7 Ways to Follow Your Dreams While Remaining Realistic ...

1. Think Logically

You need to set up a schedule, even though it'll be subject to change. If you know you want to be a doctor and have to go to school for six more years, then you can't hope to have the job of your dreams by next year. There's no such thing as short cuts. Since you won't have your dream job until you graduate, you need to find something else to hold you over for the time being. Unless your parents or partner is willing to pay for everything you buy, you'll need to limit your classes so you'll have enough time to work on the side.

2. Prepare a Backup Plan

You need to consider having a backup plan. Some people feel more comfortable when they know they have a certain set of skills they can fall back on if their dream job doesn't work out. However, other people believe that backup plans will stop them from doing their best with their original plan. Figure out whether or not a backup plan would make you more comfortable and take it from there.

3. Hear but Don't Listen

If your parents or friends disapprove of what you want to do with your life, listen to their concerns. You should be aware of why they're iffy about your career choice, but you shouldn't let them stop you from doing what you want to do. Just be aware of the downsides of your decision.

4. Do Your Research

It's important to know as much as you can about the job industry that you want to be a part of. Look up how much money a person would typically get from that job, how long it takes to move up the job ladder, and how many openings there typically are. It's always helpful to know the statistics.

5. Find Inspirational Stories

When you're feeling down, read inspirational stories or watch a motivational movie. That way, you'll remember that amazing things can happen to "ordinary" people. Your success might be just around the corner, so never give up hope.

6. Settle for a Little Less

If you're passionate about singing and want to preform for a living, you might have to settle for singing on cruise ships instead of selling out concert halls. You can still pursue bigger dreams, but you should be happy getting any sort of job where you're able to do what you love to do, even if it's not that glamorous.

7. Have High Hopes & Low Expectations

You should aim for the stars, but don't expect to reach them. You need to stay modest. If you aren't, then you won't change anything about what you're doing and will never progress. In order to be successful, you need to be trying to constantly improve yourself.

You can truly do anything that you want to do, as long as you're willing to work for it for your entire life. The time you spend will pay off. What's your biggest dream in life?