5 answers
Karson Gillespie
0
Answers
Nixa, Missouri
Asked
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Dreams and Obstacles
What is your current dream, and what is your biggest obstacle in achieving it?
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5 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer
657
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
Though I have achieved many of my goals in life, I have to admit that it took a while to reach the levels that were required to get positive results.
I agree with writer David Epstein that one common factor seems to hold many of us back from achieving our goals, and this is the environment we are in, or have come from.
If we are in an environment where there are toxic people and very few resources, the chances of us achieving our goals are not very good. I have observed that many people are not willing to take risk and attempt to get away from those toxic environments and the people associated with them. They seem to like the idea of staying with something that is familiar, and avoid attempting something new. Even though their current circumstances are preventing them from moving forward in life.
Yes, the unknown elements of risk taking can sometimes make you uncomfortable, but it is only when I started to take risk and eliminated the negative environments and the people associated with them, and moved on to more positive environments, where I could use my skills to the benefit of myself and others, is when I started to get positive results and achieve success.
I agree with writer David Epstein that one common factor seems to hold many of us back from achieving our goals, and this is the environment we are in, or have come from.
If we are in an environment where there are toxic people and very few resources, the chances of us achieving our goals are not very good. I have observed that many people are not willing to take risk and attempt to get away from those toxic environments and the people associated with them. They seem to like the idea of staying with something that is familiar, and avoid attempting something new. Even though their current circumstances are preventing them from moving forward in life.
Yes, the unknown elements of risk taking can sometimes make you uncomfortable, but it is only when I started to take risk and eliminated the negative environments and the people associated with them, and moved on to more positive environments, where I could use my skills to the benefit of myself and others, is when I started to get positive results and achieve success.
Kim Igleheart
Career Counselor | Police Officer
1664
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Karson,
The answer to this question will change over the course of your life, and your career.
I am 61 years old, and retired. My biggest dream at the moment is to have someone to care for me in my old age the way that I am caring for my Dad.
My biggest obstacle is myself (funny how it always seems to be that way, throughout life). I am focusing on things I cannot change (past decisions about having children, for example), rather than things I can change (developing lasting friendships).
It's easy to focus on the things we can't do. Or, as my guitar teacher used to say, "there's no such word as can't" (just because HE found it so easy to do contortion acts with his fingers to successfully do the difficult chords). If you want something, make a plan. Make alternate plans. There are many ways of achieving one goal. Sometimes attack it simultaneously from different directions.
And, if your goal should change mid-way through, that's okay! Recognize the change and alter your path. There's no sense in pursuing a goal you are no longer interested in!
Hope this helps!
The answer to this question will change over the course of your life, and your career.
I am 61 years old, and retired. My biggest dream at the moment is to have someone to care for me in my old age the way that I am caring for my Dad.
My biggest obstacle is myself (funny how it always seems to be that way, throughout life). I am focusing on things I cannot change (past decisions about having children, for example), rather than things I can change (developing lasting friendships).
It's easy to focus on the things we can't do. Or, as my guitar teacher used to say, "there's no such word as can't" (just because HE found it so easy to do contortion acts with his fingers to successfully do the difficult chords). If you want something, make a plan. Make alternate plans. There are many ways of achieving one goal. Sometimes attack it simultaneously from different directions.
And, if your goal should change mid-way through, that's okay! Recognize the change and alter your path. There's no sense in pursuing a goal you are no longer interested in!
Hope this helps!
Alexa Dzubak
Dental assistant
75
Answers
Carmel, New York
Updated
Alexa’s Answer
Well my current dream is to get into a program in order to pursue the career I want. However some obstacles : not knowing if I’m good enough, the feeling like I’m behind in life, and just trying to balance school and work.
Elizabeth Gravina Wetherall
Operational support to investment managers
33
Answers
Islip, New York
Updated
Elizabeth’s Answer
I honestly don’t know why my biggest dream at the moment. Thank you for your question as it is making ponder “biggest dream”.
Regarding obstacles, myself. I am, and have been, my own biggest obstacle. There have been many times in my life where I have allowed my own negative (I’m not smart enough), self doubt (I’ll never loss this weight), etc. I have let emotions and self perceived predicted outcomes stop me from taking actions.
If the end goal is important to you, you will achieve it. It may take time. It may have bumps along the way. The journey is never without obstacles. If it was, we would have fulfilled the dream already.
Change “dream” to “goal” and make it happen. It’s not about luck, it’s about resilience and perseverance, and wanting it enough to make it a priority. That priority may mean making choices. “ I want to go well on tomorrow’s exam. I should stay in and study, but my friends are going to the moves and want to go join them”. What do you want, high test score or a movie? The choice is yours.
The sense of accomplishment is greater when we push the boundaries of our comfort zones. Try new things. Push aside self doubt, and redeploy that energy into actions
You’ve got this!
Regarding obstacles, myself. I am, and have been, my own biggest obstacle. There have been many times in my life where I have allowed my own negative (I’m not smart enough), self doubt (I’ll never loss this weight), etc. I have let emotions and self perceived predicted outcomes stop me from taking actions.
If the end goal is important to you, you will achieve it. It may take time. It may have bumps along the way. The journey is never without obstacles. If it was, we would have fulfilled the dream already.
Change “dream” to “goal” and make it happen. It’s not about luck, it’s about resilience and perseverance, and wanting it enough to make it a priority. That priority may mean making choices. “ I want to go well on tomorrow’s exam. I should stay in and study, but my friends are going to the moves and want to go join them”. What do you want, high test score or a movie? The choice is yours.
The sense of accomplishment is greater when we push the boundaries of our comfort zones. Try new things. Push aside self doubt, and redeploy that energy into actions
You’ve got this!
Matt Hartman
Manager
6
Answers
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Updated
Matt’s Answer
What a great question! It's so fun to think about dreams in life and how to start to achieve them! Try not to worry to much about obstacles as how they can hold you back, and think of them as how you can reduce their impact or workaround them.
While it might be simple, one of the dreams I have is learning how to cook very well. I enjoy cooking and love to cook for friends and family. I can easily think of many reasons it will never happen, but what I can do is start making one meal really well to build up the confidence to try other things.
Same holds true with a dream to travel, I can think of many reasons why I shouldn't, but maybe I just book a trip and learn from the experience!
Another example is I had a dream of completing a Master's Degree. I thought of many reasons I shouldn't (long hours, time commitments, cost, uncertainty etc) but I just scheduled one class, then more - etc!
I hope one day you will look up and realize that you've met your goals and are living your dream! Good luck to you!
While it might be simple, one of the dreams I have is learning how to cook very well. I enjoy cooking and love to cook for friends and family. I can easily think of many reasons it will never happen, but what I can do is start making one meal really well to build up the confidence to try other things.
Same holds true with a dream to travel, I can think of many reasons why I shouldn't, but maybe I just book a trip and learn from the experience!
Another example is I had a dream of completing a Master's Degree. I thought of many reasons I shouldn't (long hours, time commitments, cost, uncertainty etc) but I just scheduled one class, then more - etc!
I hope one day you will look up and realize that you've met your goals and are living your dream! Good luck to you!