I admit that the dreams I have seem unrealistic to the majority of the people that I know. Sometimes I think something’s wrong with me. Why am I thinking on such a different plane than the rest?
Here’s the thought that runs through my head most days:
Dreams aren’t real. They can never be real. All of the amazing stories we’ve been told as children, all of the movies that have depicted superheroes saving lives, and all of the people who dared to fight for a better world – they’re all in our imagination.
These things are meant to inspire, not to create.
We’re supposed to think “Wow, those guys are awesome!” and then come to the realization that we ourselves can never become them.
The most common thing I hear people say is “I wish I could do that”. Why do you keep wishing? Everything you need to change the world is right there in front of you.
Your dreams are what gives you the fodder to become whoever you want to become. Of course, a realist will call you naive and tell you things like, “Get real. Your head’s in the clouds. Dreaming gets you nowhere. If you just work hard enough, things well get better.”
What’s wrong with dreaming? Work hard enough at what? These directions aren’t clear. It seems that when we dream, we have a clear picture of where we want to be. But when we remain skeptical and “normal”, we tend to just go out on a limb and assume that good ol’ hard work will take us to where we want to be.
With dreaming we know our destination, but we don’t know how to get there. With being real, we know the process, but we don’t really know where we’re going.
Here are other thoughts regarding this that I’ve been having in which I pit the realist against the dreamer:
Realist (i.e. a normal person)
Limiting beliefs are set by others – What works for everyone else is bound to work for them. The most common scenario is getting a degree to get a job to support a family to support kids to support education to get a degree, etc. Though this isn’t a one-size-fits-all category (not everyone will end up with a family), it’s the default life plan for most realists.
Doesn’t take their dreams seriously – Dreaming for even a second is death. They should be working for the majority of their lives. Saving the fun and games for when they’re around forty years old is what usually happens.
Instant employee (just add cubicle) - They tend to be so-so leaders, but definitely hardworking. Free-thinking is also off limits, lest they be thought of as a “bad egg” around the office.
Dreamer (i.e. weirdo with a vision)
Their limits are set based on what they believe – Dreamers believe in having the ability to achieve anything they put their mind to. In their minds, there is nothing impossible, only the things that haven’t been done yet.
Takes their dreams very seriously – Dreamers tend to actually try and reach their dreams. They may not always succeed (to be honest more often than not), but they keep trying nonetheless.
They get paid for their passions -Dreamers don’t seek to live a life mostly spent in a cubicle away from their families. Though they may have to deal with it initially while dreaming on the side, they believe that you don’t have to get paid for doing things you don’t enjoy.
So, which am I?
I’ve decided that I am a dreamer. I don’t plan on getting a real job anytime soon, 4 years into the future, or beyond. I’m not planning having kids with someone I met a work, nor do I want to retire from working hoping for a “big payoff”. How is this possible, you may ask? What, you thought I was in college just studying? Things are definitely going on behind the scenes. Only time will tell…
“Keep your dreams alive. Understand to achieve anything requires faith and belief in yourself, vision, hard work, determination, and dedication. Remember all things are possible for those who believe.” – Gail Devers
Which are you? A dreamer or a realist? Do you think my view of dreaming v. realism is askew? Share your thoughts on my thoughts 
photo credit: Joel Bedford
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17 comments to “Dreaming v. Realism: My Thoughts on Both”
Count me among the weirdo’s… And good on you, John, for dreaming…for living…for being…
Life is always more complex than either/or.We need to be both the dreamer and the realist. The dreamer gives the vision of what we want to be. That knowledge is the legacy we come in with.We can only manifest by the power of focus when we are “in Love” with that vision.
We are here however to learn to master our environment by desiring in the flesh in the world. So we set goals and take the steps toward being what we want and riveting our attention on that plan. The emotion of desiring is the engine of making that dream materialize
Focus and attention directs that power. The plan builds the dream in earthly forms.
I love the way you address both dreaming and realism here. Awesome post!
Hi, nice post John. I enjoyed reading your definition of a “dreamer” which is not something who just dreams all day, but a person who dreams and aims to make those dreams happen.
Hey, John. Awesome post. I’ve been following your blog for a few weeks now, and I just realized how young you are!
Damn, you’ve got a good head on your shoulders for someone who’s not even 20 yet. You’re making me feel like an old geezer, and I’m only 27.
Take it easy, man. And keep dreaming…
I have always been a dreamer and the great thing is, I’ve been living the dream all my life. I figure, why settle for ordinary when you can have EXTRAORDINARY?
Okay John, Spill the beans, what you up to?
I am definitiely a dreamer with a foot in reality for the moment.
Loved the post John.
I believe in dreams and making them reality. A large company recently wanted to hire my husband. He is a very good client of his.
We are both entrepreneurs who do not believe in having a boss instead we are the boss and have several clients of our own.
neither of us care to be in a comfort zone or be paid to make money for someone else when we can make the money on our own.
There is a difference between dreaming and living the dream. We choose to live it.
Great post, John
@Lance – Thanks Lance, I appreciate you and the way you value dreaming. Dream on, man!
@Oracle of Joy – Interesting thoughts, Oracle. I suppose I’m biased towards the world of dreaming, but I like hearing comments that can easily stand up for the other perspective.
Welcome to the blog, by the way
@Dani – Glad you enjoyed it! I really want to come by your blog – see you soon
@Tristan – Oh yeah, us dreamers never sleep (if that makes sense). We dream and put forth the actions to make our dreams real.
@Clayton – Wow, man, thanks so much! It makes me feel good to know that people like what I write. I thank you for your kind words. See you around the blog soon, buddy!
@Jonathan – Yeah, you’re a true inspiration – you’re someone actually living your own dream. I mean how does that feel? How much hard work did it take? It must have been hard, but hey, I’m sure it’s worth it now.
I really value your input. Thanks so much, Jonathan!
@Steven – ha ha, don’t worry, it’ll be awesome, I promise. All will become clear in due time (1 year or so).
Glad you enjoyed it, Steven
@Bunny – That’s what I’m talking about. You guys kick ass. The only ones who can tell you how to live your lives are yourselves. Congratulations on being self-employed! That’s one of the dreams I wish to make reality as well…
Thanks Bunny! I’m really happy to have you and your stories here
My favorite phrase of all “, it’s the default life plan for most realists”!
Man oh man , i can go on rant about how i stopped being a realist long time ago and weirdo dreamer with a massive vision in my middle name.
But what i can say is that the 4 year college plan, with a family plus kids is just not in my plan. I cross that one out next to watching t.v four hours a day like the rest of Mankind.
My vision is to financially free with the next year, and by doing so traveling around this big blue island in space. Truly i cannot understand why people conform so easily to the default plan ( well said jOhn) With out trying to see what else is out there. I mean life is what you make of it so why make it a dull boat ride , instead of a non stop rollercoaster?….I guess i did go on a rant….
Great post jOhn, Keep it gangsta, but only if its positive!
Dreaming and living the dream are my dream
Remaining in the dream zone is sometimes a challenge, but I am still there, sometimes the dream turns into a waking nightmare, but then it calms down and I realise I can be my own worst nightmare.
Thanks for being the inspiration I need
Count me on the dreamer list (wierdo with a vision that is). I don’t believe in my self-perceived limitations, neither do I believe in the negative criticisms of others. I believe in my capability to achive.
I think I’m a bit of both with a leaning towards the dreaming side. I found a great quote about this the other day:
“Dreamers have no plans .. but .. realists have no vision”
I’ve realized in my experiences that people don’t take kindly to the dreamer mentality. They are oppressive of your beliefs, and some are even offended that you believe it.
But I never let that detour me. I care too much. I don’t even project “realism” on others, because it’s too limiting and potential is too great. You just gotta keep reaching for the stars, regardless of what they are saying in the background!
Just another point of view but aren’t dreams inspire to create? And defining Your success and happiness whether you’re a dreamer or realist is binding yourself to either of those two.
IndependentHappiness.com
As an aspiring actor of course I’m a dreamer. But in essence, aren’t we all. Does anyone live based on what is,or do we all plan and live for what may be?
Everyone lives based off of dreams,but I think what happens is that dreams vary in size and scope. The bigger the dream the scarier it seems to the “realists.” But the realists is always planning, the realists has their dreams as well.
Sometimes it’s helpful to go outside and take in nature, take in the world. Be silent and just take it in. Because a lot of the “simple” and “ordinary”that we see today, was all a dream not too long ago.