Realizing a pipe dream

[EJFan]

has anyone tried to realize a dream when it seems unrealistic to do so?

i'm wondering how people go about fighting an uphill battle... when all factors are against you and limitations are plenty... to accomplish something they're good at and enjoy.

for example... say you're make a fantastic cake... you absolutely love being in the kitchen and are certain that you could make a living by baking these cakes of yours. maybe, however, there are obstacles... seed money or time limitations or fear of leaving whatever solid (yet unfulfilling) job you already have.

what did you consider before actualizing this change? how did you make the tranisition? how did it work out?

 

[eudaemonia]

has anyone tried to realize a dream when it seems unrealistic to do so?

Yes, I have!

I've discovered that very little that I've wanted to achieve is impossible. A prof of mine, early on in my studies when I returned to school after a 20-year break, said this to me when I confided in him my wildest dream: "Where there is determination, there is a way." I've never forgotten it.

Unasked for advice regarding a small business endeavor: Start small. Do what's managable. (Be sure it's your passion that you're pursuing!) Build slowly and steady. If you truly love what you do, it's easier to do all of the above -- and more.

{edited to add:} I'm not sure what you mean by uphill battle, whether you're referring to external issues such as start-up capital or internal blocks such as negative self-talk, it's important to know where all the blocks are coming from. Combo of both, mostly likely, or leaning far to one way or the other?

What kind of cakes, if you don't mind my asking? Please say Fresh Coconut ...

 

[wicked woman]

Yes, I have!

I've discovered that very little that I've wanted to achieve is impossible. A prof of mine, early on in my studies when I returned to school after a 20-year break, said this to me when I confided in him my wildest dream: "Where there is determination, there is a way." I've never forgotten it.

My vote's for that quote.

I went back to my original career path 15 years after most people. Moved my family back to the city I grew up in, worked full time (at a job with long hours during busy season), went back to school 2-3 nights a week for 2 years straight, and was a single parent of two children. In my 'spare' time I volunteered at the national student organization for my profession and for 2 of the 3 years it took me to get my designation, I was on the executive (my last year as president). Was worth every minute.

How did I do it? Determination. I had a plan and I worked it. When ever things got tough (and trust me they did) I looked to the past and had a clear reminder that I didn't want to be doing that for the next 30 years...and I looked to the future and all the benefits my hard work was going to get me and my family.

I also had a keychain that said 'CA2B'...a daily reminder of why I was doing it...to be a CA.

Good luck in your endeavour ...let them all eat EJ's cake!

 

[EJFan]

thanks for the insights, eudaemonia and WW. the cake thing was just to give some context to the type of question i was asking... just an illustration for clarity. i DO enjoy baking but i know i don't want to do that for money. btw... i love coconut too.

by "uphill battle" i was suggesting that there are a lot of logical reasons why this endeavor isn't plausible... reasons that would make it seem like a true long-shot. think about it like someone who wants to be an actor... millions try it but only a small percentage can barely make a living that way and only a fraction of those are recognized as being successful and respected.

how do you fly in the face of overwhelming odds against you're success? do you accept the mundane yet consistent living you know or do you venture into the uncertain and unknown... where the risk is high yet it COULD be fruitful?