Some folks call me “the reality check in the room” because I can be very focused on details.

That doesn’t mean that I don’t have dreams or that you shouldn’t have or chase your dreams.

It means, instead, that in reality, you need a plan in order to chase those dreams.

Coming up with and following a strategic plan that may stretch you a bit is key.

What I’ve learned is that when you take a minute to write ideas down and start thinking and reflecting on them, they become a bit more of a reality.

In one of my first businesses, I wanted to sell t-shirts to resorts. That was my dream because I’d been selling them mainly to non-profits. That was the dream — now how could I make it a reality? I started by:

Creating a list of organizations or places to which I wanted to sell.

Making phone calls, showing up for meetings, being ready to accept rejection.

I’ve been fortunate not only to do this myself, but have observed thousands of entrepreneurs and leaders of countries and organizations around the world do this. They are transforming, changing internally, externally, and globally.

Dreams — with some work and luck — can become reality as long as you chase them. I say “chase” because there are ups and downs, things you never thought of might show up, things that will try to stop you, including yourself! The key is to stay focused on your dream or goal and come up with strategies and tactics to get there.

BEFORE YOU GO

We see our blogs as opportunities for dialogue. Please share your thoughts as comments.

1. What steps are you planning to take to go after your dream?

2. What strategies should you think about or modify to make the dream a reality?

3. What resources might you leverage to get there?

_____

Faris Alami is Founder and CEO of International Strategic Management, Inc. (ISM). He works internationally, presenting Exploring Entrepreneurship Workshops and other entrepreneurial ecosystem — related ventures.