The saying “Follow your dreams” appears everywhere—from graduation speeches to viral TikTok videos to campaign rallies. But what does it really mean in 2025, and does it still hold up in a rapidly changing world? Recent discussions in the “Follow Your Dreams” podcast reveal that success stories are rarely neat and linear. Listeners heard from Sarah Chen, who left a stable investment banking career to launch a youth literacy nonprofit. For Sarah, the leap from security to uncertainty brought sleepless nights and financial stress but also the profound reward of seeing her work change lives. She—and others who traded corporate jobs for creative or activist pursuits—echo the same sentiment: chasing a passion is never a fairy tale, but the mix of challenge and fulfillment can be life-changing.

That reality is reflected in a new UCLA study showing that while 86% of young people still believe in the American dream, the majority feel blocked by tough economic realities and rising mental health concerns. Over half say they want to see more honest portrayals of these struggles in media, rather than just highlight reels or overnight success stories. Atlas Burrus, a Gen Z writer quoted in the study, summed it up: for many in this generation, just surviving in today’s world feels like an ambitious dream.

Pursuing a dream now calls for both vision and realism. Heather Havrilesky, in her essay “Embrace Your Dreams in 2025,” argues the real challenge is not just going after what you want, but figuring out what is actually worth wanting—what will lead to a flourishing life, not just an impressive resume. The podcast’s guests recommend reflecting on what activities make you lose track of time, setting realistic milestones, and staying open to pivots along the way. Paralympic champion Dylan Alcott reminds us that success can mean rewriting the script, blending sports, music, and activism despite daunting odds.

In the end, following your dreams in 2025 isn’t about chasing a fantasy. It’s about taking small, bold steps toward what excites you, seeking out mentors and support, redefining what success looks like, and accepting setbacks as part of the adventure. The journey isn’t always easy, but daring to follow your passion—however unconventional—can weave a life that feels both authentic and deeply rewarding.