What did you want to be as a kid?

When my daughter graduated from pre-school two years ago they had a special celebration during which all of the kids were asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?”

Lots of kids wanted to be vets, astronauts and superheros, princesses, builders, typical four-year-old stuff. Some wanted to work with their parents which was cute.

Then came my daughter’s turn.

“Caterina, what would you like to be when you grow up?”

“Everything,”she shouted out. Hmmm, I can see her future school report cards:

Bright, but lacks focus…

Three-quarters of respondents to a Learning and Work Institute poll say they still haven't given up on achieving their childhood dreams. Most say they are being held back by self-doubt and a perceived lack of qualifications.

Sometimes you get side-tracked by what is a really good career, it's just not what you wanted to end up doing.

There are steps you can take to achieve your childhood dream, to overcome the self-doubt:

• Speak to those working in the industry you want to be in;
• Enroll in a course to gain qualifications;
• Start doing it as a hobby until you can afford to try it out full time;
• Look for jobs in the same industry and work your way up.

Age doesn't have to be a barrier.

Melissa McCarthy didn't achieve movie success until she was 41 in the movie Bridesmaids.

Bryce Courtney didn't publish The Power of One until he was 50.

Susan Boyle didn't walk onto the state at Britain's Got Talent until she was 47.

Stan Lee didn't create his first successful comic The Fantastic Four until he was 39.

Vera Wang went from figure skater to clothing designer at 40.

Julia Child didn't write her first cookbook until she was 50.

It's inspiring stuff and it's all real. Don't talk yourself out of trying. Never think it's too late. It's never too late to achieve your childhood dream, you just need to do something, anything to set you on the path.

If you think you don't have the talent, start trying it out.

If you think you lack qualifications, sign up for a course and get them.

If you think you can't afford to make the change, start it as a hobby and make the switch as soon as you start earning money.

What are you waiting for?!?