7 answers
Karson Gillespie
0
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Nixa, Missouri
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Dreams and Obstacles
What is your current dream, and what is your biggest obstacle in achieving it?
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7 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer
745
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
Though I have achieved many of my goals in life, I have to admit that it took a while to reach the levels that were required to get positive results.
I agree with writer David Epstein that one common factor seems to hold many of us back from achieving our goals, and this is the environment we are in, or have come from.
If we are in an environment where there are toxic people and very few resources, the chances of us achieving our goals are not very good. I have observed that many people are not willing to take risk and attempt to get away from those toxic environments and the people associated with them. They seem to like the idea of staying with something that is familiar, and avoid attempting something new. Even though their current circumstances are preventing them from moving forward in life.
Yes, the unknown elements of risk taking can sometimes make you uncomfortable, but it is only when I started to take risk and eliminated the negative environments and the people associated with them, and moved on to more positive environments, where I could use my skills to the benefit of myself and others, is when I started to get positive results and achieve success.
I agree with writer David Epstein that one common factor seems to hold many of us back from achieving our goals, and this is the environment we are in, or have come from.
If we are in an environment where there are toxic people and very few resources, the chances of us achieving our goals are not very good. I have observed that many people are not willing to take risk and attempt to get away from those toxic environments and the people associated with them. They seem to like the idea of staying with something that is familiar, and avoid attempting something new. Even though their current circumstances are preventing them from moving forward in life.
Yes, the unknown elements of risk taking can sometimes make you uncomfortable, but it is only when I started to take risk and eliminated the negative environments and the people associated with them, and moved on to more positive environments, where I could use my skills to the benefit of myself and others, is when I started to get positive results and achieve success.
Kim Igleheart
Career Counselor | Police Officer
1738
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Karson,
The answer to this question will change over the course of your life, and your career.
I am 61 years old, and retired. My biggest dream at the moment is to have someone to care for me in my old age the way that I am caring for my Dad.
My biggest obstacle is myself (funny how it always seems to be that way, throughout life). I am focusing on things I cannot change (past decisions about having children, for example), rather than things I can change (developing lasting friendships).
It's easy to focus on the things we can't do. Or, as my guitar teacher used to say, "there's no such word as can't" (just because HE found it so easy to do contortion acts with his fingers to successfully do the difficult chords). If you want something, make a plan. Make alternate plans. There are many ways of achieving one goal. Sometimes attack it simultaneously from different directions.
And, if your goal should change mid-way through, that's okay! Recognize the change and alter your path. There's no sense in pursuing a goal you are no longer interested in!
Hope this helps!
The answer to this question will change over the course of your life, and your career.
I am 61 years old, and retired. My biggest dream at the moment is to have someone to care for me in my old age the way that I am caring for my Dad.
My biggest obstacle is myself (funny how it always seems to be that way, throughout life). I am focusing on things I cannot change (past decisions about having children, for example), rather than things I can change (developing lasting friendships).
It's easy to focus on the things we can't do. Or, as my guitar teacher used to say, "there's no such word as can't" (just because HE found it so easy to do contortion acts with his fingers to successfully do the difficult chords). If you want something, make a plan. Make alternate plans. There are many ways of achieving one goal. Sometimes attack it simultaneously from different directions.
And, if your goal should change mid-way through, that's okay! Recognize the change and alter your path. There's no sense in pursuing a goal you are no longer interested in!
Hope this helps!
Alexa Dzubak
Dental assistant
75
Answers
Carmel, New York
Updated
Alexa’s Answer
Well my current dream is to get into a program in order to pursue the career I want. However some obstacles : not knowing if I’m good enough, the feeling like I’m behind in life, and just trying to balance school and work.
Matt Hartman
Manager
6
Answers
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Updated
Matt’s Answer
What a great question! It's so fun to think about dreams in life and how to start to achieve them! Try not to worry to much about obstacles as how they can hold you back, and think of them as how you can reduce their impact or workaround them.
While it might be simple, one of the dreams I have is learning how to cook very well. I enjoy cooking and love to cook for friends and family. I can easily think of many reasons it will never happen, but what I can do is start making one meal really well to build up the confidence to try other things.
Same holds true with a dream to travel, I can think of many reasons why I shouldn't, but maybe I just book a trip and learn from the experience!
Another example is I had a dream of completing a Master's Degree. I thought of many reasons I shouldn't (long hours, time commitments, cost, uncertainty etc) but I just scheduled one class, then more - etc!
I hope one day you will look up and realize that you've met your goals and are living your dream! Good luck to you!
While it might be simple, one of the dreams I have is learning how to cook very well. I enjoy cooking and love to cook for friends and family. I can easily think of many reasons it will never happen, but what I can do is start making one meal really well to build up the confidence to try other things.
Same holds true with a dream to travel, I can think of many reasons why I shouldn't, but maybe I just book a trip and learn from the experience!
Another example is I had a dream of completing a Master's Degree. I thought of many reasons I shouldn't (long hours, time commitments, cost, uncertainty etc) but I just scheduled one class, then more - etc!
I hope one day you will look up and realize that you've met your goals and are living your dream! Good luck to you!
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6182
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Karson,
Present Ambition:
My present ambition is to carve my niche as a successful entrepreneur in the realm of technology. I am deeply driven by the spirit of innovation and the desire to devise solutions that can bring about a positive change in people's lives. I aspire to establish a company that pioneers in creating avant-garde technologies and services, aimed at resolving real-world issues and fostering societal advancement.
Major Hurdle:
The primary hurdle in realizing my ambition of becoming a triumphant tech entrepreneur is the intense competition in the industry. The tech sphere is brimming with gifted individuals and entrenched companies, which makes it difficult for newcomers to penetrate the market and create a substantial impact. Moreover, obtaining funding, assembling a robust team, maneuvering through regulatory impediments, and staying abreast of rapidly changing technologies are all considerable challenges that I need to surmount on my path to entrepreneurial victory.
Top 3 Credible References Utilized in Answering this Question:
Harvard Business Review: A highly esteemed source for business wisdom and tactics, Harvard Business Review imparts invaluable insights on entrepreneurship, innovation, and tackling obstacles in the corporate world.
Forbes: Forbes, a renowned publication, encompasses various facets of entrepreneurship, technology, and business trends. It provides expert guidance, narratives of success, and industry scrutiny that can prove advantageous for budding entrepreneurs.
Entrepreneur: Entrepreneur magazine is a reliable guide for entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey. It dispenses practical suggestions, case studies, and expert counsel on initiating and expanding a business in the current competitive scenario.
May God Bless You,
James C.
Present Ambition:
My present ambition is to carve my niche as a successful entrepreneur in the realm of technology. I am deeply driven by the spirit of innovation and the desire to devise solutions that can bring about a positive change in people's lives. I aspire to establish a company that pioneers in creating avant-garde technologies and services, aimed at resolving real-world issues and fostering societal advancement.
Major Hurdle:
The primary hurdle in realizing my ambition of becoming a triumphant tech entrepreneur is the intense competition in the industry. The tech sphere is brimming with gifted individuals and entrenched companies, which makes it difficult for newcomers to penetrate the market and create a substantial impact. Moreover, obtaining funding, assembling a robust team, maneuvering through regulatory impediments, and staying abreast of rapidly changing technologies are all considerable challenges that I need to surmount on my path to entrepreneurial victory.
Top 3 Credible References Utilized in Answering this Question:
Harvard Business Review: A highly esteemed source for business wisdom and tactics, Harvard Business Review imparts invaluable insights on entrepreneurship, innovation, and tackling obstacles in the corporate world.
Forbes: Forbes, a renowned publication, encompasses various facets of entrepreneurship, technology, and business trends. It provides expert guidance, narratives of success, and industry scrutiny that can prove advantageous for budding entrepreneurs.
Entrepreneur: Entrepreneur magazine is a reliable guide for entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey. It dispenses practical suggestions, case studies, and expert counsel on initiating and expanding a business in the current competitive scenario.
May God Bless You,
James C.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6182
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Karson,
MY PERSONAL JOURNEY:
I've been a computer programmer since 1972 and a dietitian since 1988. In 1994, I began developing nutrition education software. My aspiration is to share the Diet Wizard program with a friend who can then use it to assist the American population. This program is built on the US Dept. of Agriculture's SR28 database, with all the nutrition data integrated directly into the code. Y
THE AI AMBITION:
Present Aspiration and Major Hurdle
Present Aspiration: My current ambition is to establish myself as a successful entrepreneur in the tech sector, particularly by initiating a startup that transforms how people engage with artificial intelligence.
Major Hurdle: The most significant challenge to realizing this ambition is the intense competition in the tech industry. Creating a successful startup demands not only an innovative idea but also robust execution, securing funding, market acceptance, and the ability to navigate various challenges like technological advancements, shifting consumer preferences, and regulatory obstacles.
To surmount this hurdle, I'm concentrating on refining my entrepreneurial abilities, building connections with industry experts, constantly educating myself about emerging technologies, seeking guidance from successful entrepreneurs, and maintaining resilience in the face of setbacks.
Top 3 Credible Sources Utilized:
Harvard Business Review: A trusted source for business insights and management strategies, offering invaluable information on entrepreneurship, innovation, and overcoming business challenges.
Forbes: A renowned publication that covers business, technology, entrepreneurship, and leadership. Forbes provides expert opinions, entrepreneur success stories, and tech industry trends.
Entrepreneur: A premier magazine dedicated to entrepreneurship, startups, and small business management, offering practical advice, case studies, and resources for budding entrepreneurs aiming to thrive in the competitive business world.
God Bless You,
James.
MY PERSONAL JOURNEY:
I've been a computer programmer since 1972 and a dietitian since 1988. In 1994, I began developing nutrition education software. My aspiration is to share the Diet Wizard program with a friend who can then use it to assist the American population. This program is built on the US Dept. of Agriculture's SR28 database, with all the nutrition data integrated directly into the code. Y
THE AI AMBITION:
Present Aspiration and Major Hurdle
Present Aspiration: My current ambition is to establish myself as a successful entrepreneur in the tech sector, particularly by initiating a startup that transforms how people engage with artificial intelligence.
Major Hurdle: The most significant challenge to realizing this ambition is the intense competition in the tech industry. Creating a successful startup demands not only an innovative idea but also robust execution, securing funding, market acceptance, and the ability to navigate various challenges like technological advancements, shifting consumer preferences, and regulatory obstacles.
To surmount this hurdle, I'm concentrating on refining my entrepreneurial abilities, building connections with industry experts, constantly educating myself about emerging technologies, seeking guidance from successful entrepreneurs, and maintaining resilience in the face of setbacks.
Top 3 Credible Sources Utilized:
Harvard Business Review: A trusted source for business insights and management strategies, offering invaluable information on entrepreneurship, innovation, and overcoming business challenges.
Forbes: A renowned publication that covers business, technology, entrepreneurship, and leadership. Forbes provides expert opinions, entrepreneur success stories, and tech industry trends.
Entrepreneur: A premier magazine dedicated to entrepreneurship, startups, and small business management, offering practical advice, case studies, and resources for budding entrepreneurs aiming to thrive in the competitive business world.
God Bless You,
James.
Elizabeth Gravina Wetherall
Operational support to investment managers
33
Answers
Islip, New York
Updated
Elizabeth’s Answer
I honestly don’t know why my biggest dream at the moment. Thank you for your question as it is making ponder “biggest dream”.
Regarding obstacles, myself. I am, and have been, my own biggest obstacle. There have been many times in my life where I have allowed my own negative (I’m not smart enough), self doubt (I’ll never loss this weight), etc. I have let emotions and self perceived predicted outcomes stop me from taking actions.
If the end goal is important to you, you will achieve it. It may take time. It may have bumps along the way. The journey is never without obstacles. If it was, we would have fulfilled the dream already.
Change “dream” to “goal” and make it happen. It’s not about luck, it’s about resilience and perseverance, and wanting it enough to make it a priority. That priority may mean making choices. “ I want to go well on tomorrow’s exam. I should stay in and study, but my friends are going to the moves and want to go join them”. What do you want, high test score or a movie? The choice is yours.
The sense of accomplishment is greater when we push the boundaries of our comfort zones. Try new things. Push aside self doubt, and redeploy that energy into actions
You’ve got this!
Regarding obstacles, myself. I am, and have been, my own biggest obstacle. There have been many times in my life where I have allowed my own negative (I’m not smart enough), self doubt (I’ll never loss this weight), etc. I have let emotions and self perceived predicted outcomes stop me from taking actions.
If the end goal is important to you, you will achieve it. It may take time. It may have bumps along the way. The journey is never without obstacles. If it was, we would have fulfilled the dream already.
Change “dream” to “goal” and make it happen. It’s not about luck, it’s about resilience and perseverance, and wanting it enough to make it a priority. That priority may mean making choices. “ I want to go well on tomorrow’s exam. I should stay in and study, but my friends are going to the moves and want to go join them”. What do you want, high test score or a movie? The choice is yours.
The sense of accomplishment is greater when we push the boundaries of our comfort zones. Try new things. Push aside self doubt, and redeploy that energy into actions
You’ve got this!