When it comes to your dreams, people will often tell you to “shoot for the stars.” I’m here to tell you that you need to shoot for the stars, the sky, the planets, and everything else. Playing small should not be an option. To achieve greatness, you have to believe in your goals so deeply that they seem delusional to everyone else.

The Power of Self-Belief

In today’s world, with the rise of social media and the endless opportunities to make money online, success often begins with an idea and a dream. Most of today’s big creators started with no clue that they’d become as successful as they are.

Back in my first blog post, I remember mentioning something about how Alex Cooper from the “Call Her Daddy” podcast likely started with said idea and dream. Little did she know she would grow successful enough to be interviewing a presidential candidate on top of a $60 million Spotify deal, which recently grew to a $125 million deal with SiriusXM.

Similarly, look how many big TikTok and Youtube creators have huge followings and partnerships with some of the largest brands out there all from staying consistent and posting their “silly” videos.

The takeaway? All these people bet on themselves, even when their goals may have seemed unattainable.

The Beauty of Exploring Your Passions

As someone who’s dabbled in many fields, I can attest to the importance of exploring your interests. Growing up, I wanted to be everything-a fashion designer, a hairstylist, a forensic psychiatrist, and now, an entrepreneur with an MBA. My journey isn’t linear, and that’s okay.

My mother will tell you that I change my career path like every month, and honestly, while I understand her concerns from someone who grew up in a generation where career stability was #1, I also don’t see an issue with dabbling in a little bit of everything to see where my niche is in life. I mean, you go to school from 5-18, and everyone all of a sudden expects you to know what you want to do with the REST of your life? In what world can I not drink at 18 because it “will mess with my brain development” but I can sign up to risk my life in the military or choose my life career? When you put it that way it doesn’t make sense, at least not to me.

Just 2 summers ago, I spent time working at the hair salon I previously wrote about. Everyone knew I was still in school, but for whatever reason they always asked me if I would ever do anything aside from hair. It’s a bit of a dig to hairstylists because there are some top hairdressers out here killing the game, bringing in like $250k or more just working 3 days a week! At that time I had convinced myself that I wanted to be a therapist and everyone always looked at me sideways as if to say “well what are you doing here then” and I would always tell them “Hey, while we’re doing your hair do you realize how long we talk? You sit with us for at least 2 hours and we hear about your plans, your family, your issues, etc. so how is that any different from talking to a therapist?” It would be like you could see the lightbulb go off in their heads. At one point, I was getting so frustrated with everyone questioning my career that I would say “Why can’t I be a hairstylist/therapist/business owner/student? What is keeping me from accomplishing all that?” And I absolutely still feel that way.

I’m about to be 25. All I have in life to worry about currently is getting good grades and getting my Master’s degree. I don’t have anything holding me back at all. No 9-5, no kids, no rent, bills, nothing. I don’t take this for granted, in fact, I’m very blessed that I have these privileges right now. And I’m by no means knocking anyone with bills, children, or a 9-5, I’m just saying that I have so much time, why would I not explore everything at my fingertips? Why can’t I put myself out there on social media? Why would I not try blogging? Why wouldn’t I talk my trash the way I normally do and just put it on a podcast?

Dabble in everything that excites you. People might think you’re crazy, and they may call you delusional, but that’s just another word for visionary. If there is no one in this world who believes in what you want to do, YOU have to believe in it. Don’t be shy to reach for the top and then some. You never know what can be yours so long as you just work at it.