How can you achieve your dreams? 7 ways to move forward

If you find yourself daydreaming during the workday, you’re not alone. Many people want more out of life but feel overwhelmed by where to start. Fear of failure and the pressure to meet others’ expectations can make it easier to stay in place rather than take the first step forward.

But the real risk isn’t failure or judgment—it’s looking back and wishing you had tried. A study by Thomas Gilovich and colleagues, published in the Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology, found that people regret the things they failed to do more than the mistakes made along the way. The fear of failure fades, but the question of "what if?" can linger for years.

Research also shows that being true to yourself leads to greater meaning and fulfillment. So if you hold yourself back, you’re not just avoiding risk—you’re denying yourself the chance to live in alignment with what truly matters to you. 

To break past your fears, believe in yourself, and finally start following your dreams, the key is to start small and take consistent steps toward the life you truly want.

7 ways to start following your dreams today 

That dream you keep pushing off isn't going anywhere unless you take the first step. Most people let their aspirations fade while waiting for the “perfect time.” But here’s the reality: there’s no better moment than now to get started.

Here’s how you can start making progress toward your dreams.

1. Have a clear vision 

Before you can follow your dreams, you have to know what that dream looks like. If you want to travel the world, research specific destinations. If you’ve always wanted to pursue a creative career like photography, think about what that might actually look like day to day. 

Maybe you don’t have a specific dream in mind yet, but you know you’re ready for a change. Take some time to visualize an ideal day in your life, from your morning routine to the home you live in. This can highlight desires you didn’t even know you had, like starting a business or exploring a new career.

After you spend some time dreaming, ask yourself what success would look like in six months or a year. When you have a clear vision of what you’re working toward, it becomes easier to make choices that align with your goals. Instead of feeling stuck or uncertain, you’ll start to see opportunities that bring you closer to the life you want.

2. Meet people who have achieved what you want

Connect with people by attending networking events online or in person or by joining Facebook groups. Buy your new connection a coffee and ask how they got to where they are today, or invite them to hop on a Zoom call.

You might find a mentor who has already achieved what you’re hoping to and who can help you avoid common mistakes. Take note of their advice, and follow up regularly to build a genuine relationship. 

3. Practice future-oriented thinking

Break your long-term vision into smaller, manageable actions that you can tackle daily or weekly. Make a list of milestones, and start working on achieving them step by step. For motivation, you may also want to keep a vision board to visualize your future or write in a manifestation journal to reflect positively on your dreams, goals, and desires. 

4. Set achievable goals

To get motivated on your journey to follow your dreams, the key is to set long and short-term goals. Then, break those goals down into SMART goals, which are: 

• Specific

• Measurable

• Achievable

• Relevant

• Time-bound

Use an app or planner to track your progress. After all, every step toward your goals counts. Celebrate small wins and big achievements with a movie night, dinner out, or another favorite activity to boost your motivation.

5. Stay resilient and keep yourself accountable  

Life is full of twists and turns. Don't give up. When you’re struggling, lean into resilience and your ability to work hard. If you face a setback, practice self-compassion. Show yourself the same care and support that you would a friend. Embrace challenges as part of your growth. If it helps, make a list of past obstacles you’ve overcome to remind yourself of your strength. 

Resilience is key to helping you bounce back after a tough day, but accountability is what truly keeps you moving forward. Create a system to hold yourself accountable to your goals, whether it’s weekly check-ins with a friend, a journal to track progress, or reminders on your calendar. These small habits can help you stay focused, especially when you're not feeling motivated.

6. Help others along the way 

Following your dream is more rewarding if you can lift others in the process. Find a community, share your goals, and lean on each other when you face setbacks. Share knowledge, offer help, and celebrate achievements together. Consider creating a mentorship group or accountability partnership to stay motivated. 

Volunteering your time or offering pro bono work can also be a powerful way to give back while gaining experience. These opportunities often lead to unexpected connections, skill-building, and even future job offers. Supporting others not only deepens your sense of purpose—it can also open doors that allow you to follow your dreams. 

7. Prioritize self-care

Pursuing your dreams requires mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Making self-care a priority can prevent burnout and help you reach your goals with energy and focus. Try incorporating mindfulness practices, like meditation or parasympathetic breathing, into your routine to reduce stress and stay grounded. And when you need support, reach out to a friend, family, or a coach.

What to avoid while following your dreams

Many things can pull you off track when you’re pursuing your big dreams. Watch out for these pitfalls.

• Negative self-talk: Pay attention to your thoughts. Stop yourself when you hear words like “I’m not good enough” or “I can’t do it.” You might not be able to do it right now—but you will one day. Use positive self-talk to protect your well-being.

• Toxic family members or friends: Don't let naysayers talk you out of your dreams. They have their own problems, and they’re simply projecting them onto you.

• Bad motives: Avoid looking for external validation. Fame, fortune, and love are not replacements for your sense of self-worth. Pursue what makes you happy and nothing else.

• Quitting: Your dreams might change as you grow older, but always pursue something. Life stagnates when you decide to settle for less than what you really want. 

Quotes about how you can achieve your dreams

If you need some extra support as you start the journey towards your dream life, there’s no shortage of inspiration out there. Here are some of our favorite quotes about following your dreams:

• “The biggest adventure you can ever take is to live the life of your dreams.” - Oprah Winfrey

• “Don’t dream your life, but live your dream.” - Mark Twain

• “If you can dream it, you can make it so.” - Belva Davis

• “A winner is a dreamer who never gives up.” - Nelson Mandela

• “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” - Eleanor Roosevelt

• “Each dream you leave behind is a part of your future that will no longer exist.” - Steve Jobs

• “You are never too old to set a new goal or to dream a new dream.” - C.S. Lewis

• “All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them.” - Walt Disney

10 reasons to start following your dreams now

As the old saying goes, there’s no time like the present. Here are ten reasons you should face your fears and start following your dreams today:

1. You’ll regret it later. When you’re older, you may ruminate on what could have been. By then, changing courses will be more complicated. You’ll be struggling to make up for the lost time. (It isn’t impossible, though, and it’s never too late to follow your dreams).

2. You might discover something unexpected. There’s no guarantee you will achieve your dreams—and sometimes that’s a good thing. You’ll learn something about yourself and be happier because of it. You might even discover a new dream in the process.

3. You’ll step out of your comfort zone. You’ll try new things, gain new skills, and become a well-rounded person. This is how you grow. 

4. You’ll make mistakes. But this is how you learn and ultimately become the best version of yourself. The fear of failure will only hold you back, so don’t be afraid to make a few missteps. If you’re following your dreams, you’ll have an easy time finding inspiration to get up and keep going. 

5. You can inspire others. Eventually, young people and even your friends will ask how you made it to where you are. You can encourage them to pursue their own dreams, too. 

6. You get to make your own rules. Life is full of arbitrary limits on what we can do. Set your own rules and live by them. You’ll feel free once you shed others’ expectations and start doing what you truly want. 

7. You’ll be happier. There’s nothing more fulfilling than living the life you always wanted. Pick an end goal, make a plan, and make your dreams happen—that’s an amazing way to find true happiness. Plus, pursuing something that aligns with your values will undoubtedly lead to greater success. 

8. You’ll feel better at work. Every job has its challenges, but when you’re working toward your dream, they’re easier to handle. Even if it’s just a side hustle, following your dreams can transform your attitude about your professional life. 

9. You’ll find your people. Something magical happens when you start chasing your dreams: you meet others doing the same thing. You will find the people with whom you belong.

10. You’ll feel like your life is complete. You’ll feel inner peace when everything fits together. Instead of living to please others or taking the beaten path, you’ll know that you got the most out of life. That’s why people follow their dreams. 

You need a lot of courage to build a happy life. We often focus on the reasons not to do something, so we must train ourselves to focus on the positive.

If you need help finding the courage to follow your dreams, reach out for support. Having an objective outsider can help you set goals and achieve them. Once you have a plan, there’s no telling what you can accomplish.

Take the first step toward your dream

Everyone in your life will have an opinion about how you can achieve your dreams. Some will believe in you and offer valuable advice, while others will try to stop you altogether. Only one person’s opinion matters: yours. 

Get started on your journey toward your dreams today with BetterUp. Connect with a BetterUp Coach for one-on-one sessions that help you gain clarity, build skills, and achieve your goals.