By Victor Raul Puobabangna Plance from Eggu in the Upper West Region of Ghana
What is it that you’ve always wanted to do but have hesitated, held back by the whispers of doubt and fear? Is it a career change? Starting a business? Going back to school? Perhaps it’s writing that book, traveling to a new place, or standing up for a cause close to your heart.
Have you ever told yourself, “What if I fail?” or “What will people say?” Does the thought of “They won’t accept me” weigh heavily on your mind? Maybe you’ve wondered, “Am I good enough?” or “What if things go wrong?”
We all face these questions at some point. They creep into our minds, paralyse our ambitions, and convince us to settle for less than we are capable of achieving. But 2025 is the year we must dare to break free from these mental shackles. This is the year we choose courage over comfort, action over hesitation, and progress over perfection.
Excuses are comfortable. They protect us from failure but also rob us of success. If we want to grow, we must confront our excuses head-on. The fear of failure, for instance, often looms large. But failure is not the end; it is the beginning of wisdom. Every failure carries a lesson that sharpens our skills and prepares us for greater opportunities. And then there is the worry about what people might say. People will always have opinions, but your life is not theirs to live. Pursue what makes you fulfilled and let their opinions fade into the background.
The doubt of “Am I good enough?” is another obstacle we must overcome. No one starts as an expert. Every master was once a beginner. Start where you are, with what you have, and grow from there. Taking the first step is always the hardest, but it is also the most rewarding.
Dreams are fragile. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to bring them to life. Think of a seed waiting to be planted. If left too long, it may never grow. Your dreams deserve action, and there’s no better time than now.
When you act, two things can happen. You might succeed, and with that success comes the joy of accomplishing your goal and inspiring others along the way. Or, you might not succeed—yet. But even in not succeeding, you’ll gain valuable lessons, insights, and resilience to try again. Either way, the act of trying moves you forward.
To begin, start by clarifying your dream. Write it down. Be specific about what you want and why it matters to you. Break your dream into smaller, actionable steps that you can take today. Replace negative thoughts with affirmations like “I can do this” and “I am capable.” Surround yourself with people who believe in you and encourage your growth. Above all, take the first step. It doesn’t have to be perfect. Just start.
2025 is not a year for “ifs” or “what ifs.” It is a year to dare greatly, to take risks, and to refuse to let fear hold you back. Whether your dream is big or small, know that you have the strength and the capacity to pursue it.
If it works, you will be happy. If it doesn’t, you will learn and grow. Either way, you will be better for having tried.
So, I ask you again: What is it that you’ve always wanted to do? This is your time. Dare to dream. Dare to do.
