Say goodbye to Lola, and hello to Alex Aster, our new resident source of advice. Alex is not only an author, but is also the managing editor of The Newsette. Today, she answers a reader question about following your dreams.

Q: I’m in my mid-twenties, and I have this crazy, outrageous dream to make it big in a creative industry. Problem? I work in a completely unrelated field, and I’m pretty sure all of my friends and family would laugh at me if I went for it. How to I get over my fears? Help.

A: First of all, congratulations on having a crazy, outrageous dream. Tell me, does it give you nervous, swirling chills down your arms? Does it make you feel like there’s a holiday jingle bell constantly ringing in the pit of your stomach? Good. I know all about those daring, presumptuous, sleep-depriving, endlessly needy dreams. And, because of that, I know very well that yours won’t leave you alone until you act on it.
Now, about your fears. Know this–every single successful person you have ever heard of was once called a loon. Vera Wang, who started her famous bridal company when she was 40, after losing out on a major promotion at Vogue? The founder of Alibaba (and now billionaire), who didn’t get hired anywhere he applied, including McDonalds? Vincent van Gogh, who only ever sold one painting when he was alive? Their friends and family likely whispered and made fun of them behind their back, because that’s what society does to those of us daring enough to follow our hearts.
But you know what? Once those same people made it big, do you think anyone was still laughing? No! They were cheering. Saying things like, “I knew it from the start!”
You see, us dreamers, we’re the crazy ones. The ones who are willing to risk everything just to feed that pesky passion that whirls through us like goo in a lava lamp. So go forth, and do what makes you happy. Who cares what people say?
They’ll all be calling once you’ve made a name for yourself.
A tip? Don’t answer.