Do you dream of becoming a published writer? What if you accomplish that dream only to discover that you hate working against deadlines or aren’t cut out for self-promotion? Is your dream to become a model or actor? What if you make it, only to find you can’t hang with the grueling schedule and hurtful criticism? What if, after tirelessly working to accomplish the one thing you want more than anything else, you realize that it’s not all it was cracked up to be?
We humans have a pretty strong aversion to disappointment. In fact, disappointment and regret are the two emotions we weigh most heavily when making decisions. That’s why it’s not hard to believe that one of the most common fears dream chasers face is the fear of disappointment, that is, reaching your dream only to be let down.
The fact of the matter is, that might happen. But you can’t let the fear of being disappointed hinder you from following your passion. Instead, prepare yourself for the reality of your dream. When you picture yourself living your dream, make sure to balance the pros and cons evenly. Don’t just think about how much money you’re going to make or how liberating it will be to be your own boss, also consider the down sides – How will you make ends meet? How will you stay motivated when the going gets tough? How will you react when something unforeseeable happens? – because there will be down sides.
By acknowledging the less-than-appealing aspects of your dream up front you’re not deluding yourself into thinking that living your dream means floating in a suspended state of infinite bliss. And this realistic attitude will help you fend off the disappointment that threatens your happiness.
Are you a dream chaser facing a particular fear? If so, I’d love to hear from you!
Please e-mail me at: erika@erikaliodice.com
