Something is following you.
But it’s not me.
You turn, trying to glimpse it, but it vanishes into thin air. You quicken your pace, heart pounding, but it's still lurking behind you, trailing your every move.
But what is it, you ask?
Unlike its sinister conations, it's something much more positive (and exciting).
It's an unfulfilled dream.
The word dream might sound whimsical, but it's not a mystical matter. It's a big vision—a goal unfulfilled. It's that resolution you add to your New Year's list every January, hoping that "this is the year" it becomes a reality, yet by the time December rolls around, it's still there on the list, stubbornly unchecked.
It's precisely why your dreams follow you.
Dreams are tenacious, especially for those of us who have an innate urge to disrupt the status quo, to see the world not as it is but as it could be.
Like a shadow in your periphery, those trailblazing, change-making dreams won't simply fade away. These persistent spectres of creativity, ambition, or purpose whisper to us, gently tapping on our shoulders now and then as if to say, "It's, "It's my turn now."
And they do have a point.
Big visions have a way of haunting us—in the best way possible. Like faithful companions, they patiently wait for us to acknowledge them, nudging us every so often with emotions that signal the right path to follow.
For example, jealousy is a vital emotion to take note of. When we feel jealous of someone who has achieved something we want- writing a book, launching a bold project, or changing careers- it's a clue as to what direction or action we need to take.
Never fading, always there.
Much like shadows, dreams refuse to fade until they're brought into the light. They linger because they matter. They're the whispers of your soul, pushing you toward your true potential, prompting you to step into the unknown.
In short, they're there for a reason.
Your dreams are valid. They're trying to tell you that you're capable of more than you think and that the world is your oyster when you see it differently. Your dreams invite you to imagine a life that excites you, one where you embrace something that once felt out of reach.
They're asking you to be bold, to leap so you can reap the rewards that lie on the other side.
But there is a (tiny) catch
The pursuit of dreams can feel daunting. It demands courage to step outside your comfort zone, embrace uncertainty, and trust the process. It requires faith in your dreams and acknowledgement that they're there to help, not hinder you (which can take some time to make peace with).
But the good news is the universal truth that every dream starts with a single brave moment. Whether writing the first few lines of your book, filming your first Instagram reel (#terrifyinglyfunny) or plotting the steps for your new venture, you don't need to have all the answers upfront.
You just need to start (and then rinse and repeat).
So, in that vein, here are some tips to make friends with the shadow- ahem, dream- that follows you.
Acknowledge It
When an idea keeps resurfacing, it's trying to tell you something. Pay attention to the dreams or visions that persist—they're often aligned with your passions and purpose.
Take Small Steps
Big dreams are achieved through tiny, consistent actions. Break them into manageable pieces and just begin. What one thing can you do today to move closer to your goal? Even something as small as writing a few hundred words a day adds up by the end of a month, you'll have a chapter in your new book.
Share Your Vision
Tell someone about your dream. Putting it into words gives it life and makes it feel more tangible.
Learn from Others
Seek inspiration from those who've walked a similar path. Read books, listen to podcasts, and seek out stories that might be the spark you need to kickstart your journey.
Trust the Process
The journey to fulfilling your dreams isn't linear- it's more like a rollercoaster- but each step will teach you something valuable. The key is to trust the process and the magic of consistency.
So, my fellow founder, your dreams aren't just lofty ambitions. They're deeply connected to who you are and what you're meant to bring into the world.
So, don't shy away the next time that shadow taps you on the shoulder. Say hello, embrace it and listen to what it has to say.
It wants to guide you towards something truly extraordinary.
