The other day, I was browsing the Internet, and I came across this really dope video on the TED Talk website titled, 5 Ways to Kill Your Dreams.
It really sparked my interest.
WATCH TED TALK: 5 WAYS TO KILL YOUR DREAMS
[ted id=2200]
As a young professional trying to establish my brand in multiple cities (while not losing my sanity), I have had to learn not only a lot about myself, but also the way the professional world works in 2015. In the video, TED Fellow and Brazilian entrepreneur Bel Pesce lists five things we as individuals and as professionals do that kill our dreams every single day.
So I’ve decided to compose my own list of five things:
1. Believing the world owes you something, because you earned a college degree.
This was a tough one for me to swallow. I graduated in the class of 2012 with honors, having done everything that was asked of me. I completed internships, volunteered my time, and yet, I still could not land a full-time job. I blamed everything and everyone- from my professors to my skin color to even my gender. Then, I remember something that my mentor taught me a while ago, “This world rewards people who get things done, not perfectionists.” I also remembered hearing, “A college degree entitles you to nothing except a bill from Sallie Mae.” It’s so true.
2. Believing that just dreaming gets you halfway there.
To continue on my previous point, just dreaming actually gets you nowhere. As a freelance publicist, I heard all day long from my clients about they had amazing dreams and wanted to accomplish this and that. My first question was this: So what’s your plan? And usually they would get quiet or they give you the typical response: “I’m going to work on it, and put in long hours.” I’m here to tell you that working without a plan is activity without accomplishment.
3. Believing your needs are the only ones that matter.
In this generation, it is so easy to get very caught up on focusing on just yourself. Me, Me, Me is the attitude a lot of us (including myself) have had at one point or another. You will be amazed at what doors will open and what changes in your life will happen once you decide help others. I believe that advancing your dreams often means doing more for someone else than you do for yourself.
4. Believing that success is measured in dollars and cents.
Too many times I’ve seen my former clients and friends put a dollar amount on their success. Maybe it’s the new job they just landed after six months of looking that pays $45,000 a year or maybe they say “I want to make a million dollars before I’m 35.” Whatever your desires are, never limit yourself to a dollar amount. Aim higher. Believe you can achieve and make even more. Never lose that hunger.
5. Believing you can make it without anyone’s help.
No one, and I mean NO ONE, achieved success in life on their own. Even Diddy had Andre Harrell to thank. Do not let pride get in the way of asking for what you really need. Think of everyone as a resource, but be willing to give as much if not more than you plan to receive.
Do not let these foolish thoughts and many others kill your dreams before you get started.
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