Don't Let Go of Your Dreams

For my last article of the year, I like to share a message that resides close to my heart. In case you don’t have time to read the whole piece, here it is: Don’t let go of your dreams.

The world is in turmoil, to say the least. Many of us are also navigating personal challenges. Professionally, it seems like everyone is overwhelmed. As a consultant, I see people getting busier all the time—packed schedules have become the norm.

The election in the U.S. has divided much of our population, and for many around the world, 2025 holds a great deal of uncertainty. We humans struggle with the unknown and with massive change. Bottom line: it’s a tough time.

Amid all this upheaval, it’s easy to let go of—or give up on—our dreams. And in a way, that makes sense. When we’re buried in work, caregiving, or just trying to get through life, dreams are often the first thing to go. After all, we have to prioritize.

But I believe there are consequences to letting dreams slip away. One consequence is that everything else feels heavier and more draining. When our lists are filled only with logistical to-dos, we can lose sight of the other parts of ourselves—the parts that can’t be checked off.

Some people talk about work/life balance, but I prefer the term work/life uplift—allowing our dreams to elevate every part of life, even the challenges that feel almost impossible to overcome.

The last two years have been some of the most trying of my life. Family health issues and losses, along with the state of the world, have greatly diminished my sense of peace.

But it was my dreams that carried me through. They gave me hope and reminded me who I am. My main dream—music—lifted me out of the most intense difficulties, even if only for a while. I made a heart commitment not to give up on playing music, no matter what.

The uplift I continue to receive from music spills over into other areas of my life, including work and friendships.

To help me stick to my commitment, I added a block on my calendar called Dreams Time. My assistant, Tracy, puts it on our weekly 1:1 agenda. This small but deliberate action has helped me cope and make progress on my dreams.

Holding onto our dreams requires determination. We have to recognize their value—and they are valuable. Dreams give us a sense of purpose and a connection to something larger than the endless task list of daily life.

Now is the time to ask yourself: What dreams do you want to hold onto for 2025? Make the decision, cherish their value, and let your dreams lift you up.

Dream on, my friends, and may there be peace on Earth.