Live the life you want and go after your dreams; that’s what I thought a few weeks ago when I saw Taylor Swift perform/ I was blown away. I am not a Swifty; I like her music on the radio, but I’ve never bought or downloaded and album. I only know the songs on the radio. But I must say, it was the most inspiring performance I’ve ever seen. And not just because she’s a great entertainer – there is no doubt that she is – but because I walked away feeling empowered to go after my dreams. Why? Her storytelling and unapologetically authentic love for what she does made me want to be better at what I do. I will be 45 years old this year; I am a reasonably self-confident person. And I walked away feeling empowered. Like I could do anything I put my mind to. And I wanted to go for it!

Now I get why she’s loved. She makes people believe in themselves.

And that’s what I want to do, too.

So, in this week’s episode of Reflect Forward: Advice From a CEO, I share the Taylor Swift experience and why we should all feel empowered to go after our dreams and create the life we want for ourselves.

But let’s face it. Many people are afraid to go after their dreams. Why? Simple. Fear. Fear of the unknown, fear of failure, fear of judgment. We live in a society where the norm is often mistaken as the ‘right way.’ Deviating from it, chasing something unconventional can invite criticism, uncertainty, and perceived risk. And that, my friends, can be daunting.

But how can we overcome this fear and gain the self-confidence to chase our dreams? It begins with understanding our worth and potential. Look inward. Realize that your dreams are valid, your ambitions are worthy, and you, as an individual, can achieve greatness.

To nurture self-confidence, take small steps towards your goals. Celebrate each victory, no matter how tiny. Embrace the journey, as every step you take towards your dream matters. Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day.

Now, let’s talk about failure. Failure is scary, right? But let’s reframe how we see it. Failure isn’t the end of the road; it’s a steppingstone, a learning opportunity. Think of the most successful people you know. They didn’t get there without failing numerous times. Each failure brought them one step closer to their dream. So, don’t see it as a stop sign when you fail. Instead, see it as a detour or a scenic route on your journey toward your dream.

Now for the million-dollar question How do we stop caring about what other people think as we chase our dreams? Let’s begin by accepting that we cannot please everyone. There will always be naysayers. But remember, you’re not chasing your dream for them. You’re doing it for you. You are the author of your life’s story, so why let someone else hold the pen?

When it comes to criticism, learn to filter. Constructive criticism can be a valuable tool for growth. But naysayers, those who only criticize without adding value, those voices need to be turned down, if not completely muted. This is your dream, your journey. Own it!

Remember going after your dreams requires courage, resilience, and a certain level of stubbornness. So, embrace your fears, build self-confidence, learn from your failures, and don’t let others dictate your path. The road to your dreams might be long and winding, but oh, is it worth it!

Question of the Week

“What are you reading right now?”

I am reading Sober Curious by Ruth Warrington. Why? Because I have been on a mission to drink less, I like reading what they call “quit lit.” Ruth’s story is inspiring, and the book is filled with all kinds of ways to help you curb your drinking habits. I’m starting a 100-day challenge using her workbook.

Since I’ve consciously decided to curb my alcohol consumption, I’ve started to reap remarkable benefits. I feel more energetic and clear-headed, like I’ve finally kicked away a fog that I didn’t even know was clouding my day-to-day life. My sleep quality has improved dramatically, and I love my mornings even more! I now have this overall sense of health – my skin looks better, my workouts are more efficient, and even my mood seems to have taken a positive turn. It’s like getting a fresh lease on life.

So, if you’ve been contemplating taking this step, take it from me – it’s worth it and quit lit like Sober Curious can help motivate you.

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