Every day, you’re bombarded with distractions, you’re pulled in a thousand different directions, and often, just existing can feel a bit overwhelming. And in those times you might lose sight of why you started in the first place. But here’s the thing: your dreams are worth it. You’re worth it. And staying focused on those big, bold, beautiful goals you’ve set for yourself is not just possible, it’s essential. Here’s how to stay focused on your long-term goals.
Today, I’m going to share 3 powerful tips that can completely change how you handle the daily struggle of being a creative professional. These insights are designed to help you navigate the challenges, stay motivated, and keep moving forward. So, let’s dive in and rediscover the power of your dreams.
1. First, you have to give yourself permission to pause.
Allow yourself to relax and rest for a bit. Sometimes we can forget that It’s okay to take breaks.
Low key rest is essential for your well-being and those moments where you slow down help you regain your focus.
But taking breaks isn’t just about giving your body a rest; What you might not know is that it’s crucial for your brain too.
Our brains benefit from periods of rest and relaxation, thanks to something called the Default Mode Network. The DMN becomes active when we’re not focused on the outside world – like when you allow yourself to daydream, or a mindful meditation, or when you fully zone out and allow your mind to wander.
This is wild because our world is always on hyper drive, constantly in a state of information overload. But I remember in the 90s being bored. And because I was bored I would come up with ideas and do more creative projects.
Research shows that short breaks can significantly improve your cognitive function and productivity. Basically, they allow our brains to replenish those essential chemicals depleted during prolonged concentration, leading to improved focus and creativity when we return to tasks.
2. The second key tip is to remember why you started.
Think about that big, bold, beautiful goal you set for yourself. It’s not an accident that the idea came to you. It happened because the world needs you to be living that dream, making it a reality.
When you reconnect with your inner desires, you engage brain circuits associated with reward and that releases dopamine—the “feel-good” neurotransmitter. Dopamine is your brain’s way of giving you a high five for doing something it likes. It’s like: You did that! And this enhances your drive and determination to pursue your goals.
Living in alignment with your purpose not only benefits your mental and emotional health but also inspires and motivates others.
And I want to sit with this for a second. You doing your work benefits someone else.
Every time you put in the effort, every time you persevere, every time you show up despite the challenges, you are not only making progress for yourself but also for someone else.
I want to underscore that. Someone else is looking at you to give them permission to believe in themselves.
Think about it: your dedication and commitment are a beacon of hope for somebody.
Someone out there is watching you, drawing inspiration from your journey, and finding the courage to believe in their own potential because they see you doing it. You are living proof that it is possible, and in doing so, you are giving others the unspoken permission to dream, to try, and to keep going.
Your actions are more powerful than you realize.
3. That third and most important point is don’t lose track of the big picture.
Stay committed to your vision, even when you’re exhausted, when it feels like nothing is going right, and especially when the challenges seem insurmountable.
The obstacle is always the way. The hard part you’re experiencing is often telling you that you’re on the right path.
Think of challenges and difficulties not just as hurdles, but as essential parts of your journey that help shape and refine you.
Embrace these tough moments because they build your resilience and determination. You’re pushing your limits and growing beyond your comfort zone.
Success isn’t a straight path; it’s a winding road with twists and turns that eventually lead you to where you want to be.
In those moments of doubt, remind yourself that there’s no deadline for achieving your goals.
You’ve got to listen to your body and mind, and give your dreams the time they need to unfold without the pressure of immediate results.
It’s okay to ease up and take a breather. Progress doesn’t always have to be fast.
It’s the small steps counts. It’s staying the course.
And all those steps add up over time, bringing you closer to your dreams.
This is often where we stumble, myself included.
We become so focused on reaching the destination that we forget to enjoy the journey.
Actually, I wanna tell you a little personal story, but let’s do a journaling prompt to help you lock in this learning:
Journal Prompts that help you stay committed to achieving your long-term goals
1. Describe in detail the big goal or dream you have.
Take a moment to really see it in your mind. What does it look like? How does it feel? Is it a major career achievement, a personal milestone, or something that helps a cause you’re passionate about? Let yourself fully visualize this dream.
2. Why is this goal important to you?
What personal experiences or values are driving you toward it? How does it connect to your passions and purpose? Think about the moments in your life that led you here and the deep sense of fulfillment you expect to feel when you achieve it.
3. How will achieving it impact your life and the lives of others?
Think about how your life will change when you reach this goal. How will it affect your daily life, your self-esteem, and your future opportunities? Consider how it will positively influence those around you—your family, friends, and community. What kind of difference will it make, and how will it contribute to others’ happiness and well-being?
4. What steps can you take today to move closer to this dream?
Break your goal into smaller, actionable steps. What can you do today, this week, or this month to get closer to your dream? Identify specific actions you can start with. Think about any resources, skills, or knowledge you need to gather. Create a simple plan with just the first few steps and commit to taking action.
A personal story on staying committed to achieving my long-term goals
So you remember I had a little story.
Real talk: This message was for me.
Like I wrote it for you, but I wrote it for me too.
The past few months have been transformative in my personal life, but also overwhelming.
Balancing my life as a creative director in advertising with my new ambitions of truly transitioning to being an artist entrepreneur and career coach has had me feeling overwhelmed.
Change is scary.
High key it’s terrifying for my Taurus self. Because I crave stability and predictability, and this period of transition has been anything but that.
At so many moments, I wanted to jump into the next season head first. I wanted to rush through the discomfort and uncertainty to get to the part where everything makes sense and feels settled.
But I’m learning that by releasing the need for me to already be there, I’m allowing myself to enjoy all this transition too. It’s not easy, but I’m starting to appreciate the journey for what it is – a process of growth, learning, and self-discovery.
And I’m committing to surrendering. I’m letting go of the need to control every aspect of this journey. I’m embracing the uncertainty and trusting that things will unfold as they’re meant to. And baby that’s hard. It’s a process of releasing my fears and allowing myself to be open to whatever comes next.
I’ve felt the weight of the world on my shoulders, maybe just like you.
But I’m here, showing up, and reminding myself – and hopefully you – that we can do this.
So, let’s face today with courage and determination.
Let’s embrace the challenges as they come, knowing that we have the resilience to overcome them.
And if you get one thing out of this video this is the thing I want you to remember.
You are strong. You are capable. And most importantly, you are not alone.
You and me, we’re in this together, and together, we’ll keep moving forward.
I’m proud of you. Keep growing.
