Dreaming Small

Over the years, I've been fortunate to be in the company of many musicians and entrepreneurs. And I realize that so many of us have something in common: we dream small.

We're “realistic.”

We wait for the opportunity to come to us instead of going after what we want—it feels safer, maybe?

We settle for other people’s version of success rather than really ruminating on our own.

I did this for many years.

From the outside, I had a dream-like career playing in a quintet and traveling the world.

It turned out that when I really thought about it, though, that career was no longer my personal idea of success. It just felt good being able to say I did it—which isn't the same thing!

One of the reasons I became a career coach is because I know how powerful it is to not only envision what’s possible, but to finally follow through and create it.

This didn't happen overnight. It took COVID and a nearly career-ending injury to get me to pivot.

Past Sarah was stubborn, right?!

But I did it. I don't say this to gloat. I say it to express that I know exactly how hard it can be to dream bigger. For me, it meant letting go of everything I knew and had worked toward, not to mention what was comfortable!

Because the truth is that even when something is UNCOMFORTABLE—an overwhelming schedule, a job you dislike—there's at least comfort in knowing the routine of it.

Which makes it hard to quit. And nearly impossible to dream big.

To start working on the project you've had in mind forever.

To start your own group.

To apply for the faculty position you want.

But imagine if you gave yourself permission to start working toward something different.

Tell me: what's something you're currently uncomfortably comfortable doing? It can be personal or professional.

Feel free to hit "reply" and let me know. I'd love to hear from you.