So. You know what you want to do. Whether it’s been years of dreaming the same dream, and you’re just starting to put it into action, or this is an newly-discovered passion, knowing what you want to do is not the same thing as actually doing it. It is, however, an essential part of the process. So congratulations! You’ve done one of the hard parts already.
Then comes the question - how do you actually get there? Here’s the thing: being passionate and knowing what you do isn’t a qualifier. But there are some practical steps you can take towards actually achieving your dream, regardless of the field you are pursuing.
Research: Invest your time! Read books, listen to podcasts, and find people around you who are where you want to be. Discover who the top people leading the industry are, and what they have to say about it. Seek wisdom from those who have done what you want to do, and learn what worked and what didn’t. If you find someone you click with, ask if they’d be open to mentoring you or at least being around and available for questions or advice through the journey.
Resume: Education and experience are prerequisites for any job. Find out specifically what’s required for the position you want, but don’t stop there. Look for any and every opportunity you can to learn, listen and get hands-on time in your field. Grow your resume to not only speed up the process of getting to your dream job, but making sure that you are ready for it when you get there.
Focus: Define what exactly it is that you are working towards. Vision is important, and in order to achieve it, you need to be moving to a specific, laid-out goal. Create a vision board, Pinterest account, or even just buy a notebook and write out what you want to do and how you’re going to get there. Don’t be afraid to dream big - but be intentional with what you want to focus on.
Stay Open: Don’t lose yourself in the process. Remember not just the what, but the why behind it all. No job is worth your mental health, heart, or relationships. As much as you want to succeed, stay open to the unexpected opportunities that life may throw at you. Think of the old saying “if you love something, let it go - if it comes back to you, it’s yours, and if it doesn’t.. It never was to begin with”. While it’s not a perfect metaphor, if landing your dream job means sacrificing important relationships or your own happiness, consider placing a looser grip on it. Life is short - and there are likely other jobs that will be rewarding and provide a strong work-life balance .
Be bold: Last, but certainly not least - be bold! You’ve worked hard for this, and it’s time to put yourself out there. Stand tall and confident in coming so far, and make sure employers know that you’re prepared to continue to work hard. “Fake it till you make it” may not sound like the best plan, but showing up with faith in your own ability goes a long way.
You’ve got this!
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