This The New York Times collection of mini interviews really zeroes in on the anxiety of post-graduate life…and the lack of big dreams.

There’s hope in a lot of these reflections and definitely a desire to positively contribute to the world. But the short term tentativeness is painfully evident.

Take Layla Flowers from University of Denver: “I feel the pressure of the world right now. Everything feels like it has to have meaning because everything feels urgent. There’s so much emphasis on, ‘Am I doing something for the world?’”

If there’s anything that will ever keep you from taking the first step, it’s worrying if you are going to make a significant world impact the moment you walk out of university.

While people can be motivated by fear, the better option is to be motivated by inspiration and aspiration. When I graduated everyone wanted to be a great ‘something’.
📽 A show-stopping director
✏ An inspiring teacher
📚 A best-selling author
😎 Even president of the United States (you know who you are)

Now were we aware that we might never reach these goals? Maybe not, which is the downfall of our generation.

Having a dream gives you direction. It gives you a focus. It gives you a North Star to point your career trajectory even if your ship is shaken by a storm. It’s ok to change your Star, but having one makes smaller decisions like what jobs to apply to, what people to network with, what skills to learn much easier.

In short, it’s ok to dream big. Don’t make yourself smaller by default.

To those already in the working world, what were your big dreams?

To those who just graduated or are about to graduate, what can you make yours?