Your Dream Career Awaits, Start Here

Courtesy of Stock Vault

Courtesy of Stock Vault

A few months ago (literally) I sat on my couch pouting about how I wanted to more aggressively pursue my writing dreams and gain greater traction in the publishing world.

But then I realized (with the help of some trusted friends, and lots of trust and prayer) that if I fail to take a step of faith and actually put myself out there to claim my destiny, then how in the world was I ever going to accomplish my life-long goals?

After mustering some courage, I got rid of the self-doubt and eradicated the self-pity. Then, I started TheCareerPioneer.com blog, began freelance writing for a local magazine, acquired new projects through my copywriting business, and started a new full-time writing gig.

It’s amazing what happens when you start believing in yourself and stop making excuses.

Here are three things that you can do today that will propel you to start living out your career dreams.

1. Banish all excuses.

The economy has taken a hit and so has your self-esteem. You’ve applied to several jobs and have even ventured off on your lonesome to start a small business.

Unfortunately, all avenues leading toward a glimmer of hope for your future, have equally flopped. What you’ve failed to realize is that all hope is not lost. In fact, much has been gained if you simply change your perspective.

Allowing past failures to dictate your future, will only lead to Excuseville. Don’t get caught in this desert town, where everyone’s a zombie waiting for the antidote in order to be rescued from that self-inflicted paralyzation called “excuses.”

2. Dream again.

Let’s face it. This world — full of skeptics and paparazzi — is not cut out for optimists, dreamers and altruists. Thank goodness, some of us still hold out hope for a better tomorrow. I’m glad to say that I join the ranks as one of those folks. And if you’re reading this, then you probably have too.

That being said, don’t give up your dreams. No matter what they are, and no matter how long it takes you to fulfill even an ounce of that dream, keep forging ahead. For those who work hard, have faith and commit to the greater good, what lies around the corner might be exactly what you’ve hoped for all along.

3. Go for it.

If you’ve got nothing to lose, then why NOT go for it? If you have everything to lose, then your dream must be worth pursuing if you’re willing to put it all on the line, right?

Have you ever heard someone say, and perhaps you’ve said it, that they aim to live without regrets? For some time, I’ve avoided making that assertion because, honestly, I’ve felt there were times in my life that I’ve made halfhearted decisions in my career, which later I’ve regret.

Only recently have I  been able to commit to truly living a life without regret. But it’s first taken a serious dedication to wholeheartedly go after my dreams.

Sometimes, you’ve got to live your life with abandonment. So long as it’s within the parameters of reason, of course.

Please don’t imitate my above-mentioned scenario, get off the couch and start doing something. Throwing  yourself a pity-party will get you nowhere.  Trust me.

Keep the Discussion Going

Add to the list! What’s something you can do, or have done and can recommend to someone else, as you seek to pursue your career dreams? 

Recommend it below in the comments section and it will be featured in The Career Pioneer newsletter.

Oh yeah, if you haven’t already signed up for the newsletter, go ahead and enter your email address to the right of your screen and start getting periodic email updates and news related to The Career Pioneer.

About the Author

Emily Brown is the key contributor and creator of  TheCareerPioneer.com, a blog that delivers articles and posts about job industry trends; plus motivational, retrospective stories about career exploration and discovering one’s passion. A former business journalist at Bloomberg News, her work has also appeared in  The Wall Street Journal,  The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, and others. Emily lives and works in Washington, DC. She can easily be reached at info@thecareerpioneer.com. Feel free to drop her a line to say “hello,” seek advice, suggest an opportunity or story idea, or provide news of your own.

Comments

comments

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  • http://2inspired.wordpress.com Brandi

    Hi Emily!

    I just found your site and am liking what I’m seeing. I write about inspiring others to fulfill their dreams and feel like we’re on the same path. I think one thing I’d add to this list is battling fears, which often prevent people from getting to item #3.

    • http://www.thecareerpioneer.com Emily Brown

      Hi Brandi! You’re right. Fear is often the Number One reason why many professionals and students don’t take the first step in the first place. Fear of failure. Fear of success. Fear of disapproval from others. And so many other sources of fear. But as Franklin D. Roosevelt famously said, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” Indeed, getting hit by Fear’s snares is like getting shot in the foot — it’s paralyzing, you can’t move. Sometimes the antidote is just to simply keep going, and to push pass the fear. Thanks for sharing your thoughts Brandi!

  • http://becks-carrie.blogspot.com/ Beck Doyle

    Hey Emily,

    Am loving all things “career inspiration” at the moment. I’m currently trying to break into a writing career in magazines and non-fiction books.

    Still mired in Excuseville, as I haven’t taken the plunge and quit my day job, just converted to part-time. I’m really more of a (pedicured) toe-dipper. Oops!

    I have started a blog on my exploits trying to become the Aussie version of Carrie Bradshaw, “Becks and the City”:
    http://becks-carrie.blogspot.com/

    Stop by if you have time. : )

    • http://www.thecareerpioneer.com Emily Brown

      Hi Beck! Love your blog and from what I can see from your writing you’re definitely headed — or at least tip-toeing — in the “write” direction. :-) Looking forward to reading more of your work! Thanks for stopping by.

  • Nicole Plummer

    Thanks for writing this article, very helpful! My dreams are starting to become clear, so the next step is the take the next step in pursuing them. We miss you, I haven’t seen one of your articles since Oct 12th, take care:)

    • http://www.thecareerpioneer.com Emily Brown

      Hi Nicole! Thanks for checking in. I know!! It’s been a while. Hope you enjoyed the latest post!

  • http://career.qandas.com/jobs/where-can-i-find-job-salaries.html Job Salary

    Dream, believe, survive. It’s all about commitment, don’t stop trying in getting all your dreams. I’m also learning a lot from your blog! Thanks and keep it up!

  • Tasheka Cox

    Great article Emily! This was inspiring and makes me want to pursue my goals even harder….Thanks for the helpful tips and insights!

    • http://www.thecareerpioneer.com Emily Brown

      Thanks Tasheka! My pleasure. Glad they could inspire you too. I’m constantly reminding myself of these small tips as well. It takes lots of endurance to pursue your dreams. The saying is so true: it’s a marathon, not a sprint.

  • Gimari

    Hey Emily! Girl, I’ve recently resigned from my job, and honestly, reading your articles are very inspiring and keeping me positively grounded. I can relate-I’ve had many excuses! Resigning was the push I needed. I’ll keep you posted!

    • http://www.thecareerpioneer.com Emily Brown

      Oh my goodness!! Wow! We MUST catch up! Congratulations!! But so many questions… :-)