Sunday, February 8, 2009

Dreamer or Doer?

I'm a HUGE believer in dreams. And not just any old dream. BIG dreams. Dreams that can fundamentally change yourself, 1 person or 1 million people. A dream that gives you hope and a reason to wake up everyday. So, if you're not dreaming - now is a good a time as any to start. Why? Simple.
  • No one can tell you what to dream.
  • It doesn't cost you anything to dream.
  • It's the first step in actually making what you want a reality.

I have a good friend who often reminds me of something I told her years ago about dreams: "If you tell someone your dream and they don't laugh - it's not big enough." Now she's dreaming bigger than ever - and yes, people are doubled over, holding their sides, laughing at her.

Perhaps you've experienced the same thing. Have you ever said you were going back to school, starting your own business, going for a promotion, writing a book, competing on American Idol, starting a non-profit, adopting a child, becoming an Olympic champion, getting drafted by the NBA, NFL, MLB, or WNBA, winning Miss America, winning Mrs. America, or making it work with your spouse and all you got was a snide remark, lack of support or the advice to not waste your time? It takes a strong person to ignore the naysayers and refuse to let go of the dream.

But the one thing you have to remember about dreams is that they reside in the realm of possibility. It lives in the area of what could be. It reminds us that more is available to us. However, you have to be prepared to pull your dream out of the realm of possibility and into the realm of reality. How do you do that? By taking action. By becoming a DOER.

I've met many dreamers. They are family, friends, clients, previous co-workers, and casual acquaintances. Actually, there's no lack of dreamers. However, there is a shortage of doers. These are the people that actually work to make their dreams a reality.

So go ahead, dream - and make sure people are laughing at you. But don't forget to get busy - doing what it takes to make your dream a reality.

7 comments:

  1. I would also add be selective about those with whom you share your dreams. Dreams are so personal! Share them with those people who can lift you up and support/encourage you (after they stop laughing of course! ) :) I refuse to waste my time sharing my dreams and ambitions with negative, unhappy, miserable people. Those who are so unhappy within themselves that they put their energy into finding every possible roadblock imaginable and discouraging you from going after what you want. Some people dream of success.....and others wake up and work hard at it. I say dream big but don't just talk about it-BE about it.

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  2. Amen!!! And don't just refuse to share your dream with them - run away from them! Many times, these people are the ones that are closest to us. Learn to love them from a distance. Don't let their misery ooze onto you.

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  3. Thank you Doreen for a wonderful post. I see way to often people not striving to reach a Dream out of fear........the fear of failure, you must first get out of your comfort zone and act before you can succeed. I have known many people who are so talented never reach full potential because they do not believe in themselves! We have 1 shot in this life and I for one don't want at the end to say I could have been this or that but I just never tried.

    Oh and on a side note I welcome laughs, just makes me wants something that much more!


    Lisa T. (LAT GIRL) Future National Figure Competitor!

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  4. I agree with the concept of not telling EVERYONE your dream. Some people will never get it, will never venture out of the box, and will never support your big dreams. Surroung yourself with people who will laugh, but then will turnaround and support you in whatever way possible. Also, surround yourself with other BIG dreamers. I myself am a dreamer and "not yet" a doer, but I live to be around dreamers so that when I do become a doer, I'll be in good company.

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  5. I think that it is important to surround yourself with the right "mix" of people at all times. I truly believe that why you need positive, encouraging people around to keep you motivated, you also need people who you trust that will be honest with you with their feedback and assessments of you. They are not around to kill your dream(s) but to help you sharpen your tools needed for sustainable success.

    And I kind of agree with Lat Girl, a few laughs from naysayers aren't always a bad thing. You just have to be strong and committed enough to endure those and use them as additional motivation. Dream on!

    R

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  6. Lat Girl - You hit the nail on the head. Fear is a paralyzing thing - fear of success and fear of failure! I love the saying - Feel the fear and do it anyway!

    Colette - I agree - there are 2 kinds of laughs - one that says "get a grip" and the other that says "it's ridiculous but if anyone can do it - you can". And I would venture to say that you are more of a "doer" than you think!!

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  7. They are still laughing at me and I laugh with them. We'll see who's laughing in 5 years! :) Start saving your money -- you'll want to be there to share the experience.

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