Will Your Dream Fly?
Key questions to test if your dream is flight worthy.
Can Dreams Fly?
Some of our dreams may not fly. Dream building takes work and persistence. That’s why we started from childhood. We pretended and played. We could be anything; a ballerina, superman, wonder woman, a football hero, baker, movie star, hunter, explorer, and so on. We built things like cars, boats, rocket ships, cupcakes, works of art and whatever our imagination enticed us to build. Our brains were building the skills of experimentation and we were discovering our preferences.
Even as adults, we will probably go through several dreams before something sticks. That’s normal. We aren’t allotted just one dream in life. But how do we know if our dream will fly? Are there clues we should look for? This is a good question!
There are a few criteria that can indicate whether a dream has a good chance. Here are some key questions to ask about your dream.
Is it possible?
If someone has done something similar, then we know it’s possible.
Can you do it?
Learn the difference between being a fan of something and being able to do it. There is absolutely nothing wrong with being a fan. If you really love something, but can’t do it, then maybe you are a patron of the arts.
Are you willing to put in the work?
There is a major difference between a dream and a hobby. A hobby is relaxing and entertaining. A dream is a commitment. A dream is sometimes stressful because we have to learn many things.
Is it meaningful to you?
A dream should give you a sense of fulfillment and give your life meaning. If it doesn’t, then it’s a job.
Does it align with your purpose?
A purpose gives us direction. Our dream should help us move in the direction we want. Our dream should help us accomplish our purpose.
Does it take advantage of your natural talents?
Talking? Thinking? Building? Organizing? What do you do naturally? Our dreams should leverage our natural talents.
Does it benefit people you care about?
Our dreams are for our fulfillment, and for the benefit of others. Do you care about the people you choose to serve? Do you feel connected with them? Would you enjoy hanging out with them at a conference? That’s a good clue you are serving the right people.
Is it worth your time?
Our dream must be worth our time. If we begin to feel that a dream is not worth our time, it might be time to reevaluate, and maybe move on. I love modern furniture, but I just can’t see devoting my time (my life) to this interest. It will always be a strong interest for me, but not a dream.
Can you do it year after year?
Some things come to an end. Some things become boring. But somehow, a dream will keep us excited year after year. If you can go a year, two, or three, and still experience growth and challenges, you are probably on the right track.
Do you want to get better at it?
The guitarist Andres Segovia practiced daily, well into his nineties. There is always room to grow and improve.
These questions can rule out a lot of fantasies, hobbies, and interests, but we have to start somewhere. The key is to start with what you want to do, and let your dream be your teacher and guide.
To your success!
James Wilder
If you are ready to become a founder and start living your dreams, then read my FREE book FOUNDER, where I go into more detail about building a solid foundation for your dreams.
