LIFESTYLE 8 years ago

Jumpstarting Your Dream Career in 2016

The start of a new year is quite special because it signals the time to finally get started on something you’ve been meaning to do. For some of you guys … that might be finally getting jumpstarting your dream career! It might be really scary for those of you who are thinking of making the transition of turning your passion into a full time job, but trust me.. I’ve been there. It’s like trying to attempt the impossible and at times it really does seem impossible, especially when you’re first starting out. Just 6 years ago I was not sure where this whole, for lack of a better word, “blogging” or “youtubing” thing would take me, but needless to say I’m glad that I stuck it out because now I’m living what once was my dream. So whatever your passion may be, never think it’s impossible. The hardest part is starting out. So to make things easier… here are my 5 tips on how to jumpstart your dream career!

1. Set Realistic Deadlines
You don’t have to quit your job the next day and join a band. The stories that you hear about someone quitting their job and pursuing their passion the very next day isn’t a doable possibility for everyone. Some of you guys might have bills or family to support! So instead, set goals for yourself where you are accomplishing something for your passion every day or every week. What works for your schedule? If you are trying to become an artist but have a full time job, maybe set a deadline for yourself to do one painting a week. Or in my case, I used to upload one video a week when I was still a stylist! The point here is to set deadlines for yourself to get the ball rolling and to keep it rolling!

2. Be Successful In Your Mind
Or “fake it til you make it.” The power of believing in yourself is so important when trying to carve out this path for yourself. The thing is, no one will be there with you every step of the way in this journey. So the only person you can really rely on to push yourself is yourself! I know, that sounds crazy, but so is pursuing your passion! It means believing in yourself when no one else does, and going against all odds to seek after the impossible!

3. Keep Seeking Inspiration
This is actually something that I still struggle with even today. Staying inspired keeps your creative juices flowing so you can constantly keep creating more amazing work! So don’t underestimate the power of being surrounded by like-minded people to inspire and motivate you. Always look at what other people in your industry are doing NOT to compare or feel bad about yourself, but to use it as motivation. I’m constantly creating editorial mood boards on Pinterest or ripping editorials out of magazines because I’m so inspired by all the amazing things people are doing! Looking at other people’s work is great because it will constantly keep your mind thinking outside of the box and in the end it will only benefit you!

4. Be Afraid
Being afraid and uncomfortable can sometimes be a good feeling. I think oftentimes people use the feeling of fear as a gauge of something that they shouldn’t do. But I like to think of it as a gauge for “will this make me grow?” I always tell the girls at my office that if they’re scared to do something then that’s good, because they will overcome that fear and grow into someone stronger. I was scared to market myself as a entrepreneur when I was first starting out, but I decided to just go for it and ended up printing out business cards and giving them to everyone! I wasn’t established or had a team back then, but I decided to just bite the bullet and step out into the industry as Chriselle from Chriselle Inc. Fast forward 5 years and now I have a full staff as well as all of you guys to share my journey with!

5. Ride Out The Rough Times
I know, easier said than done. But trust me, there’s no substitute for hard work. I believe that you can have all the talent in the world, but if you don’t have perseverance or hard work, then it doesn’t matter. It’s important to know that although you may feel discouraged (and you will), know that it won’t last forever. There were so many rough times when I was first starting out, like not having money for food, or not getting as many views, but in the end I just pushed through it. Fact of the matter is, when you’re trying to do the impossible, there’s just a time period where you have to ride it out. I’m really glad I never gave up at any part of my journey, because otherwise I wouldn’t be able to sit here and write this blogpost for you guys!

And there you have it, my 5 tips on how to jumpstart your dream career! There were so many times I wanted to give up because things were so rough. At one point I even slept in my car next to a cemetery! (Watch my 5 career mantras video to find out why!) But I’m so glad I never gave up on my passion! The most beautiful thing about all this is that it all starts with just a dream. So it’s the New Year, and if not now then when?

To get more career tips & my 5 Career Mantras watch my latest video HERE:

Credits:

Photography by Karen Rosalie