Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work. – Thomas Edison
We tell students – and adults – to follow their dreams. We encourage “following your passion” and “live the life you desire.” All of this is great, wonderful, and exciting, but there is a large caveat. Success takes hard work, dedication, and skill.
When we follow our passion it doesn’t mean things come easily. When we pursue our dreams it doesn’t mean that they are achieved without work. Developing the skills necessary to achieve our dreams may take thousands of hours, countless failures, and endless trials.  
We learn every success and each challenge is an opportunity. Opportunities develop skill, teach lessons, and provide experience. Opportunities are work.  
Don’t fall into the “dream trap” or the “passion fallacy” – you have the opportunity to earn each success you achieve in life.