SHARE
READ & LEAVE A COMMENT
Filed in
Chase Your Dreams. No, Not Like that
Society is constantly encouraging us to chase our dreams and take a different path. We see inspirational quotes and graphics telling us to be different and be ourselves sprinkled all across the Internet. We hear the motivational stories of successful people who thought out of the box to create something amazing.
But here’s something I’ve learned through my endeavors as an online entrepreneur: No one cares—or believes—until you’ve already done it.
In other words, people will crush your dreams. It’s like that meme on Tumblr that says “Be yourself! . . . No, not like that,” only this time it’s “Chase your dreams! No, not like that.”
People encourage us to chase our dreams and be successful but only if it’s in a traditional sense. But only if it’s by finding a 9 to 5 in an office with great benefits. If it’s not that, then they look at you like you’re crazy, lazy or dumb.
I’m a recent college graduate looking for a full-time job, but a lot of my energy also goes into my online life. I’m trying to launch my own digital media design and production service through which I offer design and media assistance to other bloggers and online entrepreneurs. I can’t count the times I’ve felt unsure of myself because of what society and those close to me say about it.
A major part of this online business is my blog and how I utilize it for my business. When I tell people about it and about my dreams for the future, I can see it in their eyes. I know what they’re thinking.
“Oh. So she wants to stay at home all day and do nothing but blog.”
“That’s such an unrealistic dream. She’ll never make it.”
“She should let this go and get a real job like the rest of us.”
Well, to that I say why can’t I pursue a career in something entirely different than my major? Why can’t I start my own online business? Why can’t I make money from making videos and blogs? What’s so wrong about that?
People say they want others to be dreamers and chase their outrageous ambitions, but when they see it up close, it makes them uncomfortable. They’re okay with hearing the success stories, they’re fine with believing in a stranger’s goals, but if it’s someone they know directly suddenly it’s just some silly fantasy. Suddenly you’re delusional.
So what do you do with the non-believers? You prove them wrong.
One day you’ll show them just how capable you are. One day they’ll convert. They’ll suddenly be proud of you and tell you how much they knew you could do it all along.
Until then, just smile and work on showing them just how awesome you are at doing things your way.
4 Responses
I love this post, Mo! This is absolutely so true. When I tell people how passionate I am about blogging and how I wish I could do it for a living, they just think I’m crazy, but there are lots of people out there who do it. My favorite part of this “No one cares-or believes-until you’ve already done it.” Truer words have never been written.
Thanks so much, Tiffany! So glad you enjoyed it! I definitely get a lot of crazy looks, and feel a lot of pressure to find a different path from my parents. Hopefully in the end it’ll all work out for us. 🙂
Wow, I needed to read this right now. I’m about two years into my own entrepreneurial venture that hasn’t born fruit (yet!). It’s so easy to get sucked into a negative mindset, and posts like this are a great reminder to get my head on straight and keep on keeping on. Thank you, and keep doing what you do!
So glad that you were inspired by my post Laura! I hope you get your fruit soon. I’m just starting on my venture, and it’s already hard to keep a positive mindset. Good luck with everything! Also, our last names are very similar. 🙂