The power of Practical Dreamers — are you one?

rupin jayal
Jul 20, 2017 · 5 min read

I couldn’t find the sports car of my dreams, so I built it myself ~ Ferdinand Porsche

We all have dreams. They could be about success and fame. About possessions. A more adventurous life. That amazing partner that you wished you had. Doing something different and more meaningful. Dreams that feel like aspirations, goals and destinations. Glistening in the light of our hopes. But with pathways to them, obscured by the mists of our doubts.

And then there those amongst us for whom the dreams illuminate pathways. For them dreams are destinations. And they are inspirations. They understand that great advancements have happened because someone believed in the dream. A dream that seemed to be out of reach. But a dream to which they believed they could find a pathway.

There are three types of dreamers. The spectator dreamers. People who dream and then admire it, like we do a work of art. A virtuoso musical performance. Or a feat of impossible athleticism. Something we wish we could do, but “know” that it’s impossible.

Then there those who dream. And then set out on the path. Ambitious dreamers. They believe they can achieve their dream. But underestimate the cost. Like the legendary Jesse Owens said, “We all have dreams. But in order to make dreams come into reality, it takes an awful lot of determination, dedication, self-discipline, and effort.” And they often give up with the dream unrealised. When, with a little more effort, a little more time. And most important, a little more belief, they could’ve realised it.

And then there are those for whom inherent within the dream is a pathway. They are Practical Dreamers. These are people who have a “solution mindset”. They are the ones suggesting ways to deal with challenges. The ones providing a sparkling stream of ideas. People who prefer to be idea angels rather than devil’s advocates. So when they have a dream they’re already figuring out ways to realise it. The following characteristics define them:

  1. They are constructive optimists. Audacious realists. They treat a challenge, an idea or a dream, as a stimulus. When faced with a challenge they evaluate it. And then start thinking of ideas of how to overcome it. When they come up with an exciting idea, they immediately supplement it with ideas on how to actualise it. And when they have a dream they enthusiastically start figuring out ways to realise it.

    A key characteristic is whenever they talk about their dreams, they’re as excited about how they’ll make it happen. No detail is too mundane. No aspect is too trivial. And they are open to ideas. To criticism. To the naysayers and the appreciators. Criticism is a stimulus for more ideas and solutions to realise their dream. A naysayer is an opportunity to increase their confidence of realising their dream. Because every challenge and criticism helps them address potential pitfalls. Maybe by considering something they might not have thought about. And therefore help them get closer to realising their dream.
  2. They understand that the pathway to a dream comprises many small and often mundane steps. They chart those steps out and then are assiduous in following them. Like an ultra marathoner they seek to achieve what seems to be impossible. But they don’t focus on the entire journey all at once. They find ways to get going. Focus on what needs to be done stage by stage. And then get their hands dirty making it happen. They appreciate that each step brings them closer to realising their dream. They focus on the distance covered and not on the effort taken.
  3. They’re focused on achieving their dream. They also appreciate the need to be flexible on the pathway to it. So they collaborate. Look for solutions. Don’t get daunted by challenges. And don’t get caught up in “conventional wisdom” and arbitrary rules. The emphasis is on making the dream a reality. If something new has to be invented they try and do it. Or get it done. It is a rare dream that can be accomplished by one person alone. So they network, partner up and build a team. As more people become involved, each brings their own perspective and expertise to realising the dream. Practical Dreamers are flexible enough to accept these inputs. Because it helps make the dream more realisable.
  4. Their heads may be up in the stars — imagining what could be when they realise their dream. But their feet are firmly planted on the ground. Because realising the dream is as important as conceiving of it. It is important that both work together. Ensuring that the primary vision is protected prevents corrosive compromises. Ones that could dilute and hobble the original intent of the dream. A constructive, practical mindset ensures that ways are found to overcome challenges. Solutions found for problems that will invariably come up. And all of this sustainably managed. No headlong rush to try and realise the dream. And no pontificating on the sidelines about how the dream could be realised.
  5. And Practical Dreamers are stubborn. The only thing they will not accept is outright rejection of their dream. And by “conventional wisdom” and “common sense”. The past is strewn with famous predictions by experts of the time. And it is amusing now to see how wrong they got it. Because their “reasonable” and “logical” predictions did not take the power of human ingenuity into account. Practical Dreamers leverage the power of human ingenuity. And create new realities.

You’re a Practical Dreamer if:

  1. Every dream, idea, challenge or problem sparks off doable ideas on how you can actualise or overcome them.
  2. You think that the journey to realising your dream is stimulating and not arduous.
  3. You treat inputs, criticism and ideas as fuel for your drive to realise your dream.
  4. You understand the value of and seek out partners who can help your dream become a reality.
  5. You’re very stubborn about your dream. You listen to the naysayers because they may reveal a challenge you hadn’t thought about. But you do not allow them to impact your conviction for your dream.

Many of you have a dream that you’re secretly harbouring. The positive, constructive Practical Dreamer in you can realise it. And you might just change the world.

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