What You Need to Know About Dreams that Stalk You: How They Can Lead You to Your Best Career Change

Donna has been telling people for years that she wants to start her own business.  She has dreamed about it since she was in high school but instead of taking steps towards following her dream, she has spent her days in the corporate world.  When asked, Donna will say she doesn't know what she wants to do for a career.  All she knows is that she is burned out with what she is doing.  Yet, everyone around her knows the dream that has been following her – the dream of being her own boss.

Many of us have dreams that are following us around while we desperately try to ignore them!  Think for a minute.  Have you heard yourself saying things like..."I'd love to turn this hobby into a career but..." or "I've always wanted to be my own boss but..."  or "What I really wanted to do was _______ but now it is too late." ?  If this sounds like you then it is time to turn around and look those  dreams right in the face.  They hold clues to what your passion-filled career change can be. 

What keeps us running from our dreams?  One of the most common reasons I have seen as a Life Coach is that we think it is too late to live a dream.  Most of the time that is absolutely false!  We give up on our dreams way too fast.  I remember reading about a woman who always dreamed of being a doctor.  She was 60 years old when she went back to college to pursue that dream.  Many people asked her, "Do you realize that you will be almost 70 years old by the time you get out of school and begin your career?"  Her answer was always, "I can be 70 and a doctor or 70 and not a doctor.  Either way I'll turn 70.  I would much rather be 70 and a doctor!"  She went on to achieve her MD and is still enjoying her thriving career.  Are you giving up too soon?

I'll admit (although reluctantly) that sometimes it might be too late to accomplish certain dreams.  For example becoming a professional athlete in your 60's might not happen. Although I really hate to say that because of a man called Banana George.  He begin barefooting at the age of 46.  He now holds 4 world records and is a professional barefooter.   To top that off when George turned 75 he learned how to snowboard! Be very careful before you decide your dream is "impossible"!  But if  you really, really believe that the dream you have is impossible for you to reach then take a look at the essence of your dream.  What is it that you wanted most from it?  If you wanted to be a professional dancer then what attracted you to that career?  Was it the movement?  If so you can have a career around movement .  Was it the music?  Was it the thrill of performing on stage?  The challenge of mastering something and being known for it?  Whatever you loved about that dream you can have in many different careers.  Take the essence of that dream and find a career to meet that essence.

The next time you hear yourself saying, "I have no idea what I am passionate about or what I want to do for a career change." take a quick peek behind you.  Do you have a dream that is stalking you?  If you do look it in the eye and start taking it seriously.  I have been amazed over and over again at how well those clingy dreams lead people to exciting, passionate, and meaningful careers!