Listeners, today we’re digging into the phrase “Follow your dreams”—a motto woven into graduation speeches, social media feeds, and even political slogans. It sounds empowering, but in 2025, the reality of pursuing your passion has grown more complex than ever before.

As discussed on a recent episode of the “Follow Your Dreams” podcast, the journey to fulfillment rarely unfolds in a straight line. Take one guest's story: a former investment banker who traded Wall Street for the wilds of Mongolia to become a wildlife photographer. The switch was, in their words, “terrifying, but essential.” They remind us that passion evolves, and the courage to pivot—sometimes late in life—can make all the difference. It's not always about the dream you start with, but recognizing when it's time to reinvent your version of success.

Writer Heather Havrilesky encourages us to consider not just what we want, but what’s worth wanting. Our culture glamorizes results—fame, wealth, status—but true satisfaction comes from seeking what genuinely brings joy, even if that means abandoning convention.

Not all stories are about walking away from stability. Paralympian Dylan Alcott faced enormous physical and social barriers but refused to let those limits define him. For Alcott, weaving together sport, advocacy, and music was about applying relentless creativity and not settling for others’ definitions of what’s possible.

For listeners wondering how to make the leap, self-reflection is key. As ELAA Wellness highlights, visualizing the impact of not pursuing a dream can ignite the urgency to act. Honest questions about what excites you and where you lose track of time can reveal true calling. Small wins—signing up for a class, building a side project, reaching out to a mentor—give momentum.

But, as writer Mark Manson cautions, “follow your dreams” alone isn’t a universal solution. Dreams require planning, flexibility, and often a willingness to interrogate whether they’re truly your own. Exams, rent, caretaking, and reality checks are all part of the modern landscape.

So, listeners, be bold in clarifying what lights you up. Stay open to evolution. Don’t be afraid to adjust course, celebrate small victories, or ask new questions. Every step toward a passion is a step toward a more meaningful life—even if, along the way, your definition of that dream changes.