To all my dreamers alike, let’s take a moment to acknowledge something we’ve all faced: that overwhelming, paralyzing feeling of being stuck. And I’m not talking about the kind of stuck where you can’t decide between pizza or tacos for dinner. I mean the deep, soul-crushing feeling of watching your dreams drift further away because of one thing: money.
Sound familiar?
Well, here’s the good news—money may be tight, but your potential is limitless. You don’t have to put your dreams on hold just because your wallet isn’t overflowing. Let’s break down how we can break free, step by step, so you can finally start moving forward.
1. Clarify Your Purpose and Prioritize Your Dreams
We’ve all had those days where we write down a to-do list longer than a CVS receipt, right? Except instead of ‘buy toothpaste,’ it’s ‘change the world, write a best-seller, start a podcast, become an international superstar.’
But seriously—write down your dreams. All of them. Whether it’s writing a book, creating content that matters, or changing lives through motivational speaking, put them on paper. Then, identify your core purpose—what drives you at your very core? Why do these dreams matter? When you find your “why,” trust me, that’s the gas that keeps your engine running even when the road gets bumpy.
2. Shift Your Mindset Around Money
We’ve all heard the phrase, “money can’t buy happiness.” And yet, it seems to be the bouncer at the door of every dream you try to enter. But here’s the thing—money is just a tool. It’s like a hammer. It can help you build something great, but it’s not the entire house.
Start small. Take baby steps, even if that means starting a blog, uploading videos from your phone, or recording podcasts with whatever equipment you have. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither was Beyoncé’s empire. You can build confidence (and your dream) one small project at a time.
3. Leverage What You Have
Ever feel like you don’t have enough tools? Like showing up to a party with a bag of chips when everyone else brought a 3-tier cake? Don’t sweat it. You’ve got more in your toolbox than you think.
Free resources are your friends. Platforms like WordPress, Canva, and social media are the modern-day gold mines for creators. And don’t forget the skills you already have. Whether it’s singing, writing, or speaking—monetize those skills! Offer classes, create digital products, or heck, perform at a local event if you have to. Your talents are a treasure trove waiting to be tapped.
4. Create a Value Exchange
Here’s a trick that might sound a little old school—bartering. I’m not talking about trading cows for corn, but offering your skills in exchange for services you need. Need help with your website? Offer your writing skills to someone who’s a pro at design.
Oh, and collaborate! Find people with shared visions and build together. Success doesn’t have to be a solo mission—think of it like assembling the Avengers. Just make sure you’re Captain America, not Loki.
5. Set Measurable Goals and Take Action
We’ve all had that friend who’s always talking about how they’re going to do this amazing thing “someday.” But “someday” isn’t a day on the calendar, so let’s make your dreams more tangible.
Set SMART goals—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. For example, instead of saying, “I want to create content,” say, “I will post 2 blogs or record 3 podcasts this month.”
And even on the days you’re feeling lazier than a sloth on a Sunday, do something! Even 30 minutes a day can snowball into massive progress.
6. Stay Still but Not Stagnant
Sometimes we feel stuck because we confuse stillness with stagnation. You know, that feeling like you’re treading water but not actually getting anywhere? But stillness can be powerful—it’s where clarity and inspiration are born. Take that time to reflect, meditate, and, most importantly, listen to your intuition.
And if you don’t know the next step yet, keep learning. Watch tutorials, read books, dive into podcasts. (And while you’re at it, check out mine, Words Matter with John Maurice! Shameless plug, I know.)
7. Focus on Value and Impact
It’s easy to get caught up in the money game. But if you really want to win, focus on the impact you’re making, not just the income. Ask yourself, “How can I help others?” When you’re truly providing value, the money has a funny way of following you
8. Financial Discipline
This part is crucial, folks—budget and save. Yep, the dreaded B-word. But seriously, even small savings can add up over time and fund the next step in your journey.
And if you’re feeling overwhelmed, talk to a financial advisor. They can give you some much-needed guidance. (Just avoid Uncle Steve, who’s “invested” in get-rich-quick schemes since 1998.)
9. Trust the Process and Have Faith
Finally, have faith in your journey. It’s like trying to microwave a Hot Pocket—sometimes it feels like it’s taking forever, but you know it’ll be worth it in the end. Just don’t give up. Your dreams aren’t on hold—they’re in progress.
10. Reach Out for Help
Never hesitate to ask for help. Whether it’s finding a mentor, seeking advice, or collaborating with others, remember you don’t have to walk this journey alone. There’s real strength in community—and even more in vulnerability.
Life is short, and if you don’t take the time to discover who you truly are and seize your moment, you may look back with regret, saying, “I wish I had done things differently.” My friend, think outside the box and let your imagination guide you toward your goals. If you’re willing to put in the effort, you can achieve your dreams.
Yes, the road to fulfilling your purpose while managing financial challenges can seem overwhelming, but every small step is progress. Focus on what you can control—your purpose, your talents, your daily actions. Trust the journey and believe that your dreams are not only possible—they are within reach. You’re not stuck; you’re on the brink of a breakthrough.
Remember: every masterpiece starts as a blank canvas. Yours is waiting to be painted, and now is your moment to create it.I believe in you, and with you believing in yourself, I know we’ll see each other on the other side of your dreams. Keep going—you’ve got this.
Love Always
John Maurice