Have you ever been told that your dreams are ‘impossible’, that what you hope for is just a ‘pipe dream’? The term dates back to the 19th century, when it described the vivid but unrealistic visions people had under the influence of opium pipes. Today, it’s come to mean any idea or ambition that others dismiss as impractical or out of reach. But isn’t it often these ‘pipe dreams’, the ones that seem impossible, that push us to break through boundaries and imagine a life beyond the ordinary? Come on now, did you hear what I said? Let me repeat it: Isn’t it often our ‘pipe dreams’, the seemingly impossible dreams, that, if we keep dreaming and doing the work, take us to the next level? I know, because I’ve had more than one pipe dream myself.

If you’re not thinking about what others call impossible, then what are you thinking about? The “possible” is comfortable, but if everyone agrees that something is possible, whatever “it” is, then it’s already common. And “common” just means widespread, not extraordinary.

There are some pipe dreams that should be common, and there are some pipe dreams that are aligned only to your gift, if you trust yourself, trust your Creator, do what is in your control, and hold the tension with your imagination, because it may seem like a stretch in your own strength. One of my earliest pipe dreams was going to college. In my book, Twice Over A Man, I call myself a “1 or 3 percenter.” Most readers will pass over this too quickly and misinterpret it. I intended it to be provocative, a speed bump that makes you pause. Less than 3% of kids who age out of the foster care system will go to college and complete it. But 70% of them have pipe dreams.

I needed a lot of help to go to college and even more to stay. I want college or any certificate that helps you go to the next level to be common. Wouldn’t it be something if every young person with the drive, who did what was in their control, had an army of people rallying around to help make their pipe dream a reality? I think so. And I hope you’re nurturing a pipe dream too. I hope you’re daring to imagine life differently, that you’re envisioning yourself more blessed, more fulfilled.

The power of imagination allows us to see possibilities beyond our current reality, inspiring creativity, innovation, and hope. It gives us the ability to dream, solve problems, and shape a better future by thinking beyond limitations. Imagination is essential for navigating this world, leading our companies, and guiding our teams. You’ve likely been around people with no imagination, and it’s your pipe dream that might spark their vision. Vision ignites passion.

I hope you’re seeing yourself in a place that’s not yet common, because that’s where real change begins.

Twice Over A Man--The Book

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Twice Over A Man: The Thrivers Workbook