I love to dream.

Not the sleeping dream. I love thinking about the 5-year plan dream, the dream job, or the dream house.

I could spend the entire day with my head in the clouds. And sometimes I do…

The issue with dreaming, and particularly dreaming big, is that it can feel paralyzing.

Let me know if this story sounds familiar:

You read a motivating book or listen to an inspiring podcast.

You get struck with a burst of inspiration and set an ambitious goal.

Your remaining inspiration and the novelty of your new goal carry you for about a week.

Until you sober up and realize exactly how ambitious your goal is.

And how far away you are from it…

I am unfortunately very familiar with this feeling.

Last year, for example, I wanted to switch up my workout routine.

A few of my friends started getting into running, so I thought I would do that.

I signed up for a marathon with a friend (for motivation & accountability) and gave myself 6 months to train.

Bought the shoes, the shorts, and the stylish running belt that held my water and gels.

Fast forward to race day, and I started out strong.

I felt great and was running at a great pace…

Until mile 20, when everything changed.

I ran out of gas. Every step I took hurt. My mind was ready to call it quits, and my legs agreed.

So I started to do the math. I have 6.2 miles to go, and if I am running at a 10 minute pace, then I only have… another hour of running.

That realization led me head first into a mental wall that demoralized me.

The issue with dreaming big or setting ambitious goals is not in setting them.

The issue is with our perspective and our patience.

We are focused on the outcome and frustrated that it is taking so long to get there.

Instead we should focus on the finish line to give us direction.

And we should execute the next step to give us motion.

Think about it this way:

The macro gives us the map.

The micro gives us the momentum.

A to B all the way to Z.

I ended up finishing the remaining 6.2 miles and crossing the finish line.

I had to change my perspective mid-race and focus on what I could control.

One foot in front of the other. One mile at a time.

Go out and make a difference.