In a world where the pursuit of dreams is often romanticized, it’s easy to lose sight of oneself along the journey. The reality of chasing big goals—whether they’re career milestones, personal ambitions, or community-driven missions—comes with challenges that can test your resilience, your values, and even your sense of self. In this conversation with Chris Wehan, we dive deep into what it means to remain grounded while moving toward your biggest aspirations.
The Power of Hope
Hope is often seen as a fragile thing—an emotion that can be easily shaken in the face of setbacks. But according to Chris, hope is not just a fleeting feeling; it’s a powerful driver that fuels persistence and creativity. "Hope gives you the energy to keep going, even when things are tough," Chris explains. It’s this energy that allows us to look beyond the immediate obstacles and keep our eyes set on what’s possible.
When we nurture hope, it becomes a foundation upon which dreams are built. Rather than simply wishing for things to change, hope is the catalyst that sparks action. It’s the belief that even if the path isn’t clear right now, there’s potential for growth and change ahead.
Authenticity in the Pursuit of Dreams
One of the biggest risks in chasing dreams is the potential to lose touch with who you are. The pressure to succeed, combined with external expectations, can sometimes pull us away from our core values. Chris speaks to this challenge, emphasizing the importance of remaining authentic in all aspects of the journey.
"You have to know who you are before you can understand where you’re going," Chris says. This authenticity isn’t just about personal happiness—it’s about sustainability. Staying true to yourself prevents burnout and keeps you aligned with the reasons you started pursuing your dream in the first place.
Balancing Ambition with Self-Care
Chasing dreams requires hustle, but it shouldn’t come at the expense of your well-being. Chris highlights the importance of setting boundaries and recognizing when it’s time to pause and recharge. "It’s not about going full speed all the time," he notes. "It’s about knowing when to accelerate and when to take a step back."
This perspective is crucial in maintaining both mental and emotional health during the pursuit of long-term goals. Dreams are marathons, not sprints, and taking care of yourself along the way ensures you have the stamina to reach the finish line.
Community and Connection
Another key aspect Chris touches on is the role of community in achieving dreams. "You can’t do it alone," he states. Building connections with people who support your vision not only provides encouragement but also accountability. A strong community can help you stay grounded, offer perspective, and celebrate the wins along the way.
Chris also emphasizes the value of giving back to your community. As much as you lean on others, finding ways to contribute to those around you reinforces the collective spirit of growth and mutual support.
Final Thoughts: Keep Dreaming, Stay Grounded
The pursuit of dreams is a journey that demands hope, authenticity, self-care, and community. Chris Wehan’s insights serve as a reminder that you can chase big goals without losing sight of who you are. By staying grounded, nurturing hope, and surrounding yourself with the right people, it’s possible to achieve your dreams while remaining true to yourself.
What dreams are you chasing right now? How are you staying true to yourself along the way? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
About Christopher “Beez” Wehan (he/him)
Chris (he/him) was born and raised in Southern California as one of six siblings. A lifelong soccer player, he took a leap of faith in 2012 to join the University of New Mexico Men's Soccer program, where he spent 4.5 years before graduating. Despite going undrafted in the 2017 MLS Draft, Wehan began his professional career with Reno 1868 FC in the USL, where he was named USL Rookie of the Year. His performance earned him a contract with the San Jose Earthquakes in 2018.
In 2019, he joined New Mexico United, marking his return to Albuquerque. After two seasons, Chris signed with Orange County SC before being sold back to New Mexico United for a record fee, marking his third stint with the club. After 2.5 seasons and enduring injuries to both knees, he made the difficult decision to retire from professional soccer.
Now based in Oceanside, CA, Chris has launched his own coaching business focused on helping high school athletes develop their skills and navigate their path to college and beyond. He met his wife, Holly, at UNM, where she competed in track and field. They have a two-year-old son and are enjoying life back in California.
Follow @wehan_14 or visit chriswehansocceracademy.com for more.
