Do You Have a Dream You Are Pursuing? (#205)
The Confident Leader
BOOST YOUR LEADERSHIP IN UNCERTAIN TIMES
I’ve been preparing for a keynote presentation for the past few weeks on whether leaders truly believe they can accomplish their dreams. What I uncovered as I finalized my presentation took me by surprise.
“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams”
― Eleanor Roosevelt (former First Lady of the U.S.)
This Week’s Edition
A professional dream: an aspirational goal or ambitious achievement.
Said differently, a vision for what is possible in the future.
Clarify Your Thinking
Most of the leaders I work with fall into one of three categories when it comes to professional dreams – the future vision of what is possible that they desire to realize.
Each of the three categories features quotes pulled directly from coaching sessions I have conducted over the past six months:
- “Robin, I don’t have a dream.”
- I’m still mourning the loss of my previous dream.
- I’ve accomplished all my past dreams and don’t have a new one.
- The pandemic put me in survival mode.
- I think I’ve lost the ability to dream.
- “Robin, I have a dream, but it’s impossible.”
- It’s scary to even think about trying.
- I’ve not done this before.
- I don’t know where to start.
- “Robin, I’m clear on my dream and am pursuing it with energy.”
- I’m clear on my why.
- I’ve got others helping me.
- I am seeing progress.
Regardless of which of these three categories you may find yourself in, thinking issues can abound. Many wonder how they are going to accomplish their dream and when it will happen.
Some of these thinking issues increase a leader’s doubt about the possibility of achieving their dream, often moving them further away from accomplishing it.
Old Thinking: I don’t think I can dream again. I’m still reeling from the loss of the previous dream. Plus, even if I had a dream, I’m not sure I would know where to start.
New Thinking: It’s time to start dreaming again. Very little is truly impossible. I’ve achieved my dreams before. Surely, I can do that again.
Thoughts Lead to Actions
Depending on which category you find yourself in, here are a few coaching tips to move you in the right direction:
I Don’t Have a Dream (but I want one)
- Get out of the “office” and go on a mini vision retreat.
- Reflect on past dreams you’ve accomplished.
- Just start… don’t overthink it. Let your brain wander.
My Dream is Impossible
- Find an expert to help you.
- Share your dream with your team. Invite their input.
- Determine your first step. Take it. Then take the next step.
I Have a Dream and I am Pursuing It
- Find a person to support you with whom you periodically check in.
- Celebrate the milestones you achieve along the way.
- Identify your strengths and intentionally operate in them every day.
To hardcore business professionals, sometimes the word “dream” sounds too fluffy and is relegated to child’s play. That is a narrow view of the concept. Dreams pursued with energy and passion change the world. We are living proof of one – The American Dream.
Celebrate your independence by not being dependent on the dreams of others. What’s your dream?
Boost Your Performance
Watch this week’s video for a deeper dive into “belief” and how it impacts your ability to pursue your dreams.
What’s Your Opinion?
Do you have a dream? What is it? Share it with me at robin.pou@robinpou.com.
If you are going to be a leader, you might as well be a good one. Don’t let doubt count you out. Have a confident week!
Robin Pou, Chief Advisor and Strategist
We live to make bad leadership extinct so forward this newsletter to others who strive to be confident leaders.
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What is “The Confident Leader”?
During the Covid-19 Pandemic, I began a video series called “Panic or Plan?” It was designed to equip leaders to navigate the doubt they experienced and to rise in the confidence they needed to lead during turbulent times. It took off. I then started this newsletter to equip leaders in the same fashion each week for the doubt that crashes across the bow of their leaderSHIP.
