Visions vs. Dreams: The Battlefield between Ideation and Fulfillment

More often than not, these two terms can be confusing and yet sometimes they are used interchangeably. However, do they really mean the same thing?

Having over time had mentors and role models who achieved their dreams, I have come to believe in the power of dreams. It was Steve Jobs who said, and I quote, “those who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are those who actually do.” Perhaps you have come to think just like me; why are there so many dreamers and a few achievers? This piece is just right for you. Please read to the end.

Here’s the thing, so many people have dreams but very few believe that their dreams have the potency to come to pass. So there is no plan or strategy to achieve that dream.?

A vision is birthed when you have a well-defined plan to achieve your dream. A vision becomes a mission if it is time-bound and spatially streamlined at the same time (space-bound, location-defined). You must believe strongly in the reality of your dreams to be able to achieve them. Every award-winning song was once a hum, an idea. Think about your favorite music of all time. That idea dropped into the soul of a songwriter or just anybody. They did not let that dream die. Do you think of impacting your world? Start with a dream.

The place of dreaming is a place of ideation - the place where ideas are formed. Ideas that end at the formation level will remain only what they are called, “ideas (dreams)” they will most likely not achieve anything.

For instance, beginning my newsletter was overdue, but until I overcame the “fear” of starting, it would remain only an idea, a dream.

In essence, a dream is only a seed. You need to water that seed.?

What do you do with dreams? Even more specific, what do you do with seeds?

1. Seeds are designed to be planted. Write this vision upon tables such that whoever reads them will run with them. Many renowned musicians do not joke with scripting. Once that idea drops, they write it down. Every seed that must meet its commensurate purpose must be planted. Buried! This is a deliberate step in farming or gardening. When my father was still alive, he owns a yam farm. Whenever the yam seed is planted, he puts a mark on the spot. This is to say, “there is purpose existing here.” That landmark is guarded jealously from predators until the yam seedlings grow. This is how securely your dreams should be guarded. At the ideation stage, you do not need distractions or naysayers.

2. Water your seeds. The next step after planting your seed is to water that seed. Leaving your dream or idea unattended is a death sentence. Every seed needs to be watered for the germination process to be initiated. Likewise every dream. Identify your resources. Your stakeholders. Your market. Your buyers. Whatever it is that will fire up that dream. Look out for existing platforms where you can put your dream to the test. LinkedIn is a good place to start.

3. Invest in yourself. The quality of your investment will determine the quality of your dreams. Get an education. Get certified. Study more. Invest in digital skills no matter how little. The world is evolving and systems are rapidly changing. If you must remain relevant in the future, the time to take action is now. The reason why you dream at this level is only as a result of the quality of information you feed on.

4. Have a vision board. Every organization has a vision statement. It shows them where they should expand to. It gives their journey to the future a streamlined, actionable definition. It shows them the glory from their story. Do you have a vision statement? What is your plan for the next 5 years, the next decade? A vision board is a step further to a vision statement. You place artifacts, pictures, and/or documents in strategic places that describe your future. Like buying the key holder of your future vehicle or house. It works. Wake up every day to the sight of your dream.

5. Invest in yourself. “He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of waters whose leaves shall not wither” - an excerpt from the book of Psalm. Where are you planted? It is as simple as that. Investing in yourself begins with “positioning.” A wise man says, "show me your friends and I will tell you who you are." You are no better than the 5 closest people in your network. Are you deliberate about where you’re planted? Think about this. The power of your network shall remain the power of your net worth.?

6. Have a disaster-proof foundation. And lastly today, your foundation is the most critical part of your life’s project. Who shall save a man whose foundation is faulty? It is no news the incessant collapse of buildings happening more recently. Do not be in that category because it happens. If the foundation is faulty; what can the righteous do? Perhaps, he can start over again. However, it is critical because time waits for no man. And, greatness begins with buying a lot of it.

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To be continued next Saturday....??

Well, it’s just me here pouring out my heart.

Note that I’m not a “pro,” but you can always come to my dm to discuss any issues.

Welcome to the growth club. ??

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Click the link here: https://rebrand.ly/Nexford-Scholarship?

? Tick this off your calendar today. The first day I saw Nexford was the day I jumped in. I thought, if I perish, I perish.

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Do you have any suggestions, questions, or comments? Please, feel free to write me.

Thank you so much for engaging.

See you at the top.

Your friend,

Ifeanyi Akaleme, MBA.