I am currently a college student with big dreams and huge aspirations, however with so much studying and working to do I feel like I have to put off my big dreams until much later. For example I want to do undergraduate research and publish a paper before I graduate, but I am already in my last year and I am not sure if I have the time to do so. I also wanted to upstart a small business through my school's local entrepreneurship fund but again I feel like I simply do not have the time. What should I do Richard? I want to do so much but I simply feel like I lack the time to accomplish everything I want. Is it that I am making excuses? or Do I simply have to choose what is more important to me (which right now I believe is my studies)? Even after college I feel like I want to do so much before I turn 30 and eventually get married, but again I feel like I do not have enough time to do everything. What advice can you give to a big dreamer but worrier of time like myself?
I applaud your desire and drive for success. It is better to have dreams than none at all. I do not believe you have to put of your big dreams till later because big dreams are made up of the little ones. Personally I have short term and long term goals. My short term goals are things that require my immediate attention. In this case that would refer to you focusing on your studies and doing some research. This is important because your success in your studies will help build your credibility in other areas like when you want to start your business. As regards publishing, the process can take sometime and so it is possible your paper becomes published after you graduate which isn't a bad thing at all. I will suggest you get into a lab/research group ASAP so you can make that a reality.
As regarding your business plan which is a great idea - you might want to find out how much time you really have after working on your studies and doing some research. You may also want to factor your other social or relational commitments before diving into a business project. Your business will take a lot of time. So is your business idea a short or long term goal. That will depend on what you want to do with your career after you graduate. If your business idea is crucial to you, you may want to have a partner(s) so that you are not over loaded with work and you can achieve this as well. Please bear in mind that it is difficult to achieve excellence if you are trying to do many things at the same time.
As regarding your other dreams, my approach has always been to do something everyday that would lead to my bigger dreams. I wrote a book while in grad school, and how did I do that without compromising my work? I worked on my book project 30 mins everyday for two years. Many times I worked on it during lunch, skipping FB and other social sites. I am happy you have dreams, but I will like you to focus on one dream that is most important to you and do something towards it everyday. You may also want to consider having a mentor(s) that have been where you want to go. Their invaluable experience will help you on your journey.
I hope this helps and feel free to get in touch should you have further questions.
Dear Richard,
ReplyDeleteI am currently a college student with big dreams and huge aspirations, however with so much studying and working to do I feel like I have to put off my big dreams until much later. For example I want to do undergraduate research and publish a paper before I graduate, but I am already in my last year and I am not sure if I have the time to do so. I also wanted to upstart a small business through my school's local entrepreneurship fund but again I feel like I simply do not have the time. What should I do Richard? I want to do so much but I simply feel like I lack the time to accomplish everything I want. Is it that I am making excuses? or Do I simply have to choose what is more important to me (which right now I believe is my studies)? Even after college I feel like I want to do so much before I turn 30 and eventually get married, but again I feel like I do not have enough time to do everything. What advice can you give to a big dreamer but worrier of time like myself?
Dear Friend,
DeleteI applaud your desire and drive for success. It is better to have dreams than none at all. I do not believe you have to put of your big dreams till later because big dreams are made up of the little ones. Personally I have short term and long term goals. My short term goals are things that require my immediate attention. In this case that would refer to you focusing on your studies and doing some research. This is important because your success in your studies will help build your credibility in other areas like when you want to start your business. As regards publishing, the process can take sometime and so it is possible your paper becomes published after you graduate which isn't a bad thing at all. I will suggest you get into a lab/research group ASAP so you can make that a reality.
As regarding your business plan which is a great idea - you might want to find out how much time you really have after working on your studies and doing some research. You may also want to factor your other social or relational commitments before diving into a business project. Your business will take a lot of time. So is your business idea a short or long term goal. That will depend on what you want to do with your career after you graduate. If your business idea is crucial to you, you may want to have a partner(s) so that you are not over loaded with work and you can achieve this as well. Please bear in mind that it is difficult to achieve excellence if you are trying to do many things at the same time.
As regarding your other dreams, my approach has always been to do something everyday that would lead to my bigger dreams. I wrote a book while in grad school, and how did I do that without compromising my work? I worked on my book project 30 mins everyday for two years. Many times I worked on it during lunch, skipping FB and other social sites. I am happy you have dreams, but I will like you to focus on one dream that is most important to you and do something towards it everyday. You may also want to consider having a mentor(s) that have been where you want to go. Their invaluable experience will help you on your journey.
I hope this helps and feel free to get in touch should you have further questions.
I believe in you!
Best regards,
Richard