Hey guys. So I've been thinking lately. My dream for 5 years was to become a UFC champion. The main reasons were because that I love MMA and that I was bullied a ton and wanted to see my old bullies look at me achieving something huge. But lately, ever since I started coping with the death of my mother and starting to find things I really enjoy (anime, video games, hanging out with friends, etc.), I have been thinking to myself if the dream is worth sacrificing my own happiness. I definitely plan on winning at least one fight, but to go that far, I'm not sure. I guess I'm happy with who I am now. Still going to compete in BJJ tournaments and the like, but overall, I am enjoying myself every day. So I ask you guys, is it time to let go of my dream? And, if anyone has let go of a dream before, what was it like and how did it affect you?

It's honestly up to you whether or not you continue chasing your dream as you understand what you yourself wants best. And it's possible that what once was your dream is no longer your dream and that's fine. Perhaps you are happy with the way your life is now. People change over time and so do their dreams. But I am a little confused with what you're explaining. You ask if it's worth sacrificing your dream for your own happiness. So do you not find happiness in trying to fulfill your dream? Do you not find happiness in imaging your old bullies seeing what you've achieved? If not, then why are you even pursuing this dream in the first place?

In terms of how it would feel to let got of a dream, well it's probably different for everyone, but when you're older, you'll probably look back at what you've chosen and wonder if it was the right thing to do? It will probably be impossible to tell if that was the right decision, but you might wonder anyway.

Saying sacrificing my happiness was the wrong thing to say. I meant to say time. I do find a lot of happiness in my training and competing, but I just feel like there are many things that go into MMA. I have no problem with the actual fighting, but the weight cutting, the medicals, the money, etc., I feel would just interrupt my happiness. Maybe my dream is changing. I definitely do want to get in the cage one day though and win. But as for pursuing it for the next 10-15 years, I'm not so sure anymore.

Any other advice?

It's honestly not up to me to say much. You'll have to ultimately decide if all the work you have to put in will be worth for your dream. I'm inclined to say that you should keep pursuing your dream and it's worth your time if you find happiness in it, but obviously you are more familiar with your situation than me.

It's going to feel a bit sad if this is something you've long dreamed of, but as I said earlier people change over time. If you do end up letting go of your dream, just don't feel like you gave up, but instead just think of it as you have a new dream to chase.