When you’re young, it seems so simple to dream big. However, the older and more analytical that you become, you might begin trying to think more critically about your career. While it is helpful to have realistic expectations, this can often lead to you holding yourself back from pursuing your career goals. In many cases, it wouldn’t be unwise to revisit your childhood optimism and begin setting clear goals for yourself. Here are some tips to keeping your optimism as it relates to obtaining your career goals.

Don’t Doubt Your Talents

In many cases, young professionals may still have a wild goal in the back of their minds that they’d be ashamed to admit to others. But what is the root of this? In most, if not all, individuals, it is doubt in themselves and their talents that holds them back. Even though you may feel confident in your abilities, it is a whole other thing to make those skills and goals public. Doubt is fueled by overthinking, which we all know can lead individuals down a rabbit hole of pessimistic thoughts. Rather than doubting whether you can make your dreams a reality, just start chasing after them without worrying about what others are thinking. Keep in mind that you have many talents, from your work and personal experience, and these are valuable to potential employers and to your career as a whole.

Stop Waiting For the Right Time

You’ve probably heard this before, but there is never a perfect time to go after what you want. There is much talk about the universe being in alignment with you, but it ultimately comes down to your being bold enough to step into your passion. There are, of course, some valid reasons to wait for certain opportunities, such as building enough finances before launching a business. However, many individuals just put off their goals because they don’t “feel” as if it’s the right time when in reality, it might be the best time to pursue their desired goal. If you’ve made this excuse, it might be time to reevaluate your circumstances and stop letting your fears hold you back.

Allow Yourself to Be Distracted Occasionally

Distraction is a huge part of what holds people back from pursuing specific career goals, but constantly forcing yourself to try and stay focused can ultimately lead to burnout. If you spent a long day of focused work, allow yourself to indulge in the latest episodes of your favorite Netflix show or take some time to read a bestselling title. Everyone can relate to the temptation to indulge in distractions, and you shouldn’t allow it to hold you back from pursuing your career goals, but allow yourself some time for distractions so you can be more intentional about putting the tough foundational work in while you’re working.