So I talked to my older sister recently. She was talking about wanting to change careers, possibly start her own business. Currently she is a registered nurse and makes very good money. However, it was never her dream to become a nurse. In fact it was our parent’s dream. My parents instilled in her the notion of pragmatism when it came to careers. “Be a nurse or be a doctor or something in the medical field because it is a sure route to making good money.” I think they said something along those lines. I for one ditched their belief and went on my own path… a creative path that has yet to see monetary rewards. Yet, I think I’m happier than her. She told me during our conversation that she didn’t really know her passion. I asked her did she still have some burning childhood desire/dream within her. She replied, “no.” Okay… “What gets you going right now and makes you excited,” I asked. No response. Wow was it really possible for someone to not have a dream?! I guess I’ve been in this entertainment town called Los Angeles far too long (b/c here everyone and I mean EVERYONE’s got a dream). After much probing, my sister did mention her fiance wanted to open up a Greek restaurant (the guy is Greek so it’s quite fitting). But then I thought isn’t that his dream? Anyway, she finally revealed that her dream is to be ridiculously rich and have a good life. Okay fair enough. And I told her: Your Dreams Are Worthy! So are everyone else’s dreams really. So going back to this idea of attaining the good life and her fiance wanting to open up a restaurant. I asked her do you know anything about running a restaurant??? Or a business? She’s a nurse so I know she can take good care of her clients 
. But seriously, if she wants to achieve her dreams she’s got to have a game plan. So that’s when I told her it’s time to take action. And I’m not saying to achieve that goal within a week. I’m talking baby steps. I told her to pick up or buy a book on running a business and/or running a restaurant. I felt she needed to start expanding her mind first because all she knows is nursing and also listening to mom and dad. See, to be a successful entrepreneur (or successful anything) you gotta have the guts, drive and resolve to go against the status quo to realize your dreams. You can dream but sooner or later you gotta take that action towards it. And again it doesn’t have to be all done by next week. One step at a time. Anyway, my sister thanked me profusely on giving her the idea to read a book on starting a business. Funny though, I would think that would be the first logical step someone would take in her position — research. And if after researching through books, magazines, or the internet you are still convinced that’s the path you should take then the I would recommend interviewing people who have made it successfully in that particular field. I have talked to many successful people in my field and it’s only inspired me and pushed me to become better at my craft and finish projects. So yeah talking to people in the field really helps motivate oneself. To find these people, you can attend seminars, panels, networking events, go though your career center at school, asking your own network for referrals, etc. The possibilities are endless. Really, if you’re serious and you put it out there and take action when the inspiration occurs, the universe will bring the right people and opportunities at you. No sweat. It’s up to you to grab them. Just remember: Your Dreams Are Worthy!!!
Archive for the 'Work and Career' Category
How do you stay optimistic when everything around you seems sort of bleak? It seems that everywhere I turn, someone is talking about the faltering economy whether it’s a friend, a media personality, a family member, or even myself. It was this time last year that I felt the economic downturn as my whole department at the cable network I was working at was obliterated. Was I scared about being laid off? Sure I was. It was my first real job out of college and that meant my bread and butter…my means to survive. But did I stay down in the dumps because of something I had no control over? Heck no. In truth, I was pretty excited to have been laid off. After months of being at the job, I knew it really wasn’t where I wanted to be for the rest of my life. So being laid off for me was like a sign from the Universe to get moving toward what I truly desired to do in my life. Oh and what is it exactly that I want to be doing? Writing and producing TV and films. Luckily, I had some savings so I wasn’t put in a dire situation (like not being able to pay rent). Eventually I found a temporary job over the summer which did help me a little. But the point is, I didn’t fall into depression because I had no regular income. Even now as I write this post, I am currently unemployed. But while doing odd, temp work or truly not having work, I was always optimistic. I still am optimistic. In the months after my layoff, I actually started working on my own personal projects and eventually produced a presentation reel for a TV show that I created. Now I am ready to show it to the people who can (and willingly) help me bring my vision to reality. God help me. Also, I’ve finished the first draft of a feature. So I am stoked even though I am not making any money right now…But I truly believe that my needs will be met somehow, someway. It’s all about right timing, positive affirmation, and pro-activity (yes, I go out and meet many people in the industry to network and to just be inspired). Anyway, I truly believe that you can choose to be optimistic despite the economy or any external factor that may be affecting you. Optimism is a state of mind or really more like a lifestyle. And when you’re optimistic, you’re naturally happier in any given situation. Even when shit gets thrown your way like unexpected expenses, you can still choose to be calm and see the light at the end of the tunnel. The other day, I was driving in Beverly Hills (actually I was at a complete stop) when the car in front of me started backing up. Now, I was like 15 feet away from him but I guess he stepped on the gas a little to hard as he was reversing because the next thing I knew I heard a loud CRUNCH. Yeah, he took out my front light. I was seriously about to cry because I knew this would cost me. But I stayed calm and reserved and the man took all the blame. Thankfully, his insurance will take care of it. At that moment of impending disaster, I chose calmness over sadness or even aggression because I knew that what was done was done..and there’s no changing it. What I can do is to not add any unnecessary stress on my health or another’s. Anyway, I am finally developing the philosophy that whatever comes your way, just take it with ease and grace because life is really too short to cry over spilled milk. And when you’re not focused on the chaos and confusion of the outside world, that’s when you can see the opportunities and signs in order for you to live your best life now.
