I’ll never forget the moment my perspective on dreaming big truly shifted. It was a quiet evening, and settled in with a nice cup of tea, I found myself lost in the pages of John C. Maxwell's Dare to Dream...then Do It: What Successful People Know and Do, a very easy to read book. The basis of the book is around the statement on the back page. Everybody has dreams. They're part of what makes us uniquely us. But not everybody knows how to make their dreams come true.
Like many entrepreneurs, I had big dreams—a vision of success, impact, and growth. But I realised that I had been approaching my dreams the wrong way. I was treating them like distant possibilities instead of recognising them as the result of deliberate action. That night, something clicked. I understood that dreaming big is only the first step, making those dreams a reality requires a strategic mindset shift and a plan to get there.
Over the years, I have built on this and would like to share my learning with you:
1. Mentorship is crucial in turning dreams into reality. Having a mentor means having someone who has walked the path before you, someone who can offer insights, guidance, and a fresh perspective on your business challenges. It’s not just about avoiding mistakes; it’s about accelerating your growth and learning from the successes and failures of others. In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, where emerging trends can make or break your business, the value of mentorship cannot be overstated. One of the biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make is trying to go it alone. In the early days of starting a business, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking you have to prove yourself by figuring everything out on your own. But this mindset can lead to unnecessary struggles and missed opportunities for growth.
2. Growth should be intentional, not accidental. Many entrepreneurs dream of pivoting and scaling their businesses, but they often overlook the complexities involved. Business growth isn’t just about increasing revenue; it’s about building a sustainable foundation that can support that growth.
One common mistake is focusing solely on short-term gains without considering the long-term impact. For instance, expanding too quickly without a solid infrastructure in place can lead to operational inefficiencies and customer dissatisfaction. Understanding the intricacies of business growth—such as knowing when to invest in new technology, how to manage a growing team, and how to stay ahead of emerging trends—is critical to long-term success.
3. As businesses grow, transitions become inevitable. Whether it’s transitioning from a startup to an established company, shifting from founder-led to a more structured leadership, or even preparing for an exit, these transitions bring their own set of challenges. I’ve seen entrepreneurs struggle with letting go, holding on too tightly to their original idea even when the business demands shifts. The key to navigating these transitions is flexibility and openness to change. Entrepreneurs must be willing to adapt their strategies and sometimes even their dreams to align with the realities of their business. This doesn’t mean abandoning your vision, but rather, refining it to fit the current landscape.
4. Entrepreneurship can be a lonely journey, especially during times of transition or when facing challenges. Isolation is one of the most significant mistakes entrepreneurs make, leading to unnecessary stress, and a limited perspective. Surrounding yourself with a supportive network—whether it’s mentors, peers, or a professional community—can provide the encouragement and feedback needed to keep moving forward.
As we celebrate World Entrepreneurs Day this August, let's remember that dreaming big is essential; it’s what fuels innovation and drives entrepreneurs to achieve great things. But as I learned from Maxwell's words, it’s not enough to just dream—you have to take action. Turning dreams into reality requires a mindset shift from simply hoping for success to strategically planning for it.
Mentorship, understanding the complexities of business growth, navigating transitions, and avoiding isolation are all critical components of this journey. By learning from the mistakes of others and embracing a growth-oriented mindset, entrepreneurs can turn their biggest dreams into achievable goals.
Remember, dreaming big is only the beginning. The real challenge—and the real reward—comes from doing what it takes to make those dreams come true.
