The two Ds of Pursuing your Goal
The new year is still fresh, and goal setting is at the forefront of my mind. When it comes to chasing dreams, I believe in the power of the two D’s: Dreaming and Doing. One fuels the fire, and the other turns the fire into action. Let’s dive in.
Dreaming: The Spark of Possibility
Dreaming is powerful. It ignites passion, expands the imagination, and brings a sense of purpose. It’s where everything begins.
To dream is to set your mind free—to visualize the future without limits.
Some people experience bursts of inspiration in unexpected places, like the shower. Others dedicate time for deep reflection, stepping away from distractions to let their minds wander. Bill Gates famously takes “think weeks” to unplug and generate ideas. Jim Carrey once wrote himself a $10 million check for “services rendered” long before he achieved success—he embodied his future reality before it became real.
Dreaming isn’t just wishful thinking; it’s setting an intention, creating a vision, and allowing yourself to believe that your goal is already within reach.
Doing: Turning Dreams into Reality
Dreaming without action? That’s just air—like vaporware in the tech world. The real magic happens when we move from vision to execution. Doing is what makes ideas into tangible results.
To bring a dream to life, three key aspects must be clear:
Define the Goal – What are you trying to achieve? How will you measure success? What are you willing to commit to?
Set a Timeline – Goals need deadlines. Without a time frame, they stay in the realm of “someday.”
Identify Resources – What do you need? Consider knowledge, mentorship, finances, and tools that will support your journey.
Know Thyself: How Do You Execute Best?
Understanding your own work style is crucial. Some people thrive with a loose plan, ready to adapt on the fly. Others need a detailed roadmap to stay focused. Recognizing your strengths and where you need support can make all the difference in achieving success.
It’s Not One vs. The Other
I used to think it was Dreaming vs. Doing, as if one was better than the other. But in reality, they are two sides of the same coin. Dreaming provides clarity on why you want something, and Doing provides the how to make it happen. One without the other is incomplete.
So, what are you dreaming about today? And more importantly—what action will you take to make it real?
Written by Jomel Reyes Losorata with the help of AI