Navigating the Path to Your Dreams: Seven Ways to Encourage Support from Your Loved Ones

Being a creative professional can be a lonely journey, especially when your dreams and goals don't get the support you yearn for from those around you. This journey can be even more daunting if you are pondering a career change or pursuing an unconventional path. Our dreams and goals may appear audacious or even ridiculous to others, particularly if those around you believe in the "starving artist."

The good news is, it is entirely possible to create an environment where your loved ones understand and support your dreams. Here are seven strategies that can help encourage those around you to rally behind your vision—no matter how grand or unconventional it may seem.

1. Share Your Goal: The first step to receiving support is to share your dreams and goals. By vocalizing your goal, you're not only setting things in motion and holding yourself accountable but also inviting others to support and encourage you. As you become more comfortable sharing your aspirations, consider expanding your audience. This might mean sharing your goal with your entire family, a group of friends, or even announcing it publicly on your website or social media.
2. Explain the Possible Outcome: Help your loved ones visualize what achieving your goal could look like. By providing a clear picture of the possible outcomes, you allow them to understand your vision better. This could mean explaining how you plan to replace your income or how you plan to land deals within your industry. The more they can grasp your endgame, the more they can support you.
3. Provide an Outline and Timeframe: Show them that you have a well-thought-out plan to achieve your goal. By presenting a rough outline and timeframe, you demonstrate that you're serious about your aspirations and that you're not diving in without careful thought and planning.
4. Communicate Your Vulnerability: Sometimes, all it takes to garner support is to express how you feel. By being open about your vulnerability, you allow others to empathize with you and understand the importance of their encouragement and support.
5. Take Visible Action: Nothing encourages support more than seeing you work hard towards your goals. By demonstrating your dedication and discipline, you're showing your loved ones that you're serious about your dreams, which can transform encouragement into solid support and belief in you.
6. Act Like Your Future Successful Self: Ask yourself if you're behaving like the successful person you aspire to be. This could mean setting work hours for yourself, getting ready for the day, or learning to say no to distractions. By treating your aspirations with the seriousness they deserve, you encourage others to do the same.
7. Choose the Right "Room": Surround yourself with people who inspire and support your dreams. This might mean joining communities or masterminds with like-minded people who understand your goals and can provide the encouragement you need. Remember, you are the average of the five people you spend the most time with, so choose wisely.

Remember, entrepreneurship can be lonely, but it doesn't have to be. By taking an active role in communicating your dreams and goals, you can rally the support you need to make your creative dreams a reality.

HEAR MORE ON THIS TOPIC ON EPISODE 2 OF THE PROFESSIONAL CREATIVE