‹ Back

If you're anything like me, you’ve probably been dreaming of changing your life for a long time and it’s taken you even longer to you actually take the leap. I spent years with the burning desire to start my own business—do something meaningful, something that aligned with my purpose and would allow me to help others unlock their potential. But, like many of you, I found myself stuck in a cycle of indecision, paralysed everyone’s opinion about what I should and should not do, but even worse I was paralysed by what I thought about myself.

I remember the countless times friends and family would ask, “When are you going to get that business up and running?” If it wasn’t the question, they would dismiss my dreams with phrases like, “Why don’t you just get a normal job?” or “That’s never going to work.” What was even more frustrating, is that deep down, I doubted my own ability to do and keep my vision alive.

It took me five years of a ten-year journey to realise I wasn’t moving forward because I was listening to the naysayers, which only fuelled doubt, lack of self-belief and kept me in the arms of procrastination.

If you're stuck in that same place, here are five things that I learnt, that will help you keep your vision alive and stay true to your purpose:

1. Surround Yourself With the Right People

We are the average of the people we surround ourselves with.  In other words, we are shaped by the company we keep.  Psychologist Dr. David McClelland found that the people closest to us, our “reference group,” can determine up to 95% of our success or failure, so ff you're surrounded by naysayers, you’re more likely to internalise their doubts. On the other hand, if you spend time with people who believe in your potential, their energy will fuel your confidence and vision.

Napoleon Hill, in his famous book *Think and Grow Rich*, emphasised the importance of being part of a Mastermind Group. Having a group of individuals who support, challenge, and uplift each other. Their belief in your goals can help you see your potential when your own self-doubt kicks in. If you don’t have a network of people who align with your vision, now is the time to find them.

2. Silence the Doubters

One of the most challenging things about chasing a dream is dealing with the doubters, especially when they’re people you care about. But their scepticism often has more to do with their own limitations than yours. Social psychologist Dr. Albert Bandura's work on self-efficacy* shows that our belief in our abilities can significantly influence our chances of success. The more confident we are in our ability to execute a task, the more likely we are to succeed. The doubters around you can chip away at that belief if you allow them to.

Bob Proctor spoke extensively about the power of our beliefs in shaping our reality. By silencing the doubters and focusing on what you believe, building your self-belief muscles you take control of your internal narrative. When you take control of your internal chatter, you are able to stop looking for external validation—your dream doesn't need anyone else's permission.

3. Stay Connected to Your ‘Why’

Knowing why you want your goal is crucial in maintaining your vision, especially when the road gets tough. Psychologist Viktor Frankl’s logotherapy theory states that human beings are driven by a will to find meaning in life. When you stay connected to ‘your why’, the meaning and purpose behind your dream, it becomes your anchor in times of uncertainty, which often can be difference between giving up and pushing through.

Earl Nightingale, the father of personal development, said, “We become what we think about.  If we become what we think, it is vital you keep your ‘why’ at the forefront of your mind, which will help keep your thoughts, actions and energy align and lined up towards your goal.

Action – to stay connected with your visions, why not write it down vision, revisit it daily, and let it serve as a daily reminder of what you're working towards.

4. Take Small Steps Every Day

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the magnitude of your vision, but remember that Rome wasn’t built in a day. Taking small, consistent steps toward your goal is key to making progress. John Assaraf, a leading expert in the field of neuroscience and success, teaches that the brain operates on a pattern of habits and behaviours. Breaking down your big goals into small, manageable tasks allows you to build momentum and confidence.

Dr Edwin Locke creator of the ‘goal-setting theory’ found that individuals who set specific, challenging goals and break them into smaller tasks are significantly more likely to achieve their goals, as small wins release dopamine, the brain’s ‘reward’ chemical, motivating you to keep going.

5. Visualise Success—But Also Do the Work

One of the most popular practices in the personal development space is visualisation. Researcg in the field of neuroscience by Dr. Richard Suinn, show that when we vividly imagine ourselves achieving a goal, our brain fires the same neural pathways as if we were physically taking the action. Visualisation can therefore prime us for success.

However, visualising alone is not enough. Earl Nightingale said, "All you need is the plan, the roadmap, and the courage to press on to your destination." Successful people don’t just dream—they take action. Set clear, measurable goals, and do the work necessary to make them happen. Your vision can only become a reality through consistent effort and dedication.

Your vision is yours for a reason. You have within you the power to make it a reality, even if others can’t see it yet. If I had continued to listened to the naysayers and my self-doubt, I wouldn't be where I am today. By surrounding yourself with the right people, silencing the doubters, staying connected to your 'why,' taking small steps, and doing the work, you can turn your vision into reality.

The world needs what you have to offer. Keep going. Your dreams are worth it, and so are you.

Ready to Bring Your Vision to Life?**

If you're tired of being held back by self-doubt and fear, and you're ready to turn your vision into reality, I’d love to help. As a Self-Belief Practitioner, I specialise in mindset mastery, helping women like you unlock their potential and take bold steps towards the life they deserve.

Head over to my contacts page, and let’s explore how we can bring your vision to life. Want to leave some feedback – please leave a comment below. 

Your thoughts and comments are always welcomed!

Selected References

1. Napoleon Hill** – *Think and Grow Rich* (1937

2. Earl Nightingale** – *The Strangest Secret* (1957)

3. Bob Proctor** – *You Were Born Rich* (1984)

4. John Assaraf** – *The Answer* (2008)

5. Psychological Research on Positive Visualization: Research into positive psychology, particularly studies on visualization and goal-setting by Dr. Carol Dweck on mindset (2006).