Do you have a dream?
There are those moments in time when you can see it, feel it, and for a short moment you live it.
But then you come back to reality. You feel the doubts, the insecurity. The mind starts shelling out questions:
What about money?
What will your friends say?
What about your career?
What if you fail?
It’s scary, overwhelming. You want to do it, to go for it.
Sometimes you even swear “This is it!” but then the doubts start creeping.
I can’t do it.
It’s not realistic.
Focus on your career.
So with all this on your mind, you choose to wait. But there is a problem: As long as you keep choosing to wait, you will never move forward with your dream…
Dreams and Uncertainty
This is the reality of a dream – it is beautiful and scary. It is exciting yet overwhelming.
Dreams and uncertainty simply go hand in hand.
Today I want to discuss two things. First I want to discuss the uncertainty of pursuing a dream. Second I want to provide you with specific actionable steps to deal with uncertainty.
Below I share my story in hopes of inspiring you to take action.
Are Dreams Possible?
Who am I to discuss dreams with you?
My name is Izzy. Three years ago I had it made, or at least that is what it look liked.
I was earning a masters degree in education, in my 4th year of teaching, soon to be running my own school and getting loads of recommendations from fellow educators.
My resume looked impressive… on paper. Unfortunately my resume was only a reflection of what I had done not what I felt.
Inside I was dying.
I was depressed, overwhelmed, and struggled with anxiety. Every night I awoke at 2 am unable to fall back asleep as I ran through the upcoming days events.
Something needed to change, I had to change, my life had to change.
But what?
October 2009
A piece of me knew what I wanted to do, but I was scared to death to do it.
Do you ever have that feeling: You know what you want and it’s frightening?
I did everything they told me to do. I had the secure job, the degrees, the education, the experience… and I was depressed.
I had a dream but it sounded ridiculous, crazy even!
I wanted to be a ninja.
So here I was – 26 years old with a masters degree in education qualified to run my own school and soon would be… but in my heart I wanted to quit it all – to become a ninja.
What do you do?
How would you deal with the uncertainty?
Do you listen to your dream or let it die?
Death or Life
I couldn’t take it. I pulled over to the side of the road. It was midday on a Saturday, cars were flying by, my mind was racing.
Tears flowed down my cheeks.
I was so unhappy.
I don’t know how long I was on the side of the road or if anyone noticed. It’s kind of a blur. But I do remember my thoughts.
That was the moment I said: I don’t know how I am going to do this, and I don’t care - that was the moment I committed.
I committed to being happy.
I committed to finding my purpose.
I committed to following my dream.
But I also committed to finish out the school year. This gave me about 10 months to figure out my life.
It started slow, day by day step by step. I began to read books, volunteer in my community, participate in new activities.
As I did each of these things my spirit started to lift. The books brought me inspiration, the new activities broke me out of my comfort zone.
It was a difficult year, but each day I made progress.
I began to start asking “What if I became a ninja?” “How could I do it?”
Do you see what has happening?
I was beginning to embrace uncertainty. I was beginning to explore it.
As I explored it, answers slowly started to reveal themselves.
A ninja is an expert in martial arts. So I trained in martial arts.
A ninja trains with the best in the world. So I began to search for the best training in the world.
A ninja follows his own rules. So I stopped listening to society. I stopped caring about my resume, my experience and my degrees.
Each and every day as I read another page, tried a new activity, and challenged myself I became more and more comfortable with stretching my limits. At the time I didn’t know it, but I was taking a first class course on embracing uncertainty.
It didn’t happen overnight. It took time. In fact it took about 3 years…
Present Day
Today as I write this, I live in the historical capital of Japan: Kyoto. I train in martial arts up to 5 days a week and work part time to cover my expenses.
Three years ago I quit my job, and made a plan. I committed to my dream.
I have faced uncertainty in so many forms – doubt, insecurity, ambiguity.
Now as I move forward with my dream I continue to face uncertainty. But it is different.
Before I feared uncertainty, now I embrace it.
With uncertainty comes opportunity.
Conclusion
When I first started to move forward with my dream I never could have imagined that it would lead me to the other side of the world training in martial arts. But it has.
You see, uncertainty also means opportunity. If I were to be certain of all the steps and where my dream would take me – I would have done so much less. And now, my dream still has immense uncertainty to it. Where will I go from here? What do I do next? Of course, I have ideas but really I dont know, and I welcome that. In 1 year who knows where I will be.
I am happy with this, thrilled with this. This is because I have learned to embrace uncertainty.
The danger is that we can get so caught up in our own heads that we miss out on the beauty of this journey. A dream never ends. A dream isn’t about an outcome, it is about a journey.
Take Action
I am excited to let you know there will be a follow up post to this one that provides 10 specific actionable steps I took to increase by ability to deal with uncertainty.
For today, I want you to really step back and think about the following questions.
How has uncertainty impacted your decisions?
Are you fighting with uncertainty?
How to embrace uncertainty?
We would love to hear your answers in the comments below.
P.S – don’t forget to come back for the follow up post (this is part 1 in a 2 post series)!
About the Author
Izzy is a crazy dude. He quit his job as a teacher to pursue his childhood dream: to become a ninja. He now lives in Japan where he trains in martial arts extensively. Check out Izzy’s Ninja Tool Kit – books and tools to help you follow your dreams. You can read more about Izzy’s journey at The 30 Year Old Ninja,
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Inspiring story. I have been through a similar situation. I left an established career, making a lot of money to pursue a dream. I couldn’t be happier.
Thanks for sharing.
Dan Garner
Http://ZenPresence.com
Hi Dan,
I’m stoked that you were able to connect with the message
. It would be awesome to hear more about your story here in the comments. I’m sure others could benefit from hearing it. If you got a minute please share it.
Ninja whaaAAAT!?
I just found you (Izzy) through a woman in Thailand named Caroline. I need to send her some form of gratitude. Not only did this post inspire the hell out of me, but you introduced me to a new website!
Remember bro. “I don’t fear the man who practiced 10,000 kicks one time. I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times” – Bruce
Dang man! That quote is blowing my mind
. I can put that into play in my life in so many ways. I love this quote because it hones in on focus and commitment. Both of these are incredibly powerful. Powerful because who knows what we can do if we give ourselves to something.
Tim I am really glad that you can connect with the message
.
Please give Caroline my thanks as well
. I really appreciate that she put out the recommendation.
I left my job to take over a company, im terrified it isnt going to work and ill end up 15k in the crapper with no way to pay it back or pay my mortgage. I wish I had strength to embrace it like you folks do
Peter strength is about taking action. The fact that you feel that fear and you continue to move forward shows courage man.
Courage cannot exist without fear. Now it is simply a question of finding a way to ground yourself so you are in the best position to make smart decisions. Yeah it sounds cliche but have you tried meditation – not once but on a regular basis up to a week.
I’m not talking about one hour of meditation. I’m talking about 5 to 10 minutes. I highly recommend you try it. It is critical you find a way to ground yourself – especially when taking huge risks.
Thanks for the reply. I’ve looked into buddhism for a long long time and wanted to start meditating but its very hard to start. Now there is so much stress and anxiety it seems even harder. I do fear I am moving closer towards failure and the business being forced to close so I’ll need some kind of stress management to deal with that.
I will try.
I will throw out this out too Peter. For every person it is different. So please take my thoughts with a grain of salt. Sometimes the best thing for me to do when I’m struggling is to exercise really intensely which is kind of like the opposite of meditation. I just think it is critical that you find something that allows you to take a step back – especially when you are facing something that can feel overwhelming.
I’ll keep you in my thoughts man. To have success we must be willing to risk failure – you are doing that and I give you respect for it. If you live your life willing to take those risks – that is a life worth living (in my book at least).
Great–inspiring. Follow your heart. I’ve been trying to do that for the last few years. Not easy–but I am alive more then ever. And hey, Izzy: I’m twice your age! Namasté.
Kevalan age aint a number – it’s an attitude. I got friends who are 30 years olds that act like their 60. They talk about the pain in their back, the job they hate, and the life they wish they had.
Then I got my father – he’s the most inspiring man I have ever met.
He’s 67 years old and the dude never quits. I talk to him on the phone and he’s telling me about his newest entrepreneurial idea.
He’s crazy! He had hip surgery so he cannot run, so he has become a crazy walking machine. Now, he likes to go to the local high school and challenge the top athletes to “walking competitions”. These are his exact words. “You might hang with me for a mile, but after that I’ll smoke you. I walk and you walk. You can’t beat me.”
Here is this 67 year old dude challenging the top athletes of the school that are 18 years old! And guess what, so far he is undefeated.
If you have that energy and that fire you are young. Period!
I ran from uncertainty like I ran from ninjas. Then I decided to embrace it – uncertainty, I mean, not ninjas.
Although there is a lot of uncertainty in following your dreams, there is certainty in that you are following your path in life and your calling. What if having certainty in your life meant you’re not really living your life to the fullest? Maybe that’s an extreme way to look at life? But a lot of positives come out of life when you don’t know what’s coming up ahead and forge ahead anyways. Of course, a little preparation doesn’t hurt either for what’s coming.
Vishnu! You just made my mind explode bro!
I feel very comfortable in my own uncertainty today. I can’t wait until these elections are over so I can talk to you.
Vishnu I’m kind of joking but I’m also kind-of-not when I say if a man could make a million dollars commenting it would be you!
This is the line that did me in: “What if having certainty in your life meant you’re not really living your life to the fullest?”Woah! Woah! Woah!
I think that line alone explains the epic struggle we have as humans. On one end we want routine, structure and consistency but on the other end we want challenge, adventure and meaning.
Personally I believe we can have our cake and eat it too. Each day I have routine and structure yet my life is filled with spontaneity. It’s complex yet simple. Confused? Me too
.
Thank you for adding to the conversation Vishnu (As always!).
I think you’ll get a kick out of this: I, too, always wanted to be a Ninja. However, the
closest I’ve come to it is being proficient in Tai Kwan Do.
I am female, married and have three grown children. My family has always stuck by
me even as eccentric as I have always been. I’m now 77 years young and still, if I
had my druthers, would like to be a Ninja!
I loved your story and thank you for sharing it.
Jean
Jean I think that is more awesome than wheat bread! And trust me, I think wheat bread is really awesome
.
I can feel your zest for life through your words. I have a desire to call you “The 70 Year Old Ninja”
.
Thanks for your inspirational story. It has reminded me to chase my dreams!
That is super duper awesome Jana
. I’m glad it inspired you.
Inspirational stuff! Thank you
Thank you for the kind words Andrew. I’m glad message connected with you
.
Izzy I didn’t know what a Ninja is, except the image of the toy in the store. Happy to meet a real live Ninja
I embraced uncertainity and a childhood dream to visit far away lands in a big way by coming to the US from India first as a graduate student and then ultimately quitting my cozy job as a city planner.
I was deeply unhappy with seemingly having everything that society and culture propels you to become. The values of two different cultures kept clashing within me.
Strangely all these conflicts put me in touch with “what is it that I value?” What would I love to do if I had all the money and time in the world? So I went silent periodically to unplug from all kind of social and family demands to be able to listen to my calling – life’s calling.
It has been a fascinating exploration of living with mindfulness, joy, spontaneity and resonating with something greater than ‘my’ personal life. I am enjoying this highly co-creative unfolding process. Now the ‘dream’ has pulled me in, or so it seems.
With mindfulness, I find it easier now to recognize, accept and let go of all clinging to pleasure and aversion to pain; all need to resist, blame, control, and criticize; need to please and live by other’s expectation or justify limiting beliefs.
There’s nothing like being content and “dreaming awake.”
with loving-kindness
mita
Mita this is such a wonderful comment.
You bring up so many fascinating points. It is clear that you are willing to take step after step to follow your dream. I am a believer that a dream isn’t about an outcome it is about the journey – which sounds cliches but it’s the truth. Your comments on “mindfulness” reminded me of this.
I would agree that my dream has taken me over, rather than I taking over it. In many ways it is very spiritual for me. The second I start focusing on “me” “me” “me” I get off track.
But when I step back and focus on the beauty of the mystery everything slows down and ironically I end up making more progress. But even more important I enjoy the progress.
It sounds like you have quite an incredible story. I cannot imagine what it would be like to adjust to American culture. Your story is evidence of the power of experience. Experience opens our eyes to things we otherwise never could have imagined
.
Keep on following the dream Mita!
.
I hope someday I will write and produce something extraordinary.
I want to write a book and follow my dreams to really change lives and not
Just talk about it.
Your story is amazing
Ninjas are awesome.
Best wishes
Thank you for the kind words Sheila. I agree Ninjas are awesome
.
I have to throw this out Sheila: You can make it happen if you commit and focus. I know it sounds kind of cheesy but it’s real! Belief is important but way more than that is taking action – even if you take action with doubt and insecurity it doesn’t matter. Because if you keep going a dream can turn into a reality.
I hope that today you write your first page of that book!
.
Thank you for sharing your story. It has really inspired me.
Wishing you all the best
XXXX
I am thrilled that it inspired you Colleen. Make sure to come back for the follow up post
. I also noticed you subscribed at my site. Glad to have you join the party! 
.
Great post Izzy. Reminds me of the great quote: Your life expands, or contracts, in relation to the amount of courage you have.
It’s scary to pursue your dreams, but if you have the courage to do so, your life will only grow and grow.
Casey
“It’s scary to pursue your dreams, but if you have the courage to do so, your life will only grow and grow.”
Your busting out some pretty good quotes yourself there Casey
. I like that last one!
Courage is a fascinating thing to me – because the only way to be courageous is to have fear. If were not scared it’s not courageous. Correct? Therefore the more scared a person is the greater the opportunity for courage. I think that is pretty cool!
OK, can I just say that’s the coolest thing I’ve read in a longtime?! You dreamed of being a Ninja and then did it. A NINJA! A real Life NINJA, that’s about as close to a Superhero as they come.
You also were not being ‘born into it’, you fought doubt and insecurity and all the usual pressures. I am so impressed and so inspired, I’ve shared your message, hope I can get it out to more.
Thanks for sharing!!
Oh Zivana your words put such a big smile upon my face! Thank you
.
The reason I write is because I want to show the world that it is possible to follow a dream no matter how crazy it is. As long as a person is willing to take the necessary steps, commit, and push no matter what it can happen.
Thank you for sharing the message. I appreciate it so much!
What an enjoyable, inspirational story. This fresh perspective on uncertainty will help make my journey in pursuing my dream. Thanks for sharing.
Hello Kisha
. Thank you for your kind words.
I’m really glad this will help you take action towards your dream. Please come back for the follow up post. In the follow up post I share 10 practical to improve our abilities to deal with uncertainty.
Thanks for commenting.
Love hearing your Story Izzy! I know some one that had the same dream… but did nothing with it. It is awesome to see living examples of people following their dreams
Hi Lori
.
Following our dreams all comes down to one simple concept: we have to take action. Yes of course there is more to it then that but without action it is not possible.
Thanks for the kind words and taking the time to comment Lori. I hope you come back for the follow up post
.
I became self employed 10 months ago. I had dreamed about it for over a year, and as I became disenchanted with my work life, I decided to move on. The hardest part of being self employed for me, is uncertainty of money. I can deal with most other uncertainty, but a regular paycheck makes life comfy in my view. At the start of the journey I didn’t know how I was going to pay the bills past January, but here we are in October, and still keeping up financially
Indeed, uncertainty keeps me awake at night sometimes, however nowhere near as much as I was kept awake with ideas to start following my dreams. The thing I’ve come to embrace about uncertainty tho, is that it inspires action. Nothing like not knowing how your next bill will get paid to get you on the phone to a client or drafting up that proposal for your next project! Procrastination is much harder when uncertainty is rearing its ugly head.
Thanks for the post Izzy, I’m looking forward to seeing your 10 actionable steps
Sometimes that is what a dream is all about – being will to face the uncertainty of a dream is less painful than the uncertainty of living a life of anxiety and depression. I don’t mean to put words in your mouth I don’t know if you were ever depressed. But in my case before I decided to pursue my dream I was overwhelmed with anxiety and depression from my previous job so even though “becoming a ninja” was very uncertain – I would much rather face that than to continue down the other path.
I give you so much respect for following your dreams and moving forward with uncertainty. Aint nothing more powerful than taking action.
And although you feel fear at times this is what also makes your choice courageous. Sometimes we make choices when the only option is to either quit or be courageous (as is the case with your position) – I love that you are daring to live a life of meaning and purpose Amelia
.
Hi Izzy
Your story is my story, but with a twist, I am nearly thirty years older.
My last major transition was when I was your age.
Some would have called that my quarter life crisis and this my mid life crisis.
I see neither times as a crisis but turning points in life where I had no choice because I had slowly developed an awareness that I was not being authentic to what I valued.
I look forward to reading your follow up post as I’m interested as to whether your 10 steps align with the steps I followed.
Three years later I am far removed from that person who so needed to know how to control the future in order to prevent bad things from happening.
I am happy to live with uncertainty because I now understand that the future is uncertain for everyone.
Hi Priska
.
Learning to live with uncertainty is crazy powerful
. The reality is that we are going to face uncertainty so the more able we are of moving forward in uncertainty the more we can enjoy the beauty that life brings our way.
It’s beautiful to hear that you have grown so much in 3 years Priska
. Keep on keepin’ on!
This is soooo scarey! Although I may have it easier than many – my decision to change careers was triggered by a major health event (I can no longer do my old job) so CHOICE never was an issue. But when you see the money running out, and the new stream of income starting very slowly, you second guess yourself.
I’m hoping that your next post will inspire me to keep going (although I’m not so sure I have a choice)!
Hi Doug,
Courage is moving forward in the face of fear. This means you are being courageous man. You do have a choice in the matter. You can make money and stay in your home or don’t make money and you become homeless.
Your feet are to the fire. Which as you put it is scary but also powerful. It is a day by day process. I hope you are focusing on your present day and not worrying about the end of the month. Yes, it is difficult but that is the key to focus-being present.
I hope the follow up post is able to help you as well.
I’m so happy for you, Izzy! Your story is a great inspiration for the rest of us. I’m teetering on the edge of uncertainty too. Thanks for the push.
I’m so very happy that this post resonated with you Sandra
. Uncertainty is scary but it is also beautiful because there is opportunity in the unknown.
Come on back for the follow up post where I get way more practical – I hope it can help you out
.
Hi i have just started out to change my world and i am reading and trying to get over my fear of doing things.and learning the different in setting a goal and taken action, so i am happy that izzy talked about the action he started to take an getting to his dream.thank you so much for shearing this is a journey i am looking forward to taking .
Tricia
Well Tricia I am really excited that this has can be included in the many things you are doing to find inspiration
.
Taking action is incredibly powerful. I always encourage people to take the first step because we never know where that will take us.
Please drop on by for the follow up post as I think it will really be able to help you out
.
Izzy, you are a Legend!! What a huge transition to make and succeed!! I’m similar in the sense that I too am transitioning out of education! I’m a writer with some massive goals that you wouldn’t believe! You make me feel it’s all possible! Can’t wait for your next post!! Thanks for the inspiration!! Peace x
Haha! Try me Pushkina! I’d love to hear your goals
. Remember your talking to a dude who is about to turn 30 and wants to be a ninja. I think it’s ALL possible.
At the same time I must say big goals are only relevant if we are willing to take the daily steps to get there. Anyone can dream big, but what separates those that do and those that don’t are the day to day steps.
Izzy,
thank you for sharing your story! You brought a big smile on my face and I have to tell you I don’t remember when I was smiling last time..I love Vishnu’s quote” What if having certainty in your life meant you’re not really living your life to the fulest?”
I start thinking that this is my case also..I want to be sure of tomorrow, but I want uncertainty, I hate routine..I’m scared to change all my cozy life with something that I just dreamed about..
What I understood is that I’m keeping my partner from chasing his dreams also..and that is unbelievably selfish from someone who loves him more than life..I have to do something..
Monica
Well Monica it starts above all else by recognizing a change must happen. You have taken that step. Now you have to take the even bigger step. You can sit down with your partner and ask them about their dreams.
My father has a line that I just love – he says “When all else fails, try the truth.” So sit down with your partner and just be honest. Ask how you can support their dreams.
Fear is part of the process. But I think fear is most overwhelming when we focus on the massive huge outcome we want to occur. Once we break it down to daily steps it becomes way more manageable. The first question is: What is your dream? If you don’t know that is perfectly okay. Now, is a wonderful time to start exploring options. If you do know then identify that very first step you can take – and do it today.
Of course, fear will always be part of the process but it can be minimized if you take it one day at a time.
I have just been doing some research for my book and found your story – “fortune favours the brave” in my opinion and your experience echoes this – to say “well done! ” seems a bit tame as a comment but I truly mean it.
Tame or not – it still puts a huge smile on my face. Sometimes more can be said with less.
I feel those words are powerful.
Thank you Carole.
Hi Izzy
Your dream sounds very different but so inspiring and I related to it.
I am a worrier and a while back went through a very depressing time with uncertainty at my job but also realized I hated it anyway. My husband gave me the strength to quit without another job which I have never done in my life. I was totally scared but felt relief when I did.
I literally landed myself a job with a friend within a couple of days anyway. I soon realized again I have been following everyone else’s suggestions at what I SHOULD do in my working career. I didn’t really like my jobs at all, thought I did. Anyway I had long ago developed a passion to travel and worked two jobs and studied to achieve my first big holiday.
This is my passion, planning holidays. I have managed to survive my boring job by planning my holidays throughout the year. I now want to plan everyone’s holidays. I want to be in the international travel industry. I have no ‘experience’ working in the field but. Have done my share of travels and I have this passion so deep that I actually KNOW I would be good at it. Anyone who knows me knows I am always doubting myself but they believe in me, which I then feel more pressured.
I actually found a course in travel on sale at a third of its normal cost and took this as a sign that it was meant to be. I don’t know how it is all going to be achieved yet as I have 2 children who are primary school aged with a husband who works afternoon and evening and we have no extra support, but it will happen! I keep telling myself when I have completed my course I will find a way.
So your story has truly inspired me to know that what I dream of can happen.
A great story Izzy!
I have only just read someone else’s blog about the need to give yourself permission to do what it is you want to do, rather than always thinking you have to get permission from someone else, and that gels nicely with what you have written here.
Super duper awesome Graham dragon
It is a pretty wild thing – the concept of doing what we want to do. Sometimes it is very difficult because what we think we want to do is actually what others want from us. This is why it is so powerful to really step back and reflect on our lives and ask “What do I want?” If we actively search long enough we shall find it!
Thanks for commenting.
This is such an amazing article and so inspiring… I have also bumped into my own realm of uncertainty when I decided that I wanted to blog… and it is so scary to go after the one thing that matters most you because of the fear of failure. Reading this give me solace that I am making the right decision! You have some serious balls to do what you did! and I guess that means do too.. yay
Hello Karen
. I remember you from the wonderful comment you put on my most recent post 
.
Starting a blog can be super scary- we are putting ourselves out to the world. It’s easy for others to judge us, to criticize any little mistake. With a blog we reveal so many things to the world – our thoughts, our grammatical skills, our ability to write, just to name a few. That is so scary.
I remember when I first started I would often make stupid typos. It was kind of embarrassing to have a graduate degree in Education and to be writing posts online with misspelled words – but in time I got better at it
.
Keep on going – we both got balls! Metaphorically of course.
hey Izzy..
where’s the 2nd part of this post?
please leave a link in reply..
and answer me in 1 word
WHAT TURNS UNCERTAINTY INTO OPPORTUNITY?
thanks:)
Hello Ammara,
Here is the link to the second post: http://goodlifezen.com/2012/10/16/10-ways-to-embrace-uncertainty-part-2/ It is called: 10 ways to Embrace Uncertainty Part 2. It is still on the front page as of Friday November 9th, 2012.
In 1 word – What turns uncertainty into opportunity?
Faith.
I really love reading this, just liked it a lot
Awesome Sunil
. That is so wonderful to hear.
I just finished reading everyones comments and your responses, and I feel inspired but I am completely terrified, my job was eliminated and I am back looking for a job at 46. I was making good money but I wasnt happy, and like you was depressed and overwhelmed with my job. I know this will sound stupid but I don’t know what my dream is or what the makes me happy. Like others I have always been there to please others and now I am so lost. I will try to have faith, but thank you for inspiring blog. It’s helped me more than you know.
Bless you,
Linda
Hello Linda
.
First off, that doesn’t sound stupid at all! One of the most important things we must do if we are going to find our dream is to admit to ourselves” I have no idea what my dream is.” By acknowledging this it allows you to begin exploring different options.
Go ahead and check out this page: http://www.30yearoldninja.com/conversation
I will sit down with you via skype and we can go through a process and break down exactly what you want out of your life
. I’d love to hear from you. Check out that link and see if it is something that works for you. I’d love to help 
.
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