“You just can’t beat the person who never gives up.” – Babe Ruth
So many mindlessly follow “influencer” advice, and start to pursue a careerdriven exclusively from their “passion”. They end up with broken dreams, bitterness towards the world and a deeper resistance to “starting” anything again. I’ve met with clients like this. I’ve seen the broken tax returns, the failed businesses, and worse.
That, to me, is the biggest crime, as it relates to those who spout this pabulum. Because I WANT people to follow their dreams. But (and this is the kicker), it needs to be something in which there is a realistic possibility of providing liveable (and beyond) income.
So, I’m going to channel my inner Gary Veynerchuk and offer you some real talk about how you should, instead, approach following your dreams …
Understand the desire under your desire.
What you choose to do for a living should be based on what kind of life you want. If you dream of a life of luxury, a career as an artist (however much you love to draw) probably won’t be very satisfying. But if your deepest desire is to be “true” to your giftings — no matter the financial reward, then the income component only becomes something that must meet a minimum requirement. So, look for a strategy that will incorporate your interests while taking into account your TRUE lifestyle goals.
Learn your strengths.
You may love playing the piano, but are you really good enough to make a living at it? Be honest and realistic with yourself before committing yourself to a career that could be filled with frustration. Best move here: get a real outside opinion, and commit yourself to responding to this kind of objective feedback.
Understand secondary requirements.
Every job and career includes some tasks that are less enjoyable than others. After all, even movie stars have to deal with intrusive paparazzi; CEOs have to make tough decisions about layoffs and ethical dilemmas, etc. The point is that there are downsides to every dream career. EVERY ONE. Keep your eyes open to these.
Remember that work is still work.
Your career has to carry you through days and weeks when you don’t really want to go to the office, or the studio, or wherever your job takes you. This is part of being realistic about your goals: Even the best jobs can seem like drudgery at times, and you’ll have to stick with it even when the initial enjoyment fades.
Last of all, let us help you plan the financial implications of your choices. Perhaps, we just start from the simple point of this year’s tax return?
We can’t wait to take a look at what we can do for you … it is, after all, what we do best.
