The Cost of Not Following Your Dreams
I turned 38 a few weeks ago.
38.
It's crazy to think about almost being 40.
Like a lot of people, I used to dread getting older.
It wasn't until I was diagnosed with stage 3 cancer just before I turned 33 that I realized how much of a privilege it is..
But that's a story for a different time.
Even with that perspective, I'd be lying if I didn't say that it doesnt affect how I view my social media journey,
and in turn how I view myself.
Every time I try something new, whether it be a new platform or new style of content, the insecurities roll in.
Thoughts like:
"I missed the window"
"Everyone who's doing well now started when they were in their 20's"
"Your friends are probably all judging you and talking shit behind your back"
"I don't want to look like I'm trying to be 25"
It's endless.
And if you've had thoughts like this around your own journey, or maybe thoughts like this have kept you from even starting
Keep reading, because there are a couple things I want to unpack here.
First:
These things that I'm most insecure about are often my biggest differentiators.
Thinking back on being 25... I didn't know SHIT.
Being a little older now means I bring substance and wisdom to the table that younger me, and a lot of younger creators
simply dont have yet.
The one thing that you can't buy, gain by reading, or watching a youtube video about is
Experience.
It has to be lived.
A big part of "being authentic" on social media is simply knowing who the hell you are.
And that comes from living.
The ones chasing the next tiktok dance or viral trend, are doing that because they don't have shit to say.
Second:
(and this is a pep talk I've been giving myself since I started chasing my dreams 15 years ago)
What's the alternative?
Well let's play it out:
I accept these self imposed limitations and I continue to ignore my desire to express myself creatively.
I continue to feel these urges and the draw to show up as a creative for the years that follow
These urges eventually turn into deep regrets as I realize at some point that I am actually out of time
I'm guaranteed to see people my age and even older who didn't let fear run their life and built something meaningful
I live a safe but hollow life
I die alone
(okay maybe not that last part)
Now, I don't know about you, but that scenario scares the absolute shit out of me.
And looking at it this way reminds me that the cost of ignoring my creative desires is far greater than my fears around
continuing or not starting.
It also greater than the concerns about my peers looking down on me (probably in my head) for doing something
they will most certainly envy when it all pans out.
The thing I want you to take home is this:
The ultimate cost of not pursuing your dreams is that you spend the rest of your life wondering what you could have been.
And that my friend, is too expensive.
So make that post.
Start the account.
Take that course (shameless plug).
I'm excited to see where it all leads you.
Caleb
