“Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere.”– Albert Einstein
When Steve Jobs, founder of a small company that produced (what was generously described as) a personal computer, announced his vision of a computer on every desk, IBM executives thought he was daft. He went on to build Apple Computer into the leader among innovative and successful technology companies and today there is indeed a computer on every desk.
When Philip Knight wrote an essay in college about his plans to take on Adidas, the dominant athletic shoe supplier in the world, it is reasonable to think that few took him seriously. He went on to found Blue Ribbon Sports, renamed Nike in 1978.
Fred Smith, founder of FedEx, also wrote a paper in college. While it did not specify a particular business model, he saw then the need for an entirely new type of logistics company that could respond to an automated, fast paced world. Upon returning from his stint in the US Marine Corps he put together Federal Express by selling investors on the need for speed and the need for the company to have its own planes and trucks rather than using airlines and local delivery services.
Before these companies succeeded, the dreams of their founders were extraordinary, some would say fantasy, but we know in hindsight that they were the right ideas at the right time. So how do we know when our vision is something special and not just a pipedream?
Unfortunately, we can’t know. There is no formula that calculates whether our vision is realistic; we need to decide for ourselves. Nevertheless, there are some clues as to the likelihood of success:
- Think about twenty years down the road. Imagine that your vision has come true. Can you imagine what it looks like? Can you see yourself at the helm? Can you taste it, smell it, feel it? William Ward is the author of the famous quote, “If you can imagine it you can create it. If you can dream it, you can become it.” If you can’t, chances are you will not make it happen.
- Can you map it? Can you sit down now and develop a business plan that takes you from today right to the achievement of the vision? The map may change as you go along but if you can see a route to the top your vision is likely plausible.
- Can you sell it? Can you attract others who buy into your vision? Steve Jobs created such a powerful vision that to this day there is an army of MacHeads, fans who are almost dogmatic in their loyalty to Apple products.
- Can you commit to it? Are you willing to risk all to transform the vision into reality?
- Do you have the skills? Be realistic. If you dream to sail solo around the world, you better know something about sailing beyond going for a day cruise in local waters.
Of course, if you really believe in your vision and if you have what it takes, you will ignore these clues and go for it even if none of them apply. I encourage you to do so. Willingness to take action is a much better indicator of success than any plan or analysis.
What do you think? Must a vision be practical or can it be over the top?
Good tips. I agree that what you envision has to be realistic – not in the sense of being too good for you, but possible. I think it’s good to stretch a bit. I like how Gary Craig used to put it. He said “dreams take us in directions.”