What It Takes to Reach Your Dreams (and Why It’s Worth It)
If you needed $10,000 for something you really wanted, what would you be willing to do to make it happen?
Would you make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for lunch while everyone else gets Chilpotle?
Would you wear the same 10 rotating outfits and listen to your friends or boss’s comments about it?
Would you say no to owning a car?
The Real Question Is: Are You Willing to Do What It Takes?
Before any goal can become a reality, it comes down to one question: Are you willing to do what it takes to make it happen?
Are you willing to put yourself out there, even when it feels uncomfortable?
Are you willing to ignore the sideways comments from people who don’t understand what you’re doing?
Are you willing to do work that isn’t glamorous, but moves you closer to what you want?
Because if you’re not willing, you won’t get what you want.
Pursuing what you want requires becoming someone you’ve never been before.
My Story: Why This Matters to Me
All of the examples above? They’re from my own life. To save $10,000, I’ve eaten PB&J, worn the same clothes, and taken public transportation.
Almost everything I’ve gone after, I’ve achieved, but rarely in the way I first imagined.
Sometimes I’ve been disappointed. But each time, I’ve grown braver and more confident.
I’ve learned persistence. I’ve learned resilience. I’ve met incredible people and created experiences I never would’ve had if I’d stayed in place.
And that’s what I want for the teens (and adults) I coach. I want them to experience the growth that only comes from trying.
Besides, would you trust a coach who had never gone out of her comfort zone?
I don’t think so. 😉
What This Means for Parents of Teens
If you’re a parent, this is where leading by example matters.
Your teen is watching how you handle challenge, discomfort, and risk. When they see you try new things, adapt, or pursue a dream even when it’s scary, you teach them that discomfort and sacrifice is normal.
The next time your teen hesitates about applying to a program, trying a new class, or thinking about college choices, share a story of your own persistence.
Help them see that pursuing what you want isn’t about instant success. It’s about becoming the kind of person who keeps going.
Related: How to Move Forward When You Feel Stuck
Try This Reflection
Ask yourself (and your teen):
What’s something you want to pursue right now?
What’s one action step you could take to move you closer to it?
What would happen if you didn’t pursue what you wanted?
Write your answers down. Looking at your action steps, pick one and do it. Today.
Momentum starts with willingness.
Final Thought
Almost everything worth having requires stepping out of your comfort zone. You might not get exactly what you pictured, but you’ll grow, you’ll learn, and you’ll become braver than you were before.
How badly do you want it?
And what are you willing to do to pursue it?
About Anna
Anna Nelson is a Minneapolis based Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach and ICF-Certified Coach who helps teens and parents make confident, intentional decisions about college, career, and life. Learn more about her Strengths-Based Pre-College Prep Program or book a free strategy session to talk about your teen’s next step.