<< Of plans, dreams and aspirations

The difference between a dream and a plan is a deadline.

In life we tend to speak of dreams and plans interchangeably, we speak of what we desire in the same way as we do of what we aspire to not  that differently from what we're working towards.

It's probably because these 3 (plans, dreams and aspirations) are usually of similar nature. A plan is after all a set of steps taken to achieve a goal or a dream.

The most important difference resides however on the degree of compromise we take towards achieving it. A plan, which is finite and determined, must not only have an achievable deadline but it requires an investment of resources and has a clear prospect of sucess (or failure).

Depending on the size the plan, failure can likely include social or peer pressure. A public compromise can be become after all a sentence in front of friends and family.

The fact that we as a generation fear plans (and failure) so much is indeed a testament of not only poor work ethics but of a flawed society in which the main interest is to see us fail.

Because of course, not everything in life goes as we expect.

The rather fleeting nature of reality, makes it so that we have to constantly adjust and even abandon entire parts of what we previously thought was attainable.

Why make the effort of planning then? Why go after something so hard when it can so easily turn into smoke and mirrors?

Because it’s necessary for us to be realized as individuals. Not only because of the prospect of success (which is real) but also to face our own fears and grow beyond them.

Think back to the last important task you completed which really mattered to you. The feeling of completion not only increases our reliability to ourselves (I do as I say) but, we now have a little dream turned into reality.

Planning can be at the same time disheartening, the realization that we want something that is just not possible. But it’s also because of that, that the practice is at the same time, healthy.

Not every dream is meant to be realized. Not every plan will be fulfilled.

But once in a while we will taste victory; and in doing so, it'll all be worth it!

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