Is It Time To Walk Away From Your Dream?

The last thing I want to do is discourage you from going after your goal. But it’s time to talk about a painful aspect of dream chasing: knowing when to walk away. 

You’re the only person who can determine if it's the right time for you. Here are some questions that might help:

Do you hate it? It may seem obvious, but it’s shocking how many people cling to a goal long after their love has been placed with resentment. If this is you, it’s time to let it go. 

Are there circumstances outside your control?  A family friend wanted to be an astronaut when he grew up. He learned everything he could about NASA’s space program and took classes in engineering and astrophysics. Then he grew to be six feet six inches tall, three inches past NASA’s height limit, and did not qualify for their program.

(Quick break to enjoy these adorable puppies. They take the edge off this bummer topic)

Are you past the age limit? Some dreams, like competing in the Olympics or winning the Boston Marathon, get harder to achieve as you get older. This shouldn’t be the deciding factor, but it's something to consider. 

Is your health suffering because of it? If chasing your dream is causing significant stress, anxiety, or negatively impacting your mental or physical health, it might be time to re-evaluate if this is a dream worth pursuing. 

If you determine that your dream is unattainable, you don’t have to give it up all together. Our tall friend still went to work for NASA, just not as an astronaut. A talented gymnast friend who barely missed the Olympics opened her own gym and teaches gymnastics. 

Letting go of your dream doesn’t mean letting go of the talents and interests you enjoy. It might just mean finding a new way to enjoy them.