Dream Jobs Don’t Just Happen... You Build Them

Everyone talks about doing what they love “someday.” Here’s the thing: someday doesn’t show up on its own... You build it with what you do today.

My Path (and Why “Working Hard” Wasn’t Enough)

My first job was Subway, but since then I have had a variety of roles in different industries. In every role I’ve held, I worked hard, went above and beyond, and always looked for ways to make things more efficient. But what I learned over time was that working hard for others wasn’t what lifted me up, building for myself and supporting others around me does though.

But I’m an entrepreneur at heart. As a kid, I did nails for extra cash. About a decade ago or so, I sold my first painting. I launched a microblading business, an industry I knew nothing about and had to learn business fast after my 100 hour microblading training. And while COVID19 shut down my business for 3 months after my 1 year anniversary, I improvised and paid my bills by selling originals, prints and commissions with my art skills.

Today, my microblading business has been closed for years, but I am returning to my art business in full swing while I’m also building a referral-based real estate business. Both worlds let me lean into what I love most: continuous learning, sharing/teaching, and connecting with people. When something clicks for me, I instantly want to teach, share, and pass it on so we can grow together.

The Fear of Success (and how it hides)

Fear of Success is real. It isn’t just “what if I fail?” It’s also, “What if this works and I’m actually more visible, responsible, and expected to keep going?” I felt it with real estate and with art. I have been in the art business technically for years but I let it stop me a lot from growing because I was afraid of too many commissions, nervous about my ability to handle a bigger amount, or more pressure on my work and on my consistency expectations. Limits can help in protecting your bandwidth, but they can also become your own cage.

If you’ve felt that flutter in your chest before a big step, that’s not always panic. And your body isn’t trying to work against you. It is actually your nervous system doing its job in letting you know that things are changing and there may be danger, but that doesn’t mean that your body needs to go into Fight, Flight, Fawn, or Freeze mode. It means you need to recognize what is happening and shift your mindset to see the full picture. Sometimes that feeling in your chest is actually excitement. And if you don’t feel that way yet, talk to, or take a quiet moment with your nervous system. Thank it for the heads up but then remind yourself: “I am safe. I am capable. I am truly so excited for what’s next.”

What would I say to “past me” right now? Breathe. One step now instead of “soon”. Post the thing. Send the email. Start the conversation. Just START.

The Trap of “Someday”

“Someday,” “soon,” “one day” tells your subconscious it’s okay to wait. Soon becomes later and later becomes never. Try replacing “someday” with a date and a tiny action you can do now (or on that scheduled time. But make sure you DO IT!) If you caught yourself saying ”soon”, open your calendar and block 20 minutes. That’s how momentum starts.

Doing What You Love Does Not = Easy

Dream work isn’t a shortcut or the “easy” way to make a living. It’s a trade. You trade certainty for meaning. Especially early on, you’ll likely work harder than a 9-5. Passion is your fuel; discipline is your engine. Both matter.

For me, time blocking finally clicked when I ditched the idea of using my planners and calendars to do so and instead used a flexible Excel sheet. Now I can move blocks around when creativity hits, and still keep promises to myself. Result: more hours, less burnout, real progress.

When Money’s Tight (Start Anyway)

Financial struggles are real. Especially with how our world is today. But that isn’t an excuse to do actions that are low cost or even FREE. The only thing you have to do for some is commit, learn, grow, and be consistent. All costing you only your time and energy.

Some things that you can do are:

There’s almost always a “side door” if the front door feels locked.

Learn → Implement → Share

Learning without action doesn’t change much. The loop that works:

That’s why I started the Growth-Minded Leaders of Central Illinois Group on Facebook and why I keep creating. We rise faster together.

A Simple Starter Plan

What About You?

Life won’t hand you a perfect moment. Curveballs are part of the deal. The piece you control is the next step you take now. Someday becomes today when you choose it.

Question for you... What’s one step you’ll take today that Future You will thank you for?