No one else can determine what it takes for YOU to feel content and fulfilled in life. Society tries to put each of us in a mold, prescribing the steps we should take and the path we should follow. Today’s show focuses on why you need to approach your dreams in a way that is best for you, and not based on what anyone else says. 

Kacie Main released her debut book in February 2019. It’s titled, I Gave Up Men for Lent: The Story of a Jaded, Hopelessly Romantic, Health-Conscious Party Girl’s Search for Meaning. Born and raised in Florida, Kacie enjoyed a successful career in the corporate world before leaving it all behind to pursue her dreams of becoming a full-time writer. Kacie holds bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Communications and a master’s degree in Business Administration.

Is writing a real job?

Do you have a passion that you would love to make a full-time job? Kacie wasn’t aware of her dreams to be a writer, but writing has always been the way she feels most comfortable in communicating feelings. As a child, she didn’t realize writing could be a “real job.” Her childhood dreams ran from wanting to be a doctor to a child psychologist, and then to the world of business. Her business major was a fallback at the advice of Kacie’s father, and communications and public relations were also areas of interest. 

TWEET: Getting outside into nature and away from our screens can greatly improve our mental state. @kaciemain_write #chasingdreams

Writing as an outlet

Have you lost touch with your goals? Kacie came to a point in her life when she had completely lost touch with her goal of becoming a writer, even though she always wanted to write a book someday. During her big, self-reflection, check-in session at Lent, Kacie went through a time of journaling every day because it felt satisfying to get her thoughts on paper. After a couple of weeks, she wondered if this journal could turn into the book she had always wanted to write. Taking one step at a time, and not even thinking forward to the publishing process, Kacie dedicated her weekends to writing and put a singular focus on the writing process.

TWEET: Some of us need to realize that we need to jump from the corporate train. @kaciemain_write #chasingdreams

Why people stop chasing their dreams

Why DO people stop chasing their dreams? Kacie believes it comes down to the pressure we put on ourselves to achieve certain goals and deadlines, and that we plan too far into the future. A big dream is best reached by taking one little step at a time. Kacie says to give yourself space to step away when you need to because that gives you the fresh perspective to press on. One myth we let society tell us is that we have to fit into a certain mold and timeline to be happy. Society’s mold works for some people, but not for everyone.

TWEET: I realized how much I’d allowed outside influences to direct my life. @kaciemain_write #chasingdreams

Guest Recommendation: ONE action for a dream chaser to take--”Just take the first step. Don’t think too far into the future. Start with step one.”

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE:

• [1:45] Get to know Kacie
• [6:23] Young Kacie and her dreams
• [10:37] The disconnect that prompted Kacie’s book
• [13:14] Living in dissatisfaction and comparison
• [14:53] Writing as an outlet
• [17:05] Living in the writing process
• [18:48] Why people stop chasing their dream
• [21:36] When you don’t fit into society’s mold
• [23:36] The book and self-reflection
• [25:28] Amazing reviews of the book
• [27:03] Kacie’s jump from the corporate track
• [28:43] Why most of our fears are just assumptions
• [30:50] Making the leap and handling the stress
• [34:58] Ask for help when you need it
• [36:24] Be mindful of