Chase your dreams!

Everyone has dreams. Some dream of creating a family and living their very own “happily ever after”. Others dream of money and fame. Some want to be astronauts, some want to be superstars and the lucky few are content with just being kind. No matter who you ask though, everyone has a dream.

How does the saying go? Oh right. “Follow your dreams.” We use that a lot, don’t we? It’s a way to encourage people, to give them hope, to help them keep going. It’s inspirational and whatnot but, to be honest, I find it a bit unrealistic. Dreams don’t leave a golden trace you can just follow; your goals won’t wait for you at the end of a stairway. That’s why they’re called dreams after all. Because they’re something we want so much but it’s so hard to get, almost an otherworldly desire that’s always just out of your grasp.

Dreams are thoughts made of stardust floating in the air. You can’t expect them to lead you anywhere on their own; all their magic is targeted simply on their existence. When you’re just following something, you’re not in control. You can’t change the direction and you’re no the once in charge of your speed; you just close your eyes, stretch your hands and take a leap of faith.

But, are you really willing to risk your goals with such ease –let alone give up– because things didn’t go your way? If that’s the case then, my dear reader, you should leave this page now because this article isn’t for the faint of heart. What I’m going to suggest may sound completely crazy to you and perhaps you won’t be able to spot a difference, but fear not, for I’ll make things clear.

Don’t just follow your dreams; chase them.

If you can’t tell the difference between those two verbs, look up their definitions. To follow means to come after as a result of consequence. On the other hand, to chase means to pursue in order to overtake. In other words, following is passive. In order to achieve anything in your life, you need to put hard work and effort into it. The universe doesn’t reward the lazy ones; it only helps those who’ve already done everything in their power.

You can’t sit around and wait for God –or any other higher power– to makes things fall into place. If you’re not actively chasing your dreams if you’re not working your ass off if you’re not trying your hardest, then why would anyone help you? No one else is going to do your work for you, no one’s going to hand you everything you ever dreamed of just because you asked.

And even if you found someone who loved you so much that they were willing to do all the work for you and let you enjoy the end result would it be the same? Would you feel the same satisfaction you’d get from making what you’ve dreamed of yours; all on your own? You’re not a doll darling, you don’t come with a perfect job an expensive house and a fancy car. If you want those, you have to work for them; and work hard.

Of course, simply waiting is the easy way out. You’ll be able to blame God, luck, the universe and all the people who didn’t help you out while you’re stuck in a house you hate killing yourself in a dead-end job you despise. But it will be easy. You’ll have a routine and you won’t fall out of your program. It’ll be a quiet and simple life and while that can be fulfilling on its own, it won’t be enough for those of you that dream in high-definition. You need to make that big decision and that’s not even the hardest part.

You’ll pull all-nighters studying. You’ll miss your favorite TV shows. You’ll have to work double shifts and save every penny. You’re going to get frustrated when people don’t understand you and you’re going to feel let down when you don’t get the results you were hoping for. Doors will close in your face and maybe you’ll be laughed at; it doesn’t matter.

Keep your head up high, your spirits higher, and keep chasing.