Listeners, the phrase "follow your dreams" is everywhere—in social media feeds, on murals, in graduation speeches—but what does it really mean in 2025, when the world feels more uncertain and competitive than ever? Banksy’s iconic “cancelled” mural in Boston serves as a stark reminder that the journey to realizing a dream is rarely a straight line, especially against the backdrop of economic pressures and evolving values.

We recently heard from Sarah Chen, who left a high-powered Wall Street career to found a sustainable fashion brand. For Sarah, following her dreams was less about chasing a fantasy and more about facing hard choices: letting go of financial certainty, weathering skepticism, and finding meaning in her work. She shared that fulfillment didn’t come from overnight wins, but from doing work that aligned with her values—a lesson echoed by new research from BetterUp, which finds that people who pursue their dreams, even if the path changes, are more satisfied and experience less regret.

But the call to “follow your dreams” can be complicated. According to entrepreneurship expert Simon Squibb, adversity is essential—pursuing a dream isn’t about shortcuts, it’s about building resilience through setbacks. He urges listeners not to measure success against trends or Instagram highlights, but instead to ask: What is truly worth wanting? Meanwhile, a 2025 UCLA study shows that most young people see financial obstacles as their main barrier, while half are influenced by idealized images on social media and hunger for more honest conversations about mental health and money.

On the “Follow Your Dreams” podcast, guests who’ve taken unconventional paths—from the artist who passed on a tech job to the travel journalist who dove into the unknown—admit the journey is rarely glamorous. Their message: start small, trust your instincts, and allow your dream to evolve. If you're wondering how to identify your dream, dig deep into what lights you up and why. Allow setbacks to inform, not define, you.

So listeners, remember: following your dreams isn’t about instant results or fitting someone else’s mold. It’s about discovering what matters, facing obstacles, and finding meaning in the pursuit itself. Take the first step, however small, and let the journey shape you.

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Listeners, the phrase “follow your dreams” is everywhere—woven into social media, graduation speeches, and art like Banksy’s iconic Boston mural that stamped the words “cancelled” over the original hope. In 2025, this advice feels both inspiring and fraught with complexity, reflecting a world where economic uncertainty and shifting values make the pursuit of passion more complicated than ever.

Recently, we interviewed Sarah Chen, who left banking to start a sustainable fashion brand. Her story reveals that following your dreams means more than chasing success; it’s about confronting risk, overcoming skepticism, and trading security for purpose. Sarah described the toughest challenge as learning to trust her instincts when even close friends doubted her. Still, the reward wasn’t an overnight win—it was the fulfillment of living by her values.

On the “Follow Your Dreams” podcast, guests like a travel journalist and an artist who turned down lucrative jobs echoed this theme. Their journeys involved fear, uncertainty, and plenty of setbacks. But they also found unexpected happiness, resilience, and a version of success that wasn’t measured by salary or status. Entrepreneurship expert Simon Squibb, in a new Penguin Books feature, says adversity and failure aren’t detours—they’re essential steps that build confidence and grit.

Importantly, practical realities matter. According to a 2025 UCLA Center for Scholars & Storytellers study, 86% of young people still aim for the classic “American Dream,” but most feel financial barriers are higher than ever. Social media pushes many to dream bigger, but also exposes them to unrealistic standards. That’s why experts urge listeners to interrogate not just what they want, but what is truly worth wanting. As Yale’s Center for Faith & Culture researchers recently argued in Time, fulfillment comes from weaving together meaningful work, community, and values—not just chasing a fantasy.

So what’s the best advice? Begin small. Take one step, gather allies, and accept that your dream might change—and that’s okay. Setbacks are not stops, but lessons. Don’t measure yourself by someone else’s yardstick. If you’re moving toward what genuinely matters to you, you’re already succeeding.

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Welcome to today’s episode where we unravel the complexities behind the phrase “follow your dreams.” It’s a piece of advice we’ve all heard—at graduation ceremonies, in self-help books, and on motivational podcasts. But what does it really mean to pursue your dreams in our fast-paced, uncertain world?

On the podcast “Follow Your Dreams,” host William Corbin sits down with guests who have traveled unconventional roads to success. Their stories are often far from the picture-perfect Instagram posts or movie scenes. One guest, an artist who turned down a high-paying tech job, reflected on the fear of failure but shared how perseverance led to deeper fulfillment and unexpected opportunities. Another, a travel journalist, described the anxiety of stepping into the unknown, only to find joy in the struggles and the freedom to create her own rules.

Entrepreneurship expert Simon Squibb, in a recent Penguin Books feature, cautions that chasing your dreams is never easy. He argues that adversity is essential for growth and that setbacks shape resilience and confidence. Squibb's advice isn’t about following market trends or quick wins; it’s about deeply understanding what you love and allowing that to fuel your progress. According to Squibb, lasting motivation comes from pursuing something life-defining, not chasing someone else’s idea of success.

Yet, practical realities can’t be ignored. A 2025 study by UCLA’s Center for Scholars & Storytellers found that while 86% of young people still aspire to reach the American dream, most see finances as their biggest obstacle. Many feel their generation faces unique economic struggles, making big dreams seem out of reach. Half of the respondents said social media influences their dreams, and over half yearn for more realistic portrayals of everyday challenges—particularly around money and mental health—in media.

So how do listeners begin to identify their own dreams? Experts suggest asking yourself not just what you want, but what is truly worth wanting. Dig into your motivations. Embrace the hard times—they’re building your resilience. Remember, following your dreams isn’t about instant results or living up to external expectations. It’s about discovering what ignites you, facing practical barriers head-on, and making peace with the journey itself.

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Today we’re unpacking the phrase “Follow your dreams,” a mantra echoing through graduation speeches, Instagram captions, and, sometimes, the hearts of those seeking purpose beyond the ordinary. But what does it truly mean to chase your dreams in 2025, especially when the world seems more complex than ever?

Recent stories shared on the “Follow Your Dreams” podcast illuminate that choosing a path less traveled is rarely a fairy tale. Sarah Chen, once an investment banker, jumped from her secure job to launch a nonprofit for youth literacy. She described how each challenge—from sleepless nights to financial unknowns—was counterbalanced by the deep fulfillment of helping others thrive. Other guests, including digital creators, talk about unpredictable income and the sometimes lonely road of nontraditional careers. Their stories highlight both the exhilaration and hardship of such journeys.

Yet, not all dream pursuits end with ribbon-cutting ceremonies or viral success. British street artist Banksy’s mural, “Follow Your Dreams: Cancelled,” once displayed in Boston’s Chinatown, captured a harsh truth—the dream can fade in the face of poverty, limited opportunity, and systemic barriers. This piece continues to spark conversation about who gets to follow their dreams and what stands in the way.

Behind every uplifting slogan are hard realities: financial constraints, family responsibilities, and the ever-present fear of failure. According to insights from BetterUp, most people regret missed opportunities more than failed attempts, suggesting that inaction—never trying—is the bigger risk.

So where does this leave listeners hoping to find their own calling? The consensus from those who’ve been there is to start small. Test your passion without betting the farm. Build a supportive circle. Embrace setbacks as part of the process, not as signs to quit. And remember, following your dreams is not about reckless leaps—it’s about taking that next brave step, no matter how small, and being open to what each turn may teach you.

In a world still wrestling with the meaning of success, following your dreams is less about chasing fantasies and more about forging a unique, resilient path—even when the outcome remains uncertain.

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Listeners, the phrase "follow your dreams" is everywhere — in social media posts, commencement speeches, and even splashed across city walls, like Banksy’s iconic 2010 mural in Boston. There, the words are stamped over with a bold “cancelled,” a reminder that the journey to realizing our dreams is anything but straightforward. This idea resonates even more in 2025, where economic uncertainty and shifting cultural values have made the path to success less linear than ever.

Recently, we spoke to Sarah Chen, a former investment banker who left Wall Street to start a sustainable fashion brand. For Sarah, following her dreams demanded big risks: leaving financial security behind, facing moments of doubt, and shouldering responsibility for others’ livelihoods. She shared that the biggest challenge wasn’t just external—it was learning to trust her instincts in the face of skepticism from those closest to her. Yet, she also described the sense of fulfillment that came not from instant success, but from pursuing work that matched her values. Sarah’s story echoes research out this month from BetterUp, which shows that people who pursue their dreams—even if they change course—report higher life satisfaction and less regret about missed opportunities.

Of course, the phrase "follow your dreams" can feel overwhelming or even exclusionary, as Mark Manson points out, since not everyone has the resources or privilege to chase their passions without consequence. Banksy’s mural in Boston’s Chinatown reminds us that systemic barriers like poverty or social status can keep many from reaching their aspirations. Still, experts and guests on the “Follow Your Dreams” podcast emphasize that dreams don’t have to be grand or solitary. Instead, start small, reach out for support, and adjust your vision as you grow. Your dream might evolve into something unexpected—and that’s part of the journey.

For listeners wondering how to begin, the advice is clear: take the first step, however small. Surround yourself with people who lift you up, acknowledge setbacks as part of the process, and remember that the courage to act may bring more meaning than any specific outcome. Above all, don’t measure success solely by external standards. As long as you’re moving toward what truly matters to you, you’re already on the path.

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Today, the phrase "Follow your dreams" is everywhere—from graduation speeches and social media hashtags to family advice and even street art. But what does it really mean to chase a dream in the modern world, and is it as simple as the slogan suggests? Let’s dive in.

In recent interviews on "Follow Your Dreams," a podcast dedicated to unpacking this very question, listeners hear from people who have carved out unconventional success—artists, entrepreneurs, and scientists who dared to step off the beaten path. Their stories reveal that the journey to fulfilling a passion rarely looks like a fairytale. For example, one guest left a secure corporate job to create a nonprofit supporting youth literacy. The risk was enormous, but the sense of meaning she found was worth every sleepless night. Others, like digital content creators, described battling self-doubt, unpredictable income, and the sometimes isolating effect of taking a nontraditional route.

These lived experiences echo a larger truth: following your dreams can be both thrilling and daunting. According to BetterUp, fear of failure and societal expectations often hold people back. However, research shows that most people regret what they didn’t try more than what didn’t work out. The true risk, then, is not in failing, but in not attempting at all—leaving us with that lingering "what if?" as we grow older.

Of course, the phrase isn’t without critics. British street artist Banksy’s mural, "Follow Your Dreams: Cancelled," famously stamped out the optimism, highlighting the harsh realities—poverty, limited opportunity, and systemic barriers—that often derail dreams for many. As some commentators point out, not all dreams are attainable for everyone, and sometimes dreams shift out of necessity.

Still, practical advice emerges from those who’ve walked the winding road: start small, test your passion, and surround yourself with a supportive community. Embracing setbacks as learning moments is key. And perhaps most importantly, listeners are reminded that “following your dreams” doesn’t require reckless leaps; sometimes, it’s about taking the next small, brave step forward, even when the path is unclear.

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Welcome, listeners. Today, we delve into one of the most resonant and yet complex pieces of advice in modern culture: "Follow your dreams." On the surface, it feels universal, a call to pursue passion and purpose. But as many have discovered, the journey from aspiration to achievement is anything but simple.

Take Banksy’s artwork, "Follow Your Dreams, Cancelled," as an example. Painted in Boston’s Chinatown, it depicts a man standing beneath a bold slogan that has been stamped over with the word “Cancelled.” The powerful imagery highlights a harsh truth—while society encourages us to dream big, systemic barriers like financial struggle, class, or location can make those dreams feel unattainable. For many, the weight of reality often overshadows the ideal of limitless opportunity, raising the question: Is "following your dreams" always the answer?

For those who’ve walked unconventional paths, the concept takes on new dimensions. Anna Jo, a mother chronicling her son’s quest to attend a competitive college, notes that dreaming is just the first step. Beyond vision lies the challenge—steep tuition fees, rigorous standards, and the pressure to succeed. Yet, she emphasizes the importance of asking, "How much effort am I willing to invest?" Success, she argues, often comes not from talent alone but from resilience and adaptability.

Psychological studies further illuminate the dream pursuit paradox. Research by Thomas Gilovich reveals that people regret inaction more than failed attempts. The fear of "what if" can linger through life, urging us to take incremental yet meaningful steps toward passions, even in the face of uncertainty. However, writer Mark Manson warns that relentless pursuit can backfire when the dream itself is misaligned with one’s strengths or values. Sometimes, letting go of a dream can lead to a better, more fulfilling path.

So how do we navigate this terrain? Start small. Identify what genuinely excites you and work at it consistently. Embrace failures as lessons, and don’t fear changing course. Dreams evolve, and so should your strategy. As one TikToker wisely put it, hold on to your origin story—it’s the foundation of both your aspirations and the resilience to achieve them. Thank you for joining the conversation today. Keep dreaming, but most importantly, keep moving forward.

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Listeners, today we’re diving into the ever-compelling phrase, “Follow your dreams.” We’ve all heard it as a rallying cry urging us to pursue passions no matter the odds. But in the complex realities of the modern world, what does this actually mean—and is it always the right advice?

Let’s start with an unconventional perspective. Banksy’s famed street art piece, “Follow Your Dreams, Cancelled,” features a dejected worker next to a stamped cancellation of the titular phrase. Painted in a lower-income area of Boston, this artwork starkly critiques the idea that dreams are universally achievable. It highlights the barriers—poverty, systemic inequities, and societal pressures—that can derail even the most determined individuals. This sobering perspective reminds us that “follow your dreams” often comes with unspoken hurdles.

But the flip side is equally powerful. According to findings shared by Thomas Gilovich and others, people tend to regret the risks they didn’t take far more than the mistakes they made along the way. For those who dare to pursue their dreams, the journey can lead to unexpected self-discovery, personal growth, and even a profound sense of fulfillment, regardless of the outcome.

Take, for example, the story of individuals who defied norms to chase their passions. One entrepreneur turned their childhood daydream into a global charitable organization, demonstrating that uplifting others while pursuing a goal can amplify its impact. Another left a stable career to become a filmmaker, risking uncertainty but ultimately uncovering not just a new career, but a deeper alignment with their purpose. These stories underline that while the path may be fraught with challenges, it can also be unimaginably rewarding.

So how do you begin to chase that elusive dream? Experts advise starting small. Reflect on childhood passions or innate curiosities you’ve abandoned. Break your venture into attainable goals. And most importantly, surround yourself with a community of supporters. Even incremental progress can nurture the resilience you’ll need to keep going.

The question isn’t whether dreams are worth chasing—it’s whether you’re ready to redefine success beyond surface-level achievements. Set your sights, listen to the whispers of your passions, and remember: the journey itself often holds more treasures than the destination.

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The phrase "follow your dreams" stirs inspiration but also invites reflection on the complexities of chasing one's passions in today’s world. While society consistently champions the pursuit of dreams, the path is often riddled with challenges, sacrifices, and questions about practicality. Through the stories of those who have ventured onto unconventional paths, we see both the beauty and the hurdles of following one's aspirations.

Take, for instance, the powerful message in Banksy’s artwork "Follow Your Dreams, Cancelled." Displayed in Boston’s Chinatown, it portrays a solemn working-class figure next to a “follow your dreams” slogan marked with a harsh “cancelled” stamp. The piece critiques the barriers—financial, societal, and systemic—that can thwart even the most determined dreamer. It forces us to confront the sobering reality that dreams, while lauded as universally attainable, often clash against stark inequalities and life’s unpredictable roadblocks.

Yet, the pursuit of dreams continues to inspire daring journeys. One traveler recounts their fixation on the remote Faroe Islands—an unconventional dream fueled by childhood curiosity. Their adventure illustrates the joy of embracing passions that defy mainstream expectations. Similarly, stories in coaching and self-development remind us that chasing imaginative possibilities starts with identifying limiting beliefs and taking small, deliberate steps toward goals. Though the path is daunting, these narratives show that even incremental progress can transform dreamers into doers.

Pursuing dreams often means grappling with practical considerations. College tours, for example, symbolize exploration and ambition but also reveal daunting realities like financial constraints and competitive admission processes. Dreams are not always straightforward—they demand adaptability, perseverance, and often, a redefinition of success.

For listeners considering their own dreams, the paradox lies in merging passion with pragmatism. Pursue what lights the fire within you but remain mindful of obstacles and pivot when necessary. Start with achievable goals, seek mentorship, and celebrate milestones along the way. Dreams are not canceled by obstacles—they are reimagined and refined by the journey itself.

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

Welcome, listeners. Today, we're diving into a phrase that's etched into our cultural dialogue: "Follow your dreams." It's advice we've all heard, yet its simplicity belies the complexity of what it actually means to pursue our passions in the modern world.

For some, following their dreams means breaking free of convention, as we heard from a woman who left a stable career to pursue her passion for art. She shared that while society nudged her toward a predictable path, she eventually found fulfillment by embracing risk and uncertainty. Yet, this wasn't without its challenges—financial instability and self-doubt tested her resolve. She explained that success, for her, became less about societal benchmarks and more about the joy of living authentically.

But what happens when dreams collide with limitations? Street artist Banksy explored this tension in his provocative work, "Follow Your Dreams, Cancelled." Situated in a low-income area of Boston, the piece depicts a laborer standing next to the words "Follow Your Dreams," stamped over with "Cancelled" in red. The message resonates deeply in communities where systemic barriers—poverty, limited opportunities, or social class—make dreams feel inaccessible. It challenges us to consider whether the "follow your dreams" mantra always applies equally to everyone.

Some experts, like Mark Manson, argue that not all dreams are created equal. He suggests that pursuing a dream without questioning its authenticity can lead to disillusionment. Are we chasing what *we* want, or what we’ve been told to want? Listeners, this raises a crucial question: How can we discern between fleeting desires and the passions that truly define us?

For practical advice, start small. One life coach recommends breaking dreams into achievable steps, like expanding your network or learning new skills. While obstacles are inevitable, they teach resilience. A parent navigating the college admissions process shared how dreaming big doesn’t mean ignoring reality—it means crafting a plan that aligns with both your goals and circumstances.

Listeners, the pursuit of dreams is not a straight road, but a winding path filled with trials and triumphs. So, whether your dream lies in art, science, or simply a life of greater meaning, remember to approach it with courage, a willingness to adapt, and an openness to redefine success on your terms.

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI