No matter how big or small your dreams may seem, there is no better time than the present to reach for them. While you may start out feeling motivated to work toward reaching your dreams, sometimes barriers can hold you back. That’s why it’s important to have a plan of action for overcoming these barriers and reaching for your dreams.
 

Some of the most common barriers are:

1. Thinking you are not good enough

It’s easy to fall into the trap of self-doubt, especially when you see others around you making their dreams a reality. By comparing where you are in your life with others, you are holding yourself back and ultimately distracting yourself from focusing on working toward your dreams, at your own pace.
There is only one of you, and you are unique, with your own special qualities to offer. You need to trust in yourself and your abilities. Understand and believe in the vision you have for your life and stick to it. Comparing yourself to others or copying them will only make it harder to reach your dreams.

 

2. Thinking you need to be perfect

Perfection is an unattainable standard. It is therefore something you need to let go of. Take comfort in the fact that everyone makes mistakes, and know that it is the mistakes that help us learn and grow. You do not have to have your whole life figured out, and you do not have to present a perfect version of yourself to anyone. Trying to do so could lead to anxiety.

Nothing needs to be set in stone in your journey towards reaching your dreams, so take the time to adjust and make the changes as you see fit.
 

3. Worrying about what others may think of you

The only approval you should seek is your own, and not that of others. You cannot tie your worth to other people’s standards and expectations. As hard as it may be to stop worrying about what others may think of you, it is an important part of working towards reaching your goals. Remember, your goals are about what you want for yourself.

Letting go of worrying about what other people may or may not think about you, and letting go of the need to please others, will allow you the freedom to do things in your own way. Take time to determine what is important to you and make that your priority.

 

4. Fearing that you will fail

While you may use fear as a safety or protective mechanism, it can also quickly turn into a barrier that prevents you from taking the necessary risks and opportunities that present themselves in the journey to reaching for your dreams. Living your life in fear of what may or may not happen takes away the opportunity to try, and to fail, and to learn from your failures.

Instead, live your life being curious, and take time to examine the facts objectively. The discomfort that you may feel can be associated with growth rather than fear. Allow yourself to try and you will feel and see the shift towards the direction of your dreams.

Also read: Is Fear of Failure Holding You Back?
 

Working on reaching your dreams takes courage. It also means taking risks and following what feels right for you and not what others deem right. Fear will always be there, but remember to use that fear to examine your life decisions objectively. Let go of pleasing others, feeling inadequate, or trying to be perfect. Your dreams are yours to chase – make them your everyday reality.
 

“If you can dream it, you can do it” – Walt Disney
 

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