11 answers
Emily
Student
Attleboro, Massachusetts
3
Questions
Asked
562 views
Dreams vs. Reality
How do you balance realistic goals with dreams that may be less practical? #CV23
11 answers
Todd Jurow
Project Manager
27
Answers
New Jersey, New Jersey
Updated
Todd’s Answer
Ideally, people's careers would be founded on them "chasing their dreams" or maximizing their talents, but not everyone's dream or talent can produce an income. For example, there are many actors who work normal jobs and audition for roles on the side. There are starving artists who wish their work could provide a living wage. What is valued by an employer may not fit with what you have to offer. Or if you work for yourself, you may struggle to earn money if your offering is not well received.
You may have heard the saying, "Do what you love and the money will follow". That's a lovely sentiment, and for some people it works out. However, most people find a job or career that enables them to afford what they need and they pursue their dream on the side. When you're young you can oftentimes afford to give it a go and pursue your dreams because you have the time to play catchup. You can say - if I don't make it as a singer by the time I'm 28, I'll start using my degree in accounting - because you have many decades to build up your net worth and save for retirement.
So don't give up on your dreams, just mix in that practicality. Get a marketable degree in college while you act in the college shows or submit your artwork in competitions. Or attend a trade school while you write your novel or perform in your dance troupe. If your dream pursuit doesn't turn into your dream career, you'll still be growing and learning and will be prepared for earning a living.
You may have heard the saying, "Do what you love and the money will follow". That's a lovely sentiment, and for some people it works out. However, most people find a job or career that enables them to afford what they need and they pursue their dream on the side. When you're young you can oftentimes afford to give it a go and pursue your dreams because you have the time to play catchup. You can say - if I don't make it as a singer by the time I'm 28, I'll start using my degree in accounting - because you have many decades to build up your net worth and save for retirement.
So don't give up on your dreams, just mix in that practicality. Get a marketable degree in college while you act in the college shows or submit your artwork in competitions. Or attend a trade school while you write your novel or perform in your dance troupe. If your dream pursuit doesn't turn into your dream career, you'll still be growing and learning and will be prepared for earning a living.
Abbey Longyear
Human Resources
5
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Abbey’s Answer
Dreams are great but you should have obtainable goals along the way to get you there. Setting short terms goals that can you build to the end goal and pivot as needed. Shooting your shot at your dreams is a great thing and you never know where that path will take you and what you might experience along the way. Surprises are good! Embracing surprises can lead you to some amazing new opportunities. It's also important to give yourself grace because you may make mistakes along the way.
david kirk
Retired Computing Manager
472
Answers
Syracuse, New York
Updated
david’s Answer
Hi, Emily,
There are no easy answers. My best approach would be to "AIM HIGH!" For example, if you wanted to have a career in medicine, a realistic, easily achievable goal might be to be a licensed practical nurse. A step up might be to go for registered nurse. A bit higher might be physician's assistant or nurse practitioner, and higher still would be MD, and even higher are more specialized practices. I'm not suggesting medicine to you, but it's an example. In looking at a career interest, write down all the possibilities you envision and then rank them by 'easy' to 'hard' to 'difficult' to 'very difficult' to 'only in my dreams.' Having the list, do some research on what you believe your steps need to be to achieve each level. With that, you will have a good grasp on the risk involved from one level to another. Once you confirm the highest level that you know you could achieve with hard work, aim one level higher. Be sure to do all of this with pen and paper, Emily, as there is a lot of strength to be affirmed in your thoughts by seeing the words written down. I sincerely hope this is useful to you. Having a plan on how to proceed on a goal is always a good first step. All the best to you.
There are no easy answers. My best approach would be to "AIM HIGH!" For example, if you wanted to have a career in medicine, a realistic, easily achievable goal might be to be a licensed practical nurse. A step up might be to go for registered nurse. A bit higher might be physician's assistant or nurse practitioner, and higher still would be MD, and even higher are more specialized practices. I'm not suggesting medicine to you, but it's an example. In looking at a career interest, write down all the possibilities you envision and then rank them by 'easy' to 'hard' to 'difficult' to 'very difficult' to 'only in my dreams.' Having the list, do some research on what you believe your steps need to be to achieve each level. With that, you will have a good grasp on the risk involved from one level to another. Once you confirm the highest level that you know you could achieve with hard work, aim one level higher. Be sure to do all of this with pen and paper, Emily, as there is a lot of strength to be affirmed in your thoughts by seeing the words written down. I sincerely hope this is useful to you. Having a plan on how to proceed on a goal is always a good first step. All the best to you.
Thank you so much! Your advice was very kind and helpful :)
Emily
It was my pleasure to respond. I also benefit from seeing my thoughts written down. :)
david kirk
Ryan Curry
Techreative | Vetrepreneur | Culturategist
84
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Ryan’s Answer
Hi Emily,
First, never stop dreaming! The world is what you make of it.
Finding the balance is tricky and depends on how willing you are to fully be present in the world vs demand the world be something it's not. The pursuit of your dreams is what matters most, not the act of achieving them.
Here are some tips to help find balance:
1. Prioritize: Start by prioritizing your goals. Determine which goals are essential for your survival and which ones are more of a luxury.
2. Evaluate: Evaluate your skills, interests, and strengths. Look at your realistic goals and see if they align with your talents and abilities. If not, you may need to adjust your goals or find ways to develop the necessary skills.
3. Research: Do your research on the industry or field that you're interested in pursuing. Learn about the job market, the skills and experience required, and the potential earnings.
4. Set realistic deadlines: Set realistic deadlines for achieving your goals. This will help you stay on track and ensure that you are making progress.
5. Take calculated risks: While it's important to be realistic, it's also important to take calculated risks. Don't be afraid to pursue your dreams, but make sure you have a plan in place and are willing to work hard to achieve them.
6. Be flexible: Be open to adjusting your goals as needed. Life is unpredictable, and sometimes circumstances change. Being flexible and adaptable will help you stay on track and achieve success in the long run.
Dreams become reality more often than you think. Are you dreaming big enough? There's plenty of literature and examples of people who have found their way through this debacle. They don't need to be replicated but they are points of inspiration. Practicality isn't the opposite of a dream, complacency is, so keep going.
First, never stop dreaming! The world is what you make of it.
Finding the balance is tricky and depends on how willing you are to fully be present in the world vs demand the world be something it's not. The pursuit of your dreams is what matters most, not the act of achieving them.
Here are some tips to help find balance:
1. Prioritize: Start by prioritizing your goals. Determine which goals are essential for your survival and which ones are more of a luxury.
2. Evaluate: Evaluate your skills, interests, and strengths. Look at your realistic goals and see if they align with your talents and abilities. If not, you may need to adjust your goals or find ways to develop the necessary skills.
3. Research: Do your research on the industry or field that you're interested in pursuing. Learn about the job market, the skills and experience required, and the potential earnings.
4. Set realistic deadlines: Set realistic deadlines for achieving your goals. This will help you stay on track and ensure that you are making progress.
5. Take calculated risks: While it's important to be realistic, it's also important to take calculated risks. Don't be afraid to pursue your dreams, but make sure you have a plan in place and are willing to work hard to achieve them.
6. Be flexible: Be open to adjusting your goals as needed. Life is unpredictable, and sometimes circumstances change. Being flexible and adaptable will help you stay on track and achieve success in the long run.
Dreams become reality more often than you think. Are you dreaming big enough? There's plenty of literature and examples of people who have found their way through this debacle. They don't need to be replicated but they are points of inspiration. Practicality isn't the opposite of a dream, complacency is, so keep going.
Chirayu Rupani
Data Analyst
295
Answers
Frisco, Texas
Updated
Chirayu’s Answer
Balancing realistic goals with dreams that may be less practical can be challenging, but here are a few tips that may help - Take the time to write down your goals, both realistic and less practical. Then, prioritize them based on their importance to you. This will help you focus your efforts on achieving the goals that matter most. If you have a big dream that seems less practical, try breaking it down into smaller, actionable steps. This can make the dream feel more manageable and help you make progress towards it. When deciding whether to pursue a less practical dream, consider the risks and rewards. What are the potential benefits of pursuing this dream? What are the potential drawbacks or risks? Weighing these factors can help you make an informed decision. Remember that plans can change, and it's okay to adjust your goals as you go. Sometimes, pursuing a less practical dream can lead to unexpected opportunities and outcomes that you couldn't have predicted. Talk to people you trust, such as friends, family, or a mentor, about your goals and dreams. They may have valuable insights or perspectives that can help you make a decision.
Rebecca Tang
Banking
1509
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. I am glad to hear that you have a dream. In fact, there may not be a conflict between a dream and reality. But, it may not be easy.
Below are my suggestions:
1. Analyze your dream and define the ultimate goals
2. Breakdown the goals into some milestones and put down a plan
3. Speak to someone who have relevant experience and knowledge related to your dreams
4. Seek guidance from your mentor, your parents, etc.
5. After having this information, you may analyze the possibility to achieve your dreams. You may need to refine your plan.
Having said that, you can review your dreams and plan on regular basis and make adjustment.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Below are my suggestions:
1. Analyze your dream and define the ultimate goals
2. Breakdown the goals into some milestones and put down a plan
3. Speak to someone who have relevant experience and knowledge related to your dreams
4. Seek guidance from your mentor, your parents, etc.
5. After having this information, you may analyze the possibility to achieve your dreams. You may need to refine your plan.
Having said that, you can review your dreams and plan on regular basis and make adjustment.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Scott M
Entrepreneur | Senior Sales Executive
32
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Scott’s Answer
Balancing realistic goals with our dreams can be a challenging task, but it's definitely possible to find a middle ground. As someone who has experienced this struggle before, I'd be happy to share some tips with you.
Firstly, it's important to define what your dreams and goals are. You can write them down in a journal or a planner, and take some time to really think about what you want to achieve in both the short and long term. This will help you see a clear picture of what you're aiming for, and what steps you need to take to get there.
Next, take a look at your goals and dreams and try to evaluate their practicality. Ask yourself some questions - is this dream realistic? Do I have the resources and skills to achieve it? If the answer is no, then it's important to reassess and adjust your goals accordingly. However, this doesn't mean you should completely give up on your dream - you may just need to take a different approach or adjust your expectations.
It's also important to keep in mind that others may not understand or support our dreams, and that's okay. It's important to stay true to ourselves and not let others' opinions or doubts hold us back. Some of the greatest innovators and visionaries in history were often told that their dreams were crazy or impossible. But they didn't let that stop them - they kept pushing forward and worked hard to make their dreams a reality. So if you have a dream that others don't understand or support, don't let that discourage you. Instead, use it as motivation to prove them wrong and show them what you're capable of. Stay focused on your goals, work hard, and don't give up - you never know where your dreams may take you.
One way to balance your dreams with practical goals is to break down your bigger dreams into smaller, achievable goals. This will help you see progress over time, and keep you motivated to keep going. It's also important to celebrate your accomplishments along the way - no matter how small they may seem.
Finally, remember that it's okay to have big dreams and aspirations that may not be immediately practical. Sometimes, taking a risk and pursuing our dreams can lead to unexpected and amazing opportunities. Just make sure you have a solid plan in place and that you're willing to put in the work to make it happen.
I hope these tips are helpful for you, Emily! Remember, finding a balance between realistic goals and dreams is a journey, and it's important to be patient and kind to yourself along the way. Good luck!
Firstly, it's important to define what your dreams and goals are. You can write them down in a journal or a planner, and take some time to really think about what you want to achieve in both the short and long term. This will help you see a clear picture of what you're aiming for, and what steps you need to take to get there.
Next, take a look at your goals and dreams and try to evaluate their practicality. Ask yourself some questions - is this dream realistic? Do I have the resources and skills to achieve it? If the answer is no, then it's important to reassess and adjust your goals accordingly. However, this doesn't mean you should completely give up on your dream - you may just need to take a different approach or adjust your expectations.
It's also important to keep in mind that others may not understand or support our dreams, and that's okay. It's important to stay true to ourselves and not let others' opinions or doubts hold us back. Some of the greatest innovators and visionaries in history were often told that their dreams were crazy or impossible. But they didn't let that stop them - they kept pushing forward and worked hard to make their dreams a reality. So if you have a dream that others don't understand or support, don't let that discourage you. Instead, use it as motivation to prove them wrong and show them what you're capable of. Stay focused on your goals, work hard, and don't give up - you never know where your dreams may take you.
One way to balance your dreams with practical goals is to break down your bigger dreams into smaller, achievable goals. This will help you see progress over time, and keep you motivated to keep going. It's also important to celebrate your accomplishments along the way - no matter how small they may seem.
Finally, remember that it's okay to have big dreams and aspirations that may not be immediately practical. Sometimes, taking a risk and pursuing our dreams can lead to unexpected and amazing opportunities. Just make sure you have a solid plan in place and that you're willing to put in the work to make it happen.
I hope these tips are helpful for you, Emily! Remember, finding a balance between realistic goals and dreams is a journey, and it's important to be patient and kind to yourself along the way. Good luck!
Anthony Ngo
40
Answers
Kirkland, Washington
Updated
Anthony’s Answer
Hello Emily,
John Lennon said it best: "A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality."
I do not know what you consider less practical. But have you shared your thoughts and ideas with (someone you trust and/or have the knowledge to help) a mentor?
Best of luck.
Anthony
John Lennon said it best: "A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality."
I do not know what you consider less practical. But have you shared your thoughts and ideas with (someone you trust and/or have the knowledge to help) a mentor?
Best of luck.
Anthony
Doug Luehrs
Consulting
3
Answers
Cherry Hill, New Jersey
Updated
Doug’s Answer
I would encourage you to follow your dreams. Dreams are good motivators but you have to work at making them come true. There are realities along the way that you have to deal with while you pursue them. If you surround yourself with people that support you and bring out the best in you, do the same for them and you will endure. Achieving realistic goals that sustain your life and lives of others will give you confidence that you have the ability to succeed. Make your next goal a little bigger and closer to your dream. Sometimes when you are planning your next step in life you may find that your dream has changed. The journey towards a dream can be difficult, but can also be very rewarding. As you go forward in your life, make the best choices with the information that is available to you at that time. If you use sound judgement on what's best for you and the lives of others around you, you will not have to live with regret. When faced with decisions, take the one that you believe brings you a little closer to your dream knowing that the easy path is not necessarily the best one for you. Do not allow fear lead you. Peel back your fear and focus on just the reality. You won't find your limits if you don't make yourself a bit uncomfortable pushing your limits. You can achieve your dream. Your dream might change over time, but that should never stop you from pursuing the dream you have right now.
Daysha J
Behavior Technician
8
Answers
Washington, Washington
Updated
Daysha’s Answer
Hi Emily,
If your dream is something that you really want, you should set small goals that will eventually get you there or close. You should always pursue what you desire, and there will be times when it doesn't seem achievable at the beginning; however, you will get there eventually and look back and see how much it was all worth it.
If your dream is something that you really want, you should set small goals that will eventually get you there or close. You should always pursue what you desire, and there will be times when it doesn't seem achievable at the beginning; however, you will get there eventually and look back and see how much it was all worth it.
Aisha Taylor
Mortgage Closing Specialist
364
Answers
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Aisha’s Answer
Hi Emily,
This is a great topic, as Chirayu mentioned, Balance is key. The simple act of writing down a goal is the first step toward achieving it. Written goals help you analyze your expectations. It's possible that the goals you had in mind need further clarification once you write them down. If your goals as written don't match the goals you imagined for yourself, regroup and try again.
A realistic goal is one that you can reach given your current mindset, motivation level, timeframe, skills and abilities. Realistic goals help you identify not only what you want but also what you can achieve.
I hope this helps.
This is a great topic, as Chirayu mentioned, Balance is key. The simple act of writing down a goal is the first step toward achieving it. Written goals help you analyze your expectations. It's possible that the goals you had in mind need further clarification once you write them down. If your goals as written don't match the goals you imagined for yourself, regroup and try again.
A realistic goal is one that you can reach given your current mindset, motivation level, timeframe, skills and abilities. Realistic goals help you identify not only what you want but also what you can achieve.
I hope this helps.
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