How Do You Dream?

Dreaming Big: What It Means and Why It Matters 

Dreaming is an intrinsic part of the human experience. From childhood fantasies of flying to the moon to adult aspirations of building empires, dreams shape our identities and drive our ambitions. When I was little, I was taught to dream—to be intentional about it. It wasn't a parent who taught me this, but a guest speaker, a major league baseball player, who shared something that has stuck with me: "Dream BIG, dream often and chase them... for no other reason than they are free and nobody can take them from you." 

Whether we're nurturing our own aspirations or supporting others as parents, colleagues, teammates, leaders, managers, or supervisors, understanding the power of dreams can transform how we approach life and leadership. 

Let's explore some key questions: 

• What does it truly mean to dream? 

• How can we cultivate the practice of dreaming big? 

• Why does it matter? 

• What do we do once we start dreaming? 

Over the years, I've spoken with students from elementary through high school, often asking if they dream. More often than not, 80% or more would respond that they don't. They don't dream. This response reveals an opportunity, not just for these young people, but for all of us who influence others in our personal and professional lives. 

The Essence of Dreaming 

At its core, dreaming is the process of envisioning possibilities beyond our current reality. It allows us to explore our desires, aspirations, and potential. Dreams serve as a compass, guiding us toward what we truly want in life, whether they're small everyday goals or grand visions that propel us toward greatness. 

Imagination and Creativity: Dreaming fosters imagination and encourages us to think outside the box, exploring creative solutions to problems. This imaginative process is essential not just in personal life but also in innovation across various fields. What can you imagine? I vividly remember dreaming of playing in the MLB, visualizing every detail of that pursuit. My dreaming journey started at eight years old and continues today. I've heard "dreaming is for kids"—well, if that's the case, then I'm still a kid. 

Self-Discovery: Dreams often reflect our values, passions, and interests. By examining our dreams, we gain insight into who we are and what we truly want. This self-discovery leads to more authentic life choices and deeper fulfillment. It's also a great way to identify what you're passionate about and it's hard to create, develop, and foster meaningful goals when you don't clearly see what ignites your passion. 

The Power of Dreaming Big 

While dreaming is universal, dreaming big is a choice that can lead to extraordinary outcomes. Big dreams challenge us to push beyond our limits, take risks, and embrace uncertainty. Here's why dreaming big matters, for ourselves and those we lead or influence: 

Inspiration: Big dreams inspire not only ourselves but also those around us. When we articulate our grand visions, we motivate others to pursue their own dreams, creating a ripple effect of ambition and hope. Have you ever been around someone who creates and casts large dreams? I have, and I remember those people in my life with gratitude. Remember, dreams are free and there's no limit—full send! 

I vividly remember sharing my dream as a third-grader during a "self-discovery" lesson. Standing in front of the class with shaking knees, hands, and a quivery voice, I said, "When I grow up, I'm going to play in the MLB and be an Army Ranger." This was met with giggles, but it was no laughing matter for me. As leaders and influencers in others' lives, how we respond to dreams—our own and others'—matters deeply. 

Resilience: Pursuing big dreams often involves facing obstacles and setbacks. This journey builds resilience, teaching us to adapt, learn, and grow stronger through adversity. The challenges we encounter can be some of our greatest teachers. I've learned to view setbacks as process, not failure—embrace it. I promise you, I've failed enough for everyone reading this blog, but that has taught me to reset, restart, and reapply pressure with a deep understanding that "it's process, not failure." When we dream, we can imagine, feel, and experience challenges before actually navigating them, preparing us to react and respond better in real time. 

Goal Setting: Dreaming big encourages us to set ambitious goals that provide direction and purpose, helping us break down dreams into actionable steps. This structured approach makes the daunting seem attainable. My goal was to play professional sports. Not once did I think about the very low percentage of players who even have the opportunity to sign a professional contract. Instead, I focused energy on habits that would support this dream. What actionable habits can you create that align with your dreams? 

Legacy: Big dreams have the potential to create lasting impact through social change, technological advancements, or artistic contributions. More importantly, they can leave a legacy within your family and community. It starts with us, with one person. Dreams are free; all we must do is take them out of our hearts and brains and put them on paper, bringing them into action. A goal or dream that stays in your head isn't what we're after here, get them on a board, paper, computer, somewhere you can hold yourself accountable. 

Overcoming Barriers to Dreaming Big 

Despite the benefits, many people struggle with dreaming big. Fear of failure, self-doubt, comparison, and societal expectations can stifle aspirations. Whether you're working on your own dreams or helping others pursue theirs, here are strategies I've used over the years: 

Shift Your Mindset: Embrace a growth mindset. Understand that failure is part of the journey—your process and an opportunity for learning. Reframe setbacks as stepping stones toward your bigger vision. Swing and swing often. 

Surround Yourself with Dreamers: Connect with individuals who inspire and challenge you. A supportive community provides encouragement and accountability, helping you stay focused on your dreams. This is how I know I'm hanging out with the right people. If you and the people you hang out with don't dream, consider expanding your circle. 

Visualize Success: Spend time visualizing what achieving your big dreams looks and feels like—the more detail, the better. This practice reinforces your commitment and motivates necessary actions. Visualization is a powerful tool that not many people know about or know how to tap into. I'd love to walk you through this process if you're interested. 

Start Small: While dreaming big is important, starting with smaller, manageable goals builds confidence. Celebrate each achievement, no matter how small, to maintain momentum. Consider seasonal goals, high school milestones, job objectives, one-year targets, or family dreams. With each goal, list specific action steps for how you can foster and drive progress. 

Stay Flexible: Life is unpredictable, and sometimes our dreams need to evolve. Be open to adjusting your goals as you gain new experiences and insights. Give yourself grace, patience, and understanding, you'll need it. 

Wrap Up 

Dreaming big isn't just about envisioning a desired future; it's about believing in the possibility of achieving it. It encourages us to explore our potential, embrace challenges, and inspire others. Whether you're pursuing your own dreams or supporting others in their journey—as a parent, colleague, teammate, leader, manager, or supervisor,

remember that every interaction is an opportunity to foster the dreaming process. 

So dare to dream big, and take the first step toward turning those dreams into reality. The world is full of opportunities waiting for those bold enough to pursue their passions and aspirations. Remember, every great achievement starts with a dream, so dream big, dream often, and let your journey unfold! 

They are FREE and NOBODY can take them from YOU.