Helping others make their dreams come true is her biggest passion

On the cover of Catherine Smith’s computer is a sticker that reads “Sooner NOT Later.”

It’s not just an empty aphorism for the Philadelphia life coach and blogger, it’s also a way of life.

Catherine runs a small business that helps people overcome their fears and build the confidence they need to live their dreams. It’s something she calls venture coaching — helping people to identify what they want to do and then crafting a plan that will allow them to do it.

And it was all born out of a challenge to do this very thing for herself.

Living her daydream

After several non-fulfilling jobs and years of listening to others share dreams without ever taking action, Catherine decided she needed to make a change.

“I got frustrated with this whole idea of working to live and never actually getting to take advantage of life,” Catherine says.

So she made a list of goals for herself — 52 to be exact — and then quit her job to pursue them.

Over the course of 52 weeks, Catherine trekked all over the world, checking things off her list along the way — from hiking the Grand Canyon to visiting Bali to going skydiving. She documented her journey via social media and invited others to follow along as she chased after her passions all across the globe.

After starting her business, it became easier for Catherine to keep tackling her bucket list. As a Capital One Bank customer, Catherine leans on places like the Capital One Café as a kind of remote office wherever she is. This allows her the flexibility to mix work and play so she can focus her energy on what she loves.

For Catherine, the greatest joy she can have is helping others to realize their passions and then get out there and live them.

“I want to keep doing things and dragging people along with me,” she says.

Share your story

Spread the word about your own dreams — the #DefineYourDream campaign is seeking additional stories to share with the world.

Are you challenging the status quo or inspiring others to make a difference? Share your story on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter for a chance to be featured. Just use @CapitalOne and the hashtag #DefineYourDream now through February 2 and you could be chosen.

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