I have always had big dreams. Lately, I’m slow to start. What’s the best way to get started on a big dream that feels overwhelming?
Dear Dreamer,
The fact that you even have a big dream means you’re already ahead of most people. Too many folks let their dreams stay locked away because they’re afraid to even think about making them real.
Big dreams are exciting, but they can also feel paralyzing. Where do you start? What if you mess up? What if it’s too big? The good news? You don’t have to have all the answers right now. You just need a way forward. So let’s break this down into manageable steps and get you moving toward that dream.
A dream that feels overwhelming is usually too vague. Saying, “I want to write a book,” or “I want to start a business,” or “I want to change careers,” is exciting, but it’s also huge.
Instead, ask yourself: What exactly does this dream look like? What would success feel like to me? Why do I want this?
The clearer you are, the easier it is to take action. If your dream is to write a book, define what kind. Fiction? Nonfiction? A memoir? If you want to start a business, what kind? Who would you serve? If you want to change careers, what’s the end goal?
You don’t need every detail figured out, but you do need a direction.
A big dream isn’t one giant leap, it’s a series of small, doable steps. Imagine you’re building a house. You wouldn’t just *stare* at the empty lot and panic, right? You’d start with a blueprint.
Let’s say your dream is to start a business. Instead of thinking, “I need a fullfledged company right now,” start with: 1. Researching what kind of business suits your skills and interests.
2. Talking to someone who has done something similar.
3. Taking one online class or reading a book on entrepreneurship.
By breaking your dream into smaller steps, it stops feeling like a mountain and starts feeling like a path.
Here’s the thing, you will never feel fully ready. If you wait until you have all the knowledge, all the confidence, and all the perfect conditions, you’ll be waiting forever. The best way to start? Just start. Want to write a book? Write one page today. Want to switch careers? Update your resume. Want to start a business? Draft a rough plan. Small actions add up. The more you do, the more momentum you create.
When a dream feels overwhelming, it’s easy to get discouraged. This is why you need a strong why, a reason that keeps you going when things get tough.
Ask yourself: “Why does this dream matter to me?” - Do you want more freedom in your life? - Do you want to help others? - Do you want to prove to yourself that you can?
Write your why down and put it somewhere you’ll see it every day. When doubt creeps in (and trust me, it will), remind yourself why you started.
Let’s talk about that annoying little voice in your head that whispers: “Who do you think you are?” or “You’re not good enough for this.” Guess what? That voice is lying.
Fear loves to masquerade as logic. It tells you that you’re not ready, not talented enough, not capable. But fear isn’t the truth. It’s just your brain trying to keep you safe from the unknown.
The next time doubt creeps in, try this: Ask yourself, “Would I talk to my best friend this way?” (If the answer is no, then don’t talk to yourself that way, either.) Remind yourself of times you’ve done hard things before. Replace fear with action, do something toward your goal, even if it’s small.
No one accomplishes big dreams alone. Find people who encourage you, challenge you, and believe in you.
Avoid those people who dismiss your dream or make you feel foolish for trying. You don’t need that energy. Stick with people who lift you up.
Perfectionism will kill your dream before you even start. You don’t have to get everything right; you just have to get going.
Remember, you might fall a few times. But the only way you fail is if you never get back up.
Don’t wait until you make it to celebrate. Every small win counts. Finished the first chapter of your book? Celebrate. Had your first customer? Celebrate. Sent out a job application? Celebrate.
Take one step. Then another. And another. Before you know it, that overwhelming dream won’t feel so overwhelming anymore, it’ll just be your life.
Trust me, you are capable of more than you think.
Love,
Aunt B
If you would like to send Aunt B a question please email your question to news@ forneymessenger. com.
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