" and eBook "Achieving Selfhood Through Self-Esteem." Laurie offers complimentary coaching sessions, giveaways and numerous resources including her free monthly ezine, "Change-makers' Career Tips," at http://www.CreatingAtWill.com
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Email her at laurie@creatingatwill.com Phone: 310/645-2874 - Info & Orders
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