By Keenan Moghaddam
Many of us start out with a clear vision in our minds of where we want to go.
For me, that vision has become clear over these last couple of years. I want to become a producer, a visual storyteller for the UFC. It’s not just a career goal, it’s something I’m deeply passionate about. It’s the kind of obsession that lives in your subconscious, where your mind drifts to it without you even realizing.
I don’t just want to contribute to the world of storytelling. I want to be a driving force. I want to work alongside extraordinary people and create content that inspires, moves, and truly connects with people. I want to draw audiences in and get them emotionally invested in the moments, the events, and the athletes that make it all unforgettable. And when my time with the UFC eventually comes to a close, I know that same passion and mindset will carry me into other creative fields.
But I’m also aware that somewhere along the way, my vision will likely collide with reality.
What lies ahead feels intimidating. As meetings pile up and the pressure mounts, the grind can slowly chip away at your spark. Then come the tempting alternatives like safer jobs and steady routines, which begin to look very appealing. Over time, you begin to realize how your ambition doesn’t disappear all at once. It fades slowly, not through one big decision but through a series of quiet compromises. It doesn’t die suddenly. It just drifts, slowly trading for something more stable, more comfortable.
This is the story behind many lost dreams.
A survey by CardRates.com found that only 14 percent of American adults are working in the job they dreamed of as children, with most giving up on those aspirations by the age of 25. Financial pressure, limited opportunities, and the weight of responsibility are among the most common reasons. I have seen it happen, myself. For some people, there was no choice. They had to set their dreams aside to support a family or handle important commitments that could not wait. But for most, it came down to a lack of will to keep the dream alive. A few nudges and different influences pushed them off course, and they ended up on a path they were not truly guiding. They saw a job opening, and they took it. It gave them stability, and it offered a routine. Resistance wore them down, and in many cases, that decision leaves them with regret.
Navigating our ambitions in today’s corporate world is no easy task. But neither is it all bad.
The key is to be intentional. Do not let go of the goal. Instead, find ways to align it with the company’s mission. Build real relationships. Look for the programs and opportunities that support growth. If you move through it strategically, you will make more progress than you realize, even if it is not always immediate. Learn, gain experience, and grow, but do not compromise what matters most. Clarity of purpose means being able to say no to the things that do not serve you, so you are ready to say yes when the right opportunity shows up. It is about keeping the vision alive, even when the path ahead is not always clear.
I’m still figuring it all out. Between academic pressure, competitive work environments, and family expectations, there’s a lot on my conscience, just like everyone else my age.
I still have time to clarify my vision and gain experience before fully pursuing it. I’ve come to realize that stressing over it doesn’t help. Easier said than done of course. Some people worry so much about their future that it feels like they’ve already lived it. But worrying only hinders progress and blocks opportunities. Eventually, though, a decision has to be made. If you’re truly passionate about your dream, you must hold onto it, no matter the obstacles. I’ve searched for the secret behind how those I admire make it happen, but the truth is, there isn’t one. It’s all delayed gratification.
Rising Stars is a series of thoughts, reflections and perspectives by the interns at Devine + Partners. Keenan Moghaddam is a junior at Temple University studying marketing and digital media technology.
Devine + Partners is a Philadelphia public relations agency. We offer a full range of communications services – from message and content development and media relations to issues management and employee and community engagement.
