Dare for the incredible: how to make any dream come true

Walt Disney pioneered this technique to stimulate the creativity of his employees when working on new cartoons, and trainer and consultant Robert Dilts transformed it for personal and business use.

The methodology is based on the assumption that each of us plays three roles: dreamer, implementer and critic. Thanks to the dreamer, our desires are born: he sets goals and does not see the impossible. The implementer is responsible for planning and bringing ideas to life, while the critic raises doubts and assesses risks.

Each of the roles is necessary and useful, the main task is to establish effective interaction between them.

Step 1. Give the floor to the dreamer

Start with desire. What and when do you want to receive? Describe in great detail the picture you are presenting. What does the desired result look like, what thoughts and feelings does it evoke? What is changing in your environment?

If this is a new apartment, what kind? How many rooms does it have, what is its area? What color is the wallpaper? Who lives in the apartment with you? This may seem naive, even impossible. The main thing is that it should be desirable.

Pitfalls: “yes, but…”

Have you begun to take a “realistic” approach to the issue and adjust your desire, taking into account objective factors? The critic has awakened in you. Thank him for his participation and promise to come back a little later and listen to all his concerns. And now is the time to dream.

Step 2. Pass the dream to the implementer

Look at the picture you have drawn and think about how you could achieve what you want. What opportunities do you have? What and who can help realize the dream? Gather together resources and make a plan that will lead to the goal.

It seems that there are very few opportunities for finding interesting work: profile sites and recruitment agencies. Who else can help? Ask yourself this simple question at least three times, and you will be surprised at the number of fresh ideas!

Pitfalls: “only if…”

Yes, the critic often cannot wait for their turn. If you can’t reschedule his speech, write down all the “only if…” and set aside to continue developing the plan.

Step 3: Make Time for Criticism

Настало время разрешить высказаться нашей самой нетерпеливой ипостаси — критику. Соберите все свои страхи и опасения, оцените риски. В чем состоят сложности, какие могут возникнуть препятствия? Чем больше вы видите в своем плане уязвимых мест, тем продуманнее он будет и тем эффективнее будут ваши действия.

Is there enough money for regular classes with an instructor? Will it be possible to limit the diet to 1000 kcal per day if you work hard and hard? Is there enough willpower to get up for a run every morning? Write down anything that might get in your way and move on to the next step.

Pitfalls: “it doesn’t matter”

And at this stage, difficulties can arise: some dreamers refuse to look at obstacles and risks. In this case, it is important to understand that it is criticism that helps you to be effective in achieving your goals, so make an effort and think: what could go wrong?

Step 4: Adjust your actions

Revise the plan, taking into account the difficulties and obstacles found. Maybe you need to include additional steps, attract new resources, put in more time? Take into account all the key risks and adjust the planned actions so that there is nothing to criticize.

Step 5. Map out the first step

Choose where to start the path to your dream, and set deadlines. And now it really remains only to take and do it!