Believe it or not, the fear of pursuing additional education deters so many people from following their dreams. As we get older, the responsibilities in our lives mount and the prospect of going back to school becomes increasingly more daunting. It’s unfortunate because often times education can make the all difference.

For example, one woman I know wanted to grow beyond her position as an administrative assistant and build a career in business. Getting a college degree seemed all but impossible considering she had recently been divorced, was working full-time and raising three children. She could have easily given into fear but instead she worked diligently towards her degree one class at a time. It took ten years but she went on to graduate with honors and watched with pride as her career (and salary) grew far beyond her expectations.

Pursuing additional education is not a small undertaking, but it can be a life-changing one. Don’t let the enormity of the task scare you off, instead, focus on the amazing impact it can have on your career and your life.

Poet, Wiliam Butler Yeats, on education:

“Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.”

The Fear Series is a ten-week series of posts that explores 10 common fears that dream chasers face.

Are you a dream chaser facing a particular fear? If so, I’d love to hear from you! Please e-mail me at: Erika (dot) Liodice (at sign) hotmail (dot) com.