There are days when I look at my life and wonder how I got here. I’m trying to encourage others in how to pursue their dreams successfully, when my own life is in shambles. I’m standing at a crossroads of dreams, desires, and struggles, feeling like the person I want to become is so far from the person I am right now. It feels like I’m constantly juggling so many things—my job as a teacher, creating content on YouTube and my blog, trying to stay consistent on Instagram and Pinterest, my fitness journey, and managing my personal life, which feels like it’s often in chaos.
On the outside, things may seem okay. I’m “making it work,” as they say. But internally? It’s a different story.
Right now, my life doesn’t exactly match my vision for the future. I dream of a cozy, creative life where I’m writing books, sharing my thoughts through blogs and videos, encouraging others, and living a life filled with financial stability and the freedom to do what I love. I picture myself in a beautiful home, surrounded by the people I care about, and being able to live comfortably doing work that feels meaningful to me.
But here’s the reality:
- I’m currently a teacher whose job makes me question my sanity some days.
- I rent a room and struggle to make ends meet, sometimes missing rent payments and living with constant financial instability. (Living in NYC is no joke.)
- My car is a major monetary stressor in my life.
- I’m in debt and constantly playing catch-up.
And yet, despite all of this, I can’t help but keep creating content. I post on Instagram, I write blogs, and I film YouTube videos. And I ask myself, “Who do I think I am? What makes me believe I can pull this off?”
It feels foolish at times to be working toward something bigger while my current reality is far from where I want to be. It’s almost like I’m playing a game I don’t feel fully equipped to win. My dreams feel so out of reach, and yet I keep pushing forward, creating content like it’s the key to unlocking the life I want.
But maybe it is.
The Tension Between Where I Am and Where I Want to Be
I won’t lie—there are moments when the gap between where I am and where I want to be feels suffocating. The financial strain, the endless to-do lists, and the pressure to show up consistently on multiple platforms—it can be overwhelming. Sometimes, I wonder if I’m kidding myself, if I’m just spinning my wheels in the mud without any real progress.
But I know deep down that growth doesn’t happen in straight lines. Sometimes, the most difficult moments are the ones that shape us the most. There’s value in the struggle, even if it doesn’t always feel like it in the moment. There is value in encouraging others in how to pursue their dreams successfully, even as I am attempting to do the same.
Why I Keep Going?
Despite all the setbacks, there’s a part of me that refuses to quit. Because even though my current situation feels far from where I want to be, I can still see the bigger picture. I can still imagine the person I want to become—the creator, the encourager, the writer, the woman who wakes up and loves what she does every day.
The beauty of content creation is that it gives me a sense of purpose, even when the rest of my life is chaotic.
– brianna Imani
The beauty of content creation is that it gives me a sense of purpose, even when the rest of my life is chaotic. It’s a way for me to express my thoughts, share my journey, and connect with others who may be going through the same struggles. Even if I only have a small audience of 600 followers right now, it’s still a community. And those 600 people? They’re real. They matter.
I’m not creating content to get famous or chase a life of luxury. I’m creating content to encourage, to inspire, and to show others that they’re not alone in feeling like their dreams are far from their reach. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s progress. It’s authenticity. Pursuing your dreams means showing up every day, even when it’s hard, because deep down, I know that consistency will build momentum, and momentum will lead me to the life I dream of.
Small Steps Forward
I’ve learned that it’s okay to take small steps in pursuing your dreams. It’s okay to have days when everything feels overwhelming. But what matters is that I keep moving forward. I may not have everything I want right now, but I’m closer today than I was yesterday.
It’s about showing up, even on the tough days. And it’s about doing the work, even when it feels like I’m not making any headway. Lastly, it’s about trusting that these small moments of creating, of being vulnerable, of sharing my story, will eventually add up to something bigger.
How to Pursue Your Dreams Successfully: Actionable Steps
1. Create a Vision Board or List
If you feel lost or overwhelmed by where to start, begin by clarifying your goals. What does your dream life look like? Write it down. Create a vision board or a list of short-term and long-term goals. Keep it somewhere visible as a reminder of what you’re working toward.
2. Take One Action Every Day Toward Your Dreams
Progress doesn’t happen overnight, but small actions compound over time. Whether it’s writing one paragraph of your book, filming a YouTube video, or even just making a small payment toward your debt—commit to taking one step a day, no matter how small. How to pursue your dreams successfully starts with consistency.
3. Break Down Your Tasks Into Manageable Pieces
When you’re juggling multiple projects (like I am with YouTube, blogging, and social media), it can feel overwhelming. Instead of trying to do it all at once, break it down. Create a simple schedule that allocates time to each task. Focus on progress, not perfection.
4. Celebrate Small Wins
Acknowledging the small victories, even if they seem insignificant, is an important step in how to pursue your dreams successfully. Finishing that blog post, posting consistently on Instagram, or making progress toward your goals—even if it’s just a little bit—matters. These are the moments that will keep you motivated on the hard days.
5. Give Yourself Permission to Rest:
This is another hard one for me. I am always so fired up and excited to accomplish my goals that when I do rest, I feel like I am wasting my time. That I should be doing something productive. But the truth is, you can’t pour from an empty cup. I have a blog post titled the Importance of Rest Days in Fitness because rest is important regardless of what you are doing.
If you’re feeling burnt out, it’s okay to take a break. Rest is a part of the process. Sometimes, the best thing you can do for your future self is to give yourself the time and space to recharge.
6. Lean on Your Support System:
It’s easy to feel like you’re alone in your struggles, but you don’t have to do this by yourself. Whether it’s family, friends, or a community of like-minded individuals, lean on those who encourage you. They can help keep you grounded when things feel tough.
I have two friends right now who are also pursuing their dreams in content creation! One is Yolissma who mostly does lifestyle and travel content, and the other one is Lori who does plus-size fashion and confidence content. Whenever I am feeling discouraged I call them and we encourage each other, give tips we’ve learned, and point out areas of improvement. We fire each other up to succeed.
I know this may not be the case for everyone, but it helps to have someone to encourage you to keep pursing your dreams.
To Anyone Who Feels Like They’re Not Where They Want to Be and need motivation in pursuing their dreams
If you’re reading this and feeling like you’re not where you want to be, I want you to know you’re not alone. Dreams can feel really far away, especially when the present is messy or uncertain. But don’t let your circumstances define your potential. Keep creating. Keep believing in your vision. Even if it’s just for yourself at first, keep doing it because you never know where it could lead.
Your journey won’t look like anyone else’s. It will have bumps, detours, and moments of doubt. But those are the moments that teach you resilience, patience, and the importance of trusting the process. Don’t let fear or the distance between you and your goals stop you from taking the next step.
Final Thoughts
If you’re reading this and feeling like you’re not where you want to be, I want you to know you’re not alone. Dreams can feel really far away, especially when the present is messy or uncertain. But don’t let your circumstances define your potential. Keep creating. Keep believing in your vision. Even if it’s just for yourself at first, keep doing it because you never know where it could lead.
Your journey won’t look like anyone else’s. It will have bumps, detours, and moments of doubt. But those are the moments that teach you resilience, patience, and the importance of trusting the process. Don’t let fear or the distance between you and your goals stop you from taking the next step.
I’m not where I want to be, but I’m not where I used to be either. The person I want to become is still on the horizon, and with each piece of content I create, I’m building the foundation for that life. And that’s enough. It doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be real. Take the overthinking out of pursuing your dreams and just do it.
You’ll thank yourself later.
Happy growing, Nerdy Babes!
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