(Distinctions are subtleties of language that, when gotten, cause a shift in a belief, behavior, value or attitude.)

 

“Dream your dreams, oh Dreamer,” said the poet. Dreams and dreaming have a powerful place in creating the life you want. Dreams expand you. Always be willing to let your mind soar and have dreams pour from your heart.

A visionary is similar, but has an interesting difference. A visionary also sees a possible future, but sees a truth about it that is not present in a dream. It’s as if a visionary experiences the as-yet unmanifested future and knows it will come about.

A dream may have more of a wish or a hope in it, while a vision has a knowing. That difference means that a dream may never get traction and come into being.

That subtle difference is what makes a visionary so effective. They engage others in the vision because they are ignited by the same view of the future reality.

Most people stop at the dream and it never gets traction. There are many dreamers.

There are far fewer people who can see a truth in a future. They are visionaries.

 

Coaching Point: What nudge do you need to see beyond a dream into a vision?

 

Copyright 2011 Steve Straus. All rights reserved.