“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” ―Eleanor Roosevelt
Recently, I had coffee with a friend. We talked about family and sports and the weather. At one point, he asked what exciting things were happening in my life.
I told him about my dream to build orphanages and become directly involved in orphan care around the world. I had mentioned the idea to a few close family members, but this was the first time I had told him specifically. He became immediately interested.
The topic soon became the focus of our conversation—though not at all like you might expect. In fact, he knew more about the subject than I did.
He asked dozens of questions. I answered most of them by saying, “I’m not sure. We’re still trying to figure that out. For now, it’s just a dream. I don’t know how I am going to get there.”
It’s not always easy to answer, “I don’t know.” But, in that moment, I was content with my response. I don’t have all the answers. For now, it is just a dream. It is definitely an important one for my wife and me; but still, right now, it is just a dream.
All dreams start as thoughts alone in our mind. And too many dreams end there—solitary thoughts that simply fade away.
The quickest and most effective first step to make dreams come true is to share them aloud. (tweet that)
Of course, this can also be one of the most difficult steps.
We often fear:
- Ridicule. We fear somebody will call us crazy for dreaming. And the more specific we get, the more this fear grows. This can be particularly difficult to overcome if our lives are (or have been) surrounded by pessimistic, negative family or friends.
- Exposure. Rarely do we have all the answers when we first begin. Sometimes, we don’t even know how we are going to get started. That’s okay. But this can be difficult to overcome if we are accustomed to being in control or knowledgeable.
- Embarrassment. There are no guarantees that any dream will be fulfilled in the end. And it may seem the best protection plan against embarrassment is to never tell anyone ever about our desires.
But most of these fears are overblown in our mind. In fact, the benefits far outweigh the fears.
Consider how the simple act of telling our dreams to others helps make them reality. It helps us:
Gain resolve. Sharing our dreams helps remind us why we had them in the first place. We speak positively of the accomplishment we hope to achieve or realistically of the problem we seek to solve. This resolve encourages us to press forward.
Find clarity. By articulating our dreams aloud, we find clarity in understanding their uniqueness. Dawson Trotman once said, “Thoughts disentangle themselves when they pass through the lips and the fingertips.” Speaking your dreams brings greater clarity in your mind and the minds of those around you.
Articulate. Effective storytelling takes practice. Every time we share a story with others we get better at telling it. We learn what points resonate with others, what word pictures stir emotion, and which punchlines result in laughter. On some level, every dream worth accomplishing requires the support of others. Learning to articulate your story better is an essential part of its fulfillment.
Uncover help. People are generous, intelligent, connected. And almost all of them are cheering for you. Your friends and family want you to accomplish your dreams and are willing to help you get there. But they can’t help if they don’t know what you are trying to accomplish.
Recruit accountability. It is one thing to go on a diet and hope to lose 15 pounds. It is something completely different to go on a diet and tell your friends that you are hoping to lose 15 pounds. Suddenly, there is more incentive to follow through with your decision. The simple act of sharing with your friends has granted them permission to follow-up with conversations and provide accountability. This is scary, but this is important.
Inspire others. Your dreams (and subsequent action) have the power to invite others to chase their own dreams with greater urgency. To live and dream is to offer hope. Sometimes the only thing somebody else needs to get started chasing their own dreams is to see someone they love chasing theirs.
We are good people. We desire to live lives of lasting significance.
At the very least, we are a community in agreement that our lives are too valuable to waste chasing material possessions.
You are dreaming big dreams. Be bold this week. Take the next step and share them with someone you love.
Monica T Smith says
My dream is to build retreat centers for women where they can journey deeper in their faith, become devoted followers of Christ, have a safe place to fall apart, heal and be exactly who God created them to be, and provide a safe haven for women who are survivors of human trafficking and domestic violence.
Charada says
Great post. I’m 52, married with a son just out of college who just got a great job at a technology company. My husband and i sold our large home after our son graduated from high school. my husband left his well-paying job over 2 years ago to work on something he always wanted to do. I’m thinking is my term now, but I am not sure what I want to do. One thing is for sure: I don’t want to do what I’m doing now until I retire. How could I start?
joe wong says
Charanda,
a great place to start is to look at the overlap in your life: what are you good at, what do you love to do, and how does it help others. There’s lots of exercises that bring these out in your life. I spent alot of time last year working through those. Look up Aaron Ross and Unique Genius (google him). He’s great in bringing out those things. There is also an entrepreneurial facet to it, if you’re interested in making money in that mix too. Good luck and have fun. joe
Carol Preibis says
Hello Joshua, Great post! I am tremendously inspired by this year’s Nobel Prize winners – Kailash Satyarthi and Malala Yousafzai. My blog post “Change the World” http://www.ahhthesimplelife.com/change-the-world/ includes some information about them.
Cheers, Carol
Sheila Henne says
I have shared with others my desire to learn Afrikaans after discovering some South African singers I just love. I live in San Antonio, TX with nobody around to speak with. But God has clearly pointed me in this direction and spoke to my heart to expose myself to the language and learn what I can. He has laid South Africa on my heart, but I cannot go there for medical reasons. I see the country going downhill, and can only guess there may be another mass-exodus, perhaps to the US. I feel kind of like Abram when God told him to set out from Ur, not quite knowing where God wanted him to go, but knew he was to go. By telling family and friends, they give me ideas to learn the language and seek out Afrikaners to speak with. Yes, a few wondered why not Spanish, which would be more practical in a place like Texas. But God has been clear that Afrikaans is to be MY language. We shall see where this leads…. ;-)
Anonymous says
Hello,
I’m an 18 year old college student and I just started an anonymous blog about my abusive family and financial troubles. I’d like to get more of a following on my blog so I was wondering what tips you have to becoming more popular?
Thank you!
http://www.hopefulfailingfamily.com
Judy says
You are 18, an adult. An anonymous blog that “accepts” donations will not sit right with most people. You could be anyone.
Gladys (The Pinay Mom) says
My dream is to live a simple life and be able to travel different parts of the world.
Angeline says
A wonderfully inspiring post, Joshua. My husband’s and my dream has started taking shape by first moving from a 3200 square foot 4 bedroom house to a 2 bedroom, 1,150 square foot apartment. Letting go of so much stuff has been liberating; and to live in a minimalisticly furnished apartment is so peaceful. Part 2 of the dream being worked on now, our retirement in Mexico. Sometime the dream comes in stages.
Beau Storch says
I’m finding out that this is a process. Following your dreams is one of the most important things we can do for our psyche. Please don’t let anyone tell you that your dreams are nonsense. Follow your own vision as that is the only one that matters. Enjoy the journey, its all we really have.
Judy says
Wow Joshua…your dream is much more noble than mine! Remember, I told you my “dream” has always been to live in an enormous old mansion?! :) BTW—I was orphaned, Joshua. It was horrible. I couldn’t even begin to share here what we kids went through. My best advice would be to start small…first “bloom where you’re planted”. Then your seeds could spread, if you so desire. Just don’t forget about us! :) We love/need this blog! <3
Juli Dempsey says
“When the student is ready, the teacher appears.” Thank you for appearing in my inbox this morning. The student (me) is ready. My dream is to coach individuals who are ready to work toward their best career/life – through the science of positive psychology.