Before I decided to pursue my purpose (and even along the journey of gaining clarity), I was afraid that devoting time to self-discovery was irresponsible. I had absorbed countless messages that implied anything other than climbing the ladder in a “safe” career would have a negative effect on both me and society. It took quite some time to realize that following your dreams is not irresponsible, and many of the common refrains we hear play to our fears, keeping us from a fulfilling life.
Fear: Financial Insecurity
Reasoning
If you pursue a path that isn’t a “sure thing”, you might fail and become penniless.
Reality
What job is a “sure thing”? Layoffs, market fluctuations, personality differences, etc. cost people their “safe” jobs every day. Technological advancements are making entire industries obsolete, affecting people who thought they had a guaranteed position until retirement. Security is, to some extent, an illusion. We cannot be absolutely certain of employment anyway, so why not do something you love?
Reasoning
Time spent following your passion is time taken away from establishing or advancing a solid career.
Reality
Time spent on passions like travelling, starting a business, learning a new skill, or volunteering is time acquiring additional skills that are transferable to any career.
Reasoning
Failure is final. Once you’ve become broke or lost forward momentum in your stable job, it’s all downhill from there.
Reality
Real success is not achieved without failure. J.K. Rowling was on unemployment benefits while writing the Harry Potter series, which has made her one of the most financially successful authors in the world.
Fear: Being a Disappointment
Reasoning
If you don’t immediately bust your butt to break even and exceed what was spent on any training or education you’ve had, you are a poor “return on investment”.
Reality
Return on investment is about a lot more than money.
Fear: Negatively Impacting Others
Reasoning
- If you cannot earn enough to get by while following your dream, you will end up being a “drain on society”
