From “Someday” to “Today”: The Journey of Making Dreams Real
Every dream we hold—whether it’s starting a business, writing a book, changing careers, or moving to a new city—falls somewhere along a spectrum. What’s often overlooked is that we’re not all in the same place when it comes to make them real.
Most of us live in one of three “camps.” Recognizing where you are isn’t about judgment—it’s about awareness. Awareness is what allows us to better understand what will help us shift. Coaching can be a powerful partner here, helping us uncover blind spots, understand how our belief systems can empower us (or not), and turn thought into action.
Camp 1: The Idea-Holders
This is where the majority of people sit. You have a spark, a “someday I’d love to…” floating around in your mind. It feels inspiring when you imagine it, but it hasn’t gone beyond that.
The science: Cognitive psychology shows that imagining future possibilities (called prospection) activates many of the same brain regions as actually doing them. This means even holding a dream is planting the seeds of possibility.
What may need to be resolved here:
Clarity. Is this dream truly yours, or someone else’s expectation?
Fear. What would you risk if you allowed yourself to believe this dream could be real?
Permission. Do you allow yourself to want what you want?
How coaching helps: A coach can help you explore whether your dream is authentic, uncover fears keeping you stuck, and create a safe space to give yourself permission to name what you truly want.
Reflection prompts:
What dream keeps resurfacing for me—even if I’ve never said it out loud?
When I think of this dream, do I feel excitement, fear, or both?
If I gave myself full permission, what would I admit I really want?
Camp 2: The Not-Yet-Ready
Here you know the dream is real. You can see the possibility. But you also know that stepping into it will require you to grow, stretch, and perhaps become someone you haven’t been before.
The science: This stage often mirrors what psychologists call the intention-behavior gap. You want to take action but feel blocked by doubts, resources, or identity. The Stages of Change Model calls this the contemplation or preparation stage—an essential part of transformation.
What may need to be addressed here:
Identity. Who do you believe you need to become to make this happen?
Resources. What knowledge, support, or skills are missing?
Confidence. Many times the dream feels bigger than our current self-belief.
How coaching helps: A coach can help you strengthen belief in yourself (self-efficacy), identify missing supports, and shift limiting narratives so you’re equipped to take the next step.
Reflection prompts:
What story am I telling myself about why I can’t take this step yet?
If I looked back a year from now, what would I regret not starting today?
What’s one small, imperfect action I could take in the next week?
Camp 3: The Action-Takers
This is the smallest camp. Here, belief has tipped into certainty, and certainty fuels consistent action. You’re not waiting for the perfect moment—you’re creating momentum one step at a time.
The science: People who take consistent action usually operate from a growth mindset (Carol Dweck) and have higher levels of self-efficacy (Albert Bandura). They don’t see failure as final, but as feedback.
What helps at this stage:
Resilience. Setbacks are part of the process.
Focus. The more you act, the more distractions arise.
Support. Sustaining momentum is easier when you’re not doing it alone.
How coaching helps: Coaching provides accountability, keeps your “why” front and center, and helps you navigate challenges without losing sight of your vision.
Reflection prompts:
What’s working well in the actions I’m already taking?
Where do I need support to stay consistent?
How am I celebrating progress—not just outcomes?
The Invitation to You
Wherever you are—holding the idea, preparing to step in, or already in motion—it’s exactly where you’re meant to be right now. The key isn’t to judge yourself but to notice where you are and ask what you need next.
The role of coaching: Coaching meets you in any camp. It helps you:
Clarify your dreams when they’re still just a whisper.
Build confidence and shift beliefs when you feel not-yet-ready.
Stay resilient and focused once you’re taking action.
Your dream doesn’t expire. It waits for you until you’re ready to meet it.
So—where are you today? And what’s one thing you can do to honor that place? And, if you are looking for support to better understand where you are and how to move into action then schedule some time with me as your "someday" could be "today".
