The Importance of Owning a Dream

Owning a Dream is fundamental to both personal and professional growth.

Whether it’s a small goal, a grand vision, or a BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goal), having a dream and chasing it is crucial. Let’s dig in…

There’s Power in a Dream

Having a dream gives you direction and purpose. It’s a beacon that guides your decisions, fuels your motivation, and pushes you forward even when the going gets tough. Without a dream, it’s easy to feel lost or aimless, just going through the motions without a clear sense of why.

Gary Vaynerchuk often emphasizes that it’s about the journey, not the destination.

This perspective is incredibly powerful because it shifts the focus from merely achieving a goal to embracing the entire process. When you own a dream, you start to appreciate every step along the way—the challenges, the learning experiences, and the small victories.

Recently I was speaking to a client and he was describing all of the incredible challenges he’s facing in his non profit organization. He described things like staffing issues, community pressure, strategic partnerships deteriorating and while he was talking, one word came to mind, honor.

I said, “I know this sounds odd and not what most people would think, but there’s one word that comes to mind as you describe your situation… honor. What an honor to be chosen and entrusted with so much vision as you face the complexity of the situation and steward it well.”

He said, “I appreciate your perspective on that.”

I can hear your internal dialogue now… “Cool story bro. But why do I need to own a Dream?”

Glad you asked.

Why You Need a Dream

1. Inspiration and Motivation 🌟
   A dream inspires you to get out of bed every morning. It fills you with excitement and energy, making you eager to tackle the day’s tasks. It’s the driving force that keeps you going, especially during tough times. This is why one of my interview questions is, “So what’s the big dream for you?” I want to know what they’re working towards and if we can be a part of making that a reality for them.
   
2. Direction and Focus 🎯
   With a clear dream in mind, you have a sense of direction. You know where you want to go and can make decisions that align with your goals. This focus helps you avoid distractions and stay on course.
   
3. Growth and Development 📈
   Chasing a dream requires you to step out of your comfort zone and grow. It challenges you to develop new skills, gain new knowledge, and push your limits. This continuous growth is essential for personal and professional development.
   
4. Fulfillment and Satisfaction 💖
   There’s a deep sense of fulfillment that comes from pursuing something meaningful. When you own a dream and see yourself making progress, it brings a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction that’s hard to match.

I think you get all of that, but how do you own it? Well, here’s…

How to Own Your Dream

1. Define Your Dream 📝
   Take the time to clearly define your dream. What’s the problem you’re trying to solve? What do you want to achieve? Why is it important to you? Write it down and tell someone!
   
2. Break It Down 🛠️
   Big dreams can be overwhelming, so break them down into smaller, manageable goals. This makes it easier to take actionable steps and track your progress along the way. If you do nothing else, at least tell your favorite AI chat model and ask it to break it down into actionable steps… There’s no real excuse these days.
   
3. Stay Committed 🔒
   Commitment is key to owning a dream. There will be obstacles and setbacks, but staying committed means you keep pushing forward, adapting as needed, and never losing sight of your vision.
   
4. Celebrate Progress 🎉
   Don’t wait until you achieve your ultimate goal to celebrate. Recognize and celebrate every small win and milestone along the way. This keeps you motivated and reminds you of how far you’ve come. And don’t forget to celebrate it with those who are on your team!

Owning a dream is about more than just setting a goal—it’s about finding joy in the process. It’s about pushing yourself to grow, staying focused and motivated, and ultimately finding fulfillment in the pursuit of something meaningful.

But let me leave you with one warning about Owning a Dream:

You can pick the wrong Dream to Own. Not all dreams are created equal and if your dream doesn’t contribute to some sort of positive life change for others, it’s probably not big enough. Ex. If your dream is to “be rich” – I’m going to ask, “To what end?” Wealth is a means to an end. Wealth is a vehicle to do something, not a destination. 

So, what’s your dream? What’s that BHAG that gets you out of bed in the morning? Find it, own it, invite others to chase it with you, and enjoy every step of the journey.

Maybe, just maybe, you were created for it.

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