Let's find out what's more important
How do you see your future in 5 years? Is it just a “picture” in your imagination or a concrete plan? And what is more useful for personal and professional development – dreaming or planning? Let’s figure it out.
Rational and strong-willed people go from achievement to achievement, acting according to a developed plan. "I don't dream, I set goals!" - that's their motto. At the other end of this imaginary scale are "creative personalities" who gush with ideas and projects that sometimes "take off", and more often remain just a fantasy. Does this mean that dreams and fantasies hinder our development?
Quite often we hear advice to “manage your life like a argentina phone number lead corporation”, planning your future in the form of specific numbers - the amount of remuneration, the number of subscribers, the number of publications. Achieving “digital” goals is easy to control, but, unfortunately, they are devoid of emotions, and, therefore, energy. The same goals formulated as an image - a house by the sea, an interview as an expert in the central media, applause after a brilliant defense of a dissertation - generate inspiration, a surge of strength, a desire to act. This mechanism is associated with the evolutionary development of our brain. More ancient parts of the brain “do not think in numbers”, but they respond well to emotions, feelings, sensations. This is why image goals receive priority access to our internal resources, truly inspire and lead us forward.
That is why dreaming and visualizing the future is the first stage of planning, which allows us to focus on what is really important to us and gives us the energy to implement our plans.
What should those who fail to dream do? Start growing their "clipped wings".
Apply the brainstorming method to yourself, remember everything that has ever inspired you, seemed the most interesting, gave you the most positive emotions. Turn off your inner critic, forget your grandmother's "look at you, you're dreaming." Celebrate the appearance of your dream!
Surround yourself with people who can dream and make their dreams come true, or read about such people. Minimize communication with those who say: "No one has ever succeeded in this! You don't need this!"
Maintain a positive attitude and optimism, replenish your physical and emotional resources in time.
What to do if everything is fine with the picture of the future, but you can’t move towards your goal?
Remember more often that only you are responsible for your life, and without your specific steps the picture of the future will not become reality. Let these be very small steps at first.
Don't get stuck in fantasies, start formulating a concrete plan of action as quickly as possible. If you "dream" and draw pictures of your wonderful future in your imagination for too long and in too much detail, your brain will decide that it has already received all of this. And instead of energy, it will give you a feeling of satisfaction. Remember Manilov, the hero of "Dead Souls", he was quite happy.
As trite as it may sound, learn to prioritize and plan. Apply techniques recommended in time management literature, and look for your own.
The dichotomy in the title of the article turned out to be false. A dream and a plan are equally important for success. A dream fills us with energy, gives motivation, helps to formulate a goal. And a plan describes specific steps to achieve a goal and realize a dream. Therefore, the working algorithm is as follows: dream up a future for yourself, formulate a goal, make a plan and act while the brain gives you emotions and energy. Back up the dream with action!