A wife wakes her husband up and says, “I dreamed you brought me the most beautiful diamond earrings. What do you suppose that means?”

He smiles. “You’ll find out tonight.” 

That night, he brings her a beautiful gift box. Inside she finds a book titled “The meaning of dreams.” 

Dreams have fascinated human beings since the dawn of history. In ancient times, dreams were regarded as paranormal prophecies, and even to this day, dream interpreters offer to predict a person’s future by the portents of their dreams. But modern science prefers to regard dreams as mirrors of the subconscious, echoes of what has been thought, experienced or feared in the past.

What I do know is that dreams, in the context of aspirations and goals, are incredibly important. They serve as the blueprint of our future endeavors and give us a sense of direction and purpose. Without dreams, it is easy to become stagnant and lose motivation, both personally and professionally.

As motivational speaker and pastor Mark Gorman observed, “Not all dreamers are winners, but all winners are dreamers.”

Show me someone who doesn’t dream about the future and I’ll show you someone who doesn’t know where they are going.

Michael Blake, author of the book “Dances with Wolves,” said: “Your dreams can come true. I’m living proof of it. I left home at 17 and had nothing but rejections for 25 years. I wrote more than 25 screenplays, but I never gave up.”

In business, dreams are what inspire innovation and drive growth. They encourage us to set higher standards, push beyond our comfort zones and strive for excellence. Dreams are not just fanciful wishes; they are the seeds from which the fruits of our labor grow.

However, it is crucial to remember that dreams alone are not enough. They must be paired with a solid plan and consistent action. A financial plan, a career plan and a strategic business plan are all essential components that turn dreams into reality. Dreams get you started, but discipline keeps you going.

“If you have a dream, give it a chance to happen,” said Richard de Vos, co-founder of Amway.

That’s exactly what writer W.P. Kinsella did when he had a dream of reuniting a deceased father with his son for a game of baseball in an Iowa cornfield. His novel, “Shoeless Joe,” turned into a dream for film director Phil Alden Robinson who wrote the screenplay and directed the Hollywood blockbuster movie “Field of Dreams.” Robinson further dreamed that Kevin Costner would agree to play the farmer, which he did.

Coster said: “I’m a big fan of dreams. Unfortunately, dreams are our first casualty in life. People seem to give them up quicker than anything for a reality.”

Resisting the temptation to give up on dreams for the sake of conforming to reality is a principle I hold dear. This stance is not about rejecting reality but about challenging oneself to elevate reality to meet one’s dreams. There are several reasons why this is critical.

First, dreams are the seeds of innovation and progress. Every significant achievement in human history started as a dream in someone’s mind, whether it was the dream of flight, the dream of a connected world through the internet, or the dream of equality and justice. These were all visions that seemed disconnected from reality at their inception. If those dreamers had capitulated to the limitations of their current realities, our world would be devoid of these monumental advancements.

Second, pursuing your dreams fosters personal growth and resilience. The journey toward realizing a dream is fraught with challenges and setbacks. Facing these obstacles and persevering develops character, teaches valuable lessons and strengthens resolve. When someone pursues their dreams with passion and determination, it can serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for others, encouraging people to pursue their own dreams and contributing to a culture of ambition and creativity.

Finally, dreams add color and vitality to life. They provide a sense of purpose and direction, making the journey of life more engaging and exciting. Without dreams, life can become mundane and routine. Pursuing dreams ensures that life is lived to the fullest with each day bringing new challenges and opportunities for growth and discovery.

Dreams are essential for personal fulfillment, societal progress and the enrichment of human experience. They push the boundaries of what is possible and inspire us to strive for a better world. Now that’s a dream come true.

Mackay’s Moral: Dreams are the blueprints of reality; never stop building.