Big Dreams: An Enemy Or An Ally?

Here is a matter that concerns most of us, even though it often goes unnoticed. Ever since a young age, we start to imagine how the future can be, how other places look like, how it feels like to be successful; therefore we start creating plans and dreams, some of which are big and seem unreachable. Is it good to have those big plans, or will it cause more harm than good?

Let's all agree, it is fun to dream. When you begin to get tired of the daily routine, when it is time to decide for your future and work for it, when you realize you are the only one in control of your life. It is nice to picture being a famous artist, a known author, a successful businessperson, traveling the world and meeting people, seeing different places, to make plans. So you may ask, what could be wrong about dreaming?

Some may say that the obstacles you meet on your way -because there will be- may discourage you, or maybe that by picturing the future you won't be as focused on the present. I must admit there is a point to these ideas. For instance, issues which are not that easily dealt with, like money, can keep you back from your plans. Personally I have this drawback, but it hasn't been a problem. In fact, it has been a motive to fix my economic state and achieve better for myself. I think that the drawbacks are exactly what keeps you going, the spite to prove that you can do it no matter what.  Also, there is no way you won't stay focused on the present, because what you do in the present is what will lead you to success of your dreams. If you understand that, I see no reason why dreams would be an enemy.

I see many reasons, however, that dreams can be an ally. First of all, having dreams gives you a motive to continue working hard for them (practicing drawing, working hard in school/work etc). In moments where you start doubting yourself, your plans can be great motivation to keep going. Moreover, dreaming beforehand helps you with your future plans -how often have people asked you "what do you want to do when you grow up?" or "where do you see yourself in ten years?" and you had no idea what to say? Planning ahead sorts out the confusion, gives you some place to start from. And last but not least, dreaming helps keep your psychology to a good level, gives you an escape from reality, and a purpose to keep trying.

Yes, you may fail. Not every dream is achievable or possible, and sometimes even if you try you won't succeed. But that's okay. It's okay to fail, you are human and sometimes you need to break in order to know what you're really made of, to know how to mend yourself back together. You failed once, doesn't mean you'll fail all the time. We should view failing as a chance to improve, a clue that we need to keep moving forward, make new plans.

But even when you succeed, doesn't mean you need to stop there. You achieved one goal? Great, go for something bigger. There's nothing that can stop you. You achieved all your goals? You must feel amazing, but why not make new ones? Aim higher, and don't be afraid to fail.

Conclusion: yes, big dreams can be an enemy, but only if you view them like this, only if you let them be that. View them as a reason to keep going forward, make them your ally.

Keep dreaming.
~Ky