Dreams, we all have them. Some are vivid and sharp, while others are vague and disjointed. While they differ from dream to dream, there is one connecting aspect for all dreams; they will remain a dream unless action is applied. That action is the key to converting a fantastical dream into an achievable goal. But how do you distinguish the difference between the two, and how do you know when to let the dream go? We must first understand the difference between the two.
A dream is infinite with no restrictions, and they are just ideas or thoughts. Nothing keeps us from shooting for the stars because our imagination allows the brainstorming process to soar. There are no risks or barriers to prevent the dream from becoming a reality, and sometimes they never move beyond the dream status. Dreamers and innovators remove the obstacles to problem-solving by stripping away the rules and boundaries to include everything as a possible solution. The dream must be nurtured to a goal to prevent the bright shining star from burning out.
A goal is a dream which is set in motion. Goals require effort through fact gathering, deadlines, and, most importantly, result in completion, whether success or failure. A great plan begins with using tools such as the SMART method or the 5Ws. Either method will help isolate details, resources, or risks and apply milestones and timelines to convert a dream into an achieved goal. Writing a plan, creating a vision board, or recruiting a team is often the first step to converting an ambitious dream into an accomplished goal.
Not all dreams become realized goals. Sometimes they are just lofty aspirations and scenarios. But knowing the difference between them allows us to begin to recognize whether the dream is our imagination looking for a solution or just a break from the mundane. So, what dreams have you imagined? Can they become goals? How would you break the mold from dream to goal?
Written by:
Sandie Balash
Dreams, we all have them. Some are vivid and sharp, while others are vague and disjointed. While they differ from dream to dream, there is one connecting aspect for all dreams; they will remain a dream unless action is applied. That action is the key to converting a fantastical dream into an achievable goal. But how do you distinguish the difference between the two, and how do you know when to let the dream go? We must first understand the difference between the two.
A dream is infinite with no restrictions, and they are just ideas or thoughts. Nothing keeps us from shooting for the stars because our imagination allows the brainstorming process to soar. There are no risks or barriers to prevent the dream from becoming a reality, and sometimes they never move beyond the dream status. Dreamers and innovators remove the obstacles to problem-solving by stripping away the rules and boundaries to include everything as a possible solution. The dream must be nurtured to a goal to prevent the bright shining star from burning out.
A goal is a dream which is set in motion. Goals require effort through fact gathering, deadlines, and, most importantly, result in completion, whether success or failure. A great plan begins with using tools such as the SMART method or the 5Ws. Either method will help isolate details, resources, or risks and apply milestones and timelines to convert a dream into an achieved goal. Writing a plan, creating a vision board, or recruiting a team is often the first step to converting an ambitious dream into an accomplished goal.
Not all dreams become realized goals. Sometimes they are just lofty aspirations and scenarios. But knowing the difference between them allows us to begin to recognize whether the dream is our imagination looking for a solution or just a break from the mundane. So, what dreams have you imagined? Can they become goals? How would you break the mold from dream to goal?