Dreamers vs Doers. We are all validating ideas and pursing startups. We're the same!
Doers vs. Dreamers…. what a stark difference between these two groups. Right?
Recently, I’ve come to the realization that both groups are more aligned than we might think.
A few weeks ago, I was browsing a car auction site, BringaTrailer.com. What makes “BAT” cool is the community is free to comment on every auction, as long as it is constructive. Many people lurking on the site are dreamers, and they reveal themselves in the comments.
A comment on a Porsche listing caught my eye (emphasis in bold is mine):
So, I’m doing my morning glance at what is for sale on BAT by perusing the listings and BAM this baby jumps off the page and grabs my attention. I click on the ad and WOW is this a beauty. I will own one of these one day and as I do my over thinking research, this one will certainly be in the database.
Getting closer all the time!
First. This guy is kidding himself and we all know it. He’s a dreamer. He loves to research, he loves to analyze, he loves to create spreadsheets and dive deep. There is a very small chance he will ever move forward with a purchase.
These same types exist in the startup world.
Many are reading this right now. They have been labeled as “wantrepreneurs” because they never take action - they only plan, research and then… stall.
Recently, I’ve come to the realization that both groups are more aligned than we might think.
A few weeks ago, I was browsing a car auction site, BringaTrailer.com. What makes “BAT” cool is the community is free to comment on every auction, as long as it is constructive. Many people lurking on the site are dreamers, and they reveal themselves in the comments.
A comment on a Porsche listing caught my eye (emphasis in bold is mine):
So, I’m doing my morning glance at what is for sale on BAT by perusing the listings and BAM this baby jumps off the page and grabs my attention. I click on the ad and WOW is this a beauty. I will own one of these one day and as I do my over thinking research, this one will certainly be in the database.
Getting closer all the time!
First. This guy is kidding himself and we all know it. He’s a dreamer. He loves to research, he loves to analyze, he loves to create spreadsheets and dive deep. There is a very small chance he will ever move forward with a purchase.
These same types exist in the startup world.
Many are reading this right now. They have been labeled as “wantrepreneurs” because they never take action - they only plan, research and then… stall.
Often, moving on to the next idea they come up with, and then they repeat the plan → research → stall loop over and over. Just like the Porsche dreamer above… they do this repeatedly. Never putting one of their ideas into the market.
And you know what the truth is?
Let them dream!
Do they HAVE TO launch something in order to be recognized or respected?
Are they not a part of the entrepreneurial community as well? It might surprise you how similar the tasks of doers and dreamers actually are…
Doers and Dreamers have the exact same journey until their paths fork when it comes to launching.
Both research competitors.
Both research customers.
Both research the market.
Both obsess over the potential.
Both use planning tools.
Both make financial projections.
Both make pitch decks.
Both create designs and mockups.
Both talk to their friends about it.
Both post about their ideas on social media.
Both read books, listen to podcasts, read blogs, read newsletters.
Both use ValidatorAI.com 😉
The doers leave the dreamers behind at a certain point. But the doers don’t even realize the dreamer isn’t on the journey anymore. There’s no embarrassment for the dreamer. The doer moves forward, and the dreamer moves on to another idea to dive into. It’s perfect if you think about it.
“Let them dream, man” (I tell myself).
Entrepreneurship is an escape for all of us.
The dreamer is fantasizing over what could be. The doer is as well. The dreamer can leave this entrepreneurship world at will, happy to return later when an escape is needed. The doer has chosen to be fixed here, however. The dreamer plays the same game, and it costs virtually nothing - and it is satisfying. There are no sleepless nights for the dreamer, because the game is stimulating and apparently, rewarding. They’re here for the mental journey, not the finish line.
The dreamer knows he/she will stall when it comes to action. But the game is played regardless. And that’s ok. The game is that powerful, and rewarding, that one would play knowing the outcome… that nothing in their life will materially change. It is such a great escape. For the dreamer, there are outside limitations that prevent them from launching. So, they pursue as far as they can - until they reach that limit.
I have realized I am forcing the dreamers to take action.
Not only do they have no plan to launch something — it’s actually a disservice to force action. They are perfectly content where they are. They already have the boundaries of the game set, and they have no desire to expand them. They are happy where they are. To push them is to alienate them.
Every “call to action” that tries to force momentum only drives them further away. They’re not broken, they’re in their happy place.
Don’t we all dream?
Why am I signed up for a luxury real estate email newsletter for Hawaii? I’m not moving there. I know it. If the real estate agency that puts out the newsletter hounded me to take action on buying a house… I’d sever our relationship. Their newsletter is a dream. Wow, look at that house. It’s $7,000,000. What a view! Ooo, that view is better than the one I saw three days ago… price per sq. ft. is better too.
I’m dreaming!
I know I won’t buy a house. I can’t. My life’s limitations won’t allow me to. It’s ok for me to dream, right? Do you think less of me for subscribing to that newsletter? Of course not. It’s fantasy. And it’s ok.
What do you dream about?
Have you ever researched an exotic vacation spot?
Looked at listings for private jets? Yachts? Houses well out of your budget?
Why?
You’re just like me, and the dreamer above.
Do you want someone standing over your shoulder urging you to make an uncomfortable purchase? Or do you want to dream a little bit, for the fun of it? It’s escapism.
Dreamers: My job is not to convert you. It’s to support you.
I support whatever reason you’re here. And I’m happy to talk about your ideas anytime. You deserve tools and feedback without expectation.
If your goal is to feel included… know that you are.
We all share the same passion, and a lot of the exact same journey.
Winning looks different to everyone.
Respect the dream stage. It’s not the prelude for many of us… it’s the entire movie.
And you know what the truth is?
Let them dream!
Do they HAVE TO launch something in order to be recognized or respected?
Are they not a part of the entrepreneurial community as well? It might surprise you how similar the tasks of doers and dreamers actually are…
Doers and Dreamers have the exact same journey until their paths fork when it comes to launching.
Both research competitors.
Both research customers.
Both research the market.
Both obsess over the potential.
Both use planning tools.
Both make financial projections.
Both make pitch decks.
Both create designs and mockups.
Both talk to their friends about it.
Both post about their ideas on social media.
Both read books, listen to podcasts, read blogs, read newsletters.
Both use ValidatorAI.com 😉
The doers leave the dreamers behind at a certain point. But the doers don’t even realize the dreamer isn’t on the journey anymore. There’s no embarrassment for the dreamer. The doer moves forward, and the dreamer moves on to another idea to dive into. It’s perfect if you think about it.
“Let them dream, man” (I tell myself).
Entrepreneurship is an escape for all of us.
The dreamer is fantasizing over what could be. The doer is as well. The dreamer can leave this entrepreneurship world at will, happy to return later when an escape is needed. The doer has chosen to be fixed here, however. The dreamer plays the same game, and it costs virtually nothing - and it is satisfying. There are no sleepless nights for the dreamer, because the game is stimulating and apparently, rewarding. They’re here for the mental journey, not the finish line.
The dreamer knows he/she will stall when it comes to action. But the game is played regardless. And that’s ok. The game is that powerful, and rewarding, that one would play knowing the outcome… that nothing in their life will materially change. It is such a great escape. For the dreamer, there are outside limitations that prevent them from launching. So, they pursue as far as they can - until they reach that limit.
I have realized I am forcing the dreamers to take action.
Not only do they have no plan to launch something — it’s actually a disservice to force action. They are perfectly content where they are. They already have the boundaries of the game set, and they have no desire to expand them. They are happy where they are. To push them is to alienate them.
Every “call to action” that tries to force momentum only drives them further away. They’re not broken, they’re in their happy place.
Don’t we all dream?
Why am I signed up for a luxury real estate email newsletter for Hawaii? I’m not moving there. I know it. If the real estate agency that puts out the newsletter hounded me to take action on buying a house… I’d sever our relationship. Their newsletter is a dream. Wow, look at that house. It’s $7,000,000. What a view! Ooo, that view is better than the one I saw three days ago… price per sq. ft. is better too.
I’m dreaming!
I know I won’t buy a house. I can’t. My life’s limitations won’t allow me to. It’s ok for me to dream, right? Do you think less of me for subscribing to that newsletter? Of course not. It’s fantasy. And it’s ok.
What do you dream about?
Have you ever researched an exotic vacation spot?
Looked at listings for private jets? Yachts? Houses well out of your budget?
Why?
You’re just like me, and the dreamer above.
Do you want someone standing over your shoulder urging you to make an uncomfortable purchase? Or do you want to dream a little bit, for the fun of it? It’s escapism.
Dreamers: My job is not to convert you. It’s to support you.
I support whatever reason you’re here. And I’m happy to talk about your ideas anytime. You deserve tools and feedback without expectation.
If your goal is to feel included… know that you are.
We all share the same passion, and a lot of the exact same journey.
Winning looks different to everyone.
Respect the dream stage. It’s not the prelude for many of us… it’s the entire movie.
