Why Dreams Aren't Enough to Get You to the Top

Many people write me and tell me what they hope to accomplish in their careers. It's great to dream. However, in spite of what you might have heard from one of the Disney Princesses, dreams only come true if you do something to make this happen.

I'm not a believer in fairy tales, as I've seen one too many destroy the careers of those I know. Here's a common scenario playing out in workplaces across the globe. Employees sitting at their desk, dreaming of the day their Fairy Godmother comes along and anoints them a promotion. All the while, those around them are strategizing and taking action to make their promotion dreams come true.

My most successful coaching clients are those who dream big and are willing to do the work to get where they want to go. For example, I recently had a former coaching client write to me to say she's had two promotions since beginning our work together. She went on to tell me that she took what she learned from our time together and worked diligently to make the necessary changes so that she'd be well positioned for a promotion.

What about you? What are you waiting for? Are you still in dream mode where everything has to be in perfect order before giving yourself permission to do whatever it takes to achieve your dreams? If so, you've got a long wait ahead of you. For the rest of you, here's my advice.

• Dream big. If you're going to put in the work, then you might as well go big.
• Stop talking and start doing. Fill out that graduate school application or enroll in that course that your boss suggested earlier this year. Do something, as once you have some momentum, you'll be able to move forward more rapidly.
• Be ruthless. Don't let anyone get in your way of achieving your dreams. This may mean that you'll need to go out and find a new set of friends, as the ones you have may be holding you back.
• Get help. It's hard to improve when you're not quite sure what you need to do. Invest in yourself. Engage a coach or a mentor to keep you on track.

Your assignment: Write down on a piece of paper where you want to be a year from now. Then work backwards and make a note of what you need to do to realize your dreams. Write to me and tell me the one thing you are willing to commit to, in order to have the life you imagined.

? Matuson Consulting, 2018. All Rights Reserved.

Ready to take action? I'm assembling an accelerated group coaching program for high achievers. E-mail me at [email protected] and tell me why you believe you may be just what this group needs.

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