Have you ever had a dream that felt completely out of reach? One of those “impractical” or “too big” goals you pushed aside because life got in the way, or because the steps to get there seemed impossible?
I know exactly what that feels like.
I remember standing outside the ER doors, staring at the hustle and movement on the other side, and wanting so desperately to be a part of it. At the time, I was a nurse working in Med/Surg, but the ER was a more skilled nursing position, and I wanted in. I was someone who dreamed of being one but didn’t know if it was possible. The fear of failure, the logistics, the “what if I can’t do it?” thoughts—they all felt bigger than the dream itself.
But the thing about dreams is that they don’t go away. They sit quietly in the background, waiting for you to notice them again. And when you do, they’re there, asking: What if this time is different?
The Year to Revisit Your Dreams
What if 2025 is the year you finally go after it? That dream you set aside—whether it’s going back to school, starting a side hustle, transitioning to a new role, or creating and living a life you love—what if you decided it was possible?
One thing I’ve learned from my own journey and from coaching others is that possibility starts with a thought. You don’t have to believe 100% that it will happen right away. You just need to practice the thought: Maybe it’s possible.
When I started to shift my thinking, I found proof that I could do hard things. I looked back at other times in my life when I achieved something that once felt impossible—like becoming a nurse in the first place. I realized that the same determination and small, consistent actions that worked before could work again. And they did.
Directing Your Brain Toward Possibility
Your brain loves to focus on what feels safe, predictable, and comfortable. That’s its job—to keep you alive. But achieving your dreams requires you to redirect your brain toward possibility. It’s like gently nudging it out of its default mode and asking it to consider something new.
Here’s how you can start:
- Practice the Thought: Each time your brain says, “This is too hard” or “I can’t do this,” counter it with, “I’ve overcome challenges before—I can handle this.” Over time, this practice builds self-trust and opens the door to possibility.
- Find Proof from Your Past: Think of a time when you accomplished something that felt impossible. Maybe it was finishing nursing school, raising a family while working, or navigating a tough situation at work. What strengths did you use? What steps worked for you then?
- Borrow Strategies That Worked: Look at what helped you succeed before. Did you break the goal into smaller steps? Did you rely on support from others? Use those same strategies to start moving toward your dream now.
- Take One Small Step: You don’t need a perfectly detailed plan to begin. Start with one small, manageable action that moves you closer. Every step builds momentum.
You Are Closer Than You Think
Dreams don’t require perfection; they require persistence.
One of my clients, a nurse who dreamed of becoming a nurse educator, felt stuck for years thinking it was too late. With a few mindset shifts and small, consistent steps, she not only achieved her dream but discovered a newfound passion and influence in her career. Whether it’s becoming a nurse, finding a new career path, or designing a life that feels extraordinary, the key is to start. Just start.
When I finally stepped through those ER doors, everything changed. That one decision to believe it was possible led me to where I am today—not just as a nurse but as someone who helps others achieve their own extraordinary lives.
Ready to Go After It?
If you’re ready to stop setting your dreams aside and start creating a life you love, I can help you turn those dreams into actionable goals and make them your reality. Logan Health Whitefish employees have coaching included in their benefits package—this is your opportunity to take advantage of personalized support to how nurses achieve their goals and turn their dreams into reality.
I’d love to hear from you—what’s one dream you’re ready to revisit this year? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
This is your year. What if you decided to go after it?
Reminder: as part of the benefits offered at Logan Health, employees get free coaching sessions. You can book a coaching session here.
Or, if you are not a Logan Health Employee, you can book a consultation to learn how to work with me here.
P.P.S. Liked what you read? Join my email list, where I dive deeper into these concepts and teach you HOW to put them into practice in your everyday life. And don’t forget to follow me on Instagram (@christineseager_) or Facebook (@seager.christine), where I share both teaching moments and real-life examples of this work in action.