Dream Killerzz are people who have done very little with their own dreams but believe they have the authority to tell you why yours are wrong or misguided. They’ve never built it, tried it, or finished it, but somehow they’re available for consultations. Apparently, doing nothing comes with a license to supervise everybody else.
They will shoot you down, put you down, and make you feel like you can’t do anything. Mention starting a business, taking a class, or trying something new, and suddenly you’re facing a panel of experts. Yesterday they needed help finding the flashlight on their phone. Today they’re qualified to review your five-year plan.
Don’t get this confused with people who have actually done something, learned a few lessons, and want to give you valuable input into your life. Those are called mentors, and they are really important. Mentors help you develop a mindset that can guide you away from failure and, hopefully, stop you from becoming a Dream Killer yourself.
A mentor says, “Your plan needs work. Let’s fix it.” A Dream Killer says, “That won’t work,” and considers the meeting adjourned. Learn to tell the difference. Helpful advice may sting a little; it should still give you something useful to do next.
And yes, you need a plan. “Follow your dreams” is inspiring, but your landlord is probably not accepting vision boards as payment. Do your homework. Know what you’re getting into. Be willing to learn, adjust, and hear things you don’t particularly want to hear from people who know what they’re talking about.
Dream Killerzz are people to avoid and to avoid becoming. When somebody shares an idea, resist the urge to greet it with an autopsy. Ask questions. Offer something useful. Remember that not knowing how something will work yet is a perfectly normal part of figuring it out.
Find a mentor. Have a life.
Put in the work, and tell the Dream Killerzz to take a hike. Fresh air might do them some good.
