Two-Fifty Tuesday: Dare to Dream… Sort Of

Hierarchy of Dreams

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We often avoid the distinction between dreams and that can lead to frustration and disappointment. Yet if we call out our dreams for what they are, we can manage expectations. Here’s the ladder of dreams:

• Utterly impossible, so no effort is required on my part except my fertile imagination. 
  • Example: flying to the moon. I’d love to see Earth from space. But I have zero interest in what’s required to get there—either as an astronaut or a space tourist. 

• Possible, but way too much work and sacrifice. 
  • Example: travelling around the world for a year. I’d love to experience as many different cultures and places as I can. But I’m not willing to dive into the logistics or financial sacrifices, so maybe I’ll settle for a trip or two every now and again. 

• Possible, but it’s completely out of my control.
  • Example: my blockbuster bestseller becomes a cultural phenomenon. Maybe I could write such a book, but the actual impact depends market forces and readers. My own efforts can only take me so far. 

• Possible, if I’m willing to put in time, energy, grit and perseverance. 
  • Example: writing the best book I know how; searching for every authentic opportunity to find and engage with readers. 

I focus my efforts on the bottom rung; I enjoy imaging the second rung; I’ve let go of the third rung and maybe I’ll simply write a story about the top rung—which, gee, circles back to the dream I do have control over. 🙂