4 Traits of People Who Chase Their Dreams
They’re simple, but not easy.
When I was a kid, I wanted to become a pilot because my dad is one. I then wanted to be Miss Universe because I became awkwardly tall. After that, I wanted to pursue journalism because I loved writing. But everybody told me to choose a ‘safer’ option.
So I got a Master's degree in International Human Resource Management to get a safe corporate job and climb up the ladder. Anything to do with improving people made me happy, even if that happens on a higher level with policy changes as opposed to ground-level impact.
My job was far from that, and I ultimately became a writer. Long story short — I am doing what was meant for me in the first place, or at least I would like to believe that's the case. Maybe the universe made me go through different things to eventually align me to my purpose?
“There is an orderliness in the universe, there is an unalterable law governing everything and every being that exists or lives. It is no blind law; for no blind law can govern the conduct of living beings. “ — Mahatma Gandhi
Ever since I started this journey, I’ve interacted with several others via Twitter and Slack communities who are doing something eccentric, different from the usual. They’re pursuing offbeat paths to create an impact.
Having interacted with these people who are building amazing things, reading enough self-help and journeys of successful people, and implementing lessons on myself, here are the four traits about people who chase their dreams.
They Practice Stillness
“You have to dream before your dreams can come true.” — A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
Those who chase their dreams need to first realise their dreams. They need to know what to chase, and what route can help them reach there. Well, it sounds mild but is demanding.
As Ryan Holiday says in his book Stillness is the Key,
“It takes real work to grasp what is invisible to just about everyone else.”
Even in my experience, I didn’t know my dream until a year ago when I deleted all social media and had a screen time of under 30 minutes a day. It’s only then that I looked within, and felt there’s something inside me that needs to be chased, be fulfilled.
Stillness helps you observe the environment within and absorb the environment outside.
Here’s what you can do
Take a minute to deep breathe after every few hours, and in that minute, just notice your breath. Yes, your mind will jump, but just observe it.
Remember when your mind says you cannot do something and that you’re not good enough? This exercise will help you diminish this as meaningless mental chatter and move on.
They Separate Themselves
Those who chase their dreams aren’t a part of a club where everybody is doing the same thing. That’s the entire point that sets them apart, right?
Everyone on social media is portraying living their best lives even when they are crippled with anxiety inside. They form their identity with their emotions and thoughts because they aren’t self-aware.
When you’re angry, it’s an emotion you’re experiencing. When you’re thinking negatively and creating scenarios in your head, those are just scenarios. This doesn’t mean that you are short-tempered and negative.
You are not your thoughts, feelings, and emotions.
Here’s what you can do
When experiencing negative thoughts or emotions, experience them, but let them pass. Get past it and don’t make it a part of yourself.
They Create Opportunities
When I was side hustling, nobody came to me to give me a gig when I started, I had to run after opportunities.
First, it started with Upwork, then it went on with references and random interactions on social media. Chase what you want.
Right now, I have employed two people on an ad hoc basis to help me.
In both these experiences, I have either created an opportunity for myself or for others. And you’ll see this with most people who chase their dreams.
Think of Elon Musk or Bill Gates, they:
- did something extraordinary
- took other’s help to reach where they want
They make their own opportunities even if the world is full of naysayers.
Here’s what you can do
“Put your heart, mind, and soul into even your smallest acts. This is the secret of success.” — Swami Sivananda
Be more open to taking risks and taking a tough call. I won't act cute and tell you it’ll be blissful because the truth is that there will be plenty of rejections and tough people on this road.
But it’s the way to the destination.
They Have Faith in the Door
When I quit my job, my highest paying client stopped our contract midway. I was devastated and kept thinking about how I made the worst decision and ruined my career. The person I completely banked on left me.
This is one of the many rejections I experienced.
Some people started hourly contracts and never gave me enough work. Some promised to get back to me and kept me in the loop, but again, didn’t give me work.
Some even took my ideas and hired somebody else to implement them!
Throughout, my faith keeps me going— I’ve made this decision for a reason, and so far only good things have happened month after month. In the future, good things will continue to happen.
Every month for the last four months something goes down and creates space for something new.
Here’s what you can do
Have faith that there will always be a better opportunity. If you’re consistent and always improving, adding perseverance to it will make you unstoppable.
Summary
Not everybody chases their dreams because it’s tough to battle your inner voice and everybody else’s opinions.
It’s difficult to leave what you want to do and chase your dreams, especially because as a society we are so focused on being successful and taking paths where we can predict our success (with ‘safe’ jobs).
Summing up, here are four traits of people who chase their dreams:
- They practise stillness: it helps you get to know yourself better (observe), and interact with the surrounding environment purposefully (absorb).
- They separate themselves: because your identity is not your momentary feelings and emotions.
- They create opportunities: to carve a path for themselves and help others as they grow.
- They have faith in the door: because faith keeps us going through tough times, it always has.
I’ll end with a quote by Mark Twain,
“20 years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”
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