Secrets Out: How to Live Out The Dream

Ever hear the quote “be relentless in the pursuit of your passions”? Most people wonder why they aren’t getting the results they want. Most people wonder why the guy next to them, who seems less skilled, less versatile, and less intelligent, is landing their dream job, internship, activity, etc,. What if I told you that the secret is out and that it’s not always about what skills you already have, but how relentless you are in the pursuit of what you want?

Define your passions:

In order to have dreams, you have to know what you are passionate about. What makes you get up out of bed every morning? What would you want to be doing even when you’re exhausted, annoyed, or overwhelmed? Look first to your values. What do you cherish in life? Look then to your interests. But remember that there is a difference between being interested in something and being passionate about something. If you’re passionate, you’ll be more satisfied doing the work.

Set Goals that YOU can Track:

Example 1: I had three personal goals entering West Point: intern at Congress, visit Korea, and interact with combat arms. I not only completed all three goals, but landed two internships — one at Congress, another at Lean In, visited Korea not just once — but two times in a year, and spent my summer with infantry and field artillery companies/batteries. I tracked my progress with each of these goals by taking the steps to get there such as building relationships with those who could get me there. If you want something, more likely than not, someone is going to have to support you to get there. Make sure you learn how to build bridges with a variety of people, and not making enemies along the way.

Perform to Standard:

Once you’ve landed the dream, do everything you can to keep it. You wanted it for a reason, but when you’re stressed or tired, you may forget why you started in the first place. Now that you have what you want, make sure you perform well. If you’ve landed an internship at your dream job, don’t screw it up the first day by being late or not in the right attire. Make sure you don’t let fatigue bring you down so early in the game.

Have a Growth Mindset:

Instead of believing that you are your failures and that you can’t learn from your mistakes, acquire a mind that perseveres through struggle. No one great ever became great because they let every little thing get to them. Failure is inevitable and the sooner you learn how to deal with the little stresses, the sooner you’ll be able to lead — calm, cool, and collected. See failure, mistakes, and setbacks as a way for you to develop. Understand that progress is what gets you to the finish line as well as working on your weaknesses and capitalizing on your strengths.

Jackie Parker is a student. Her expressed views are not representative of the U.S Army, military, or the United States Military Academy.

“Remember where you came from. If you want something, go after it with everything you have. Remember to thank the people who helped you along the way and keep in touch with the important people in your life. This journey to glory is not meant to be done alone.”