Visionaries
If you can dream it, you can do it
That is how they get their vision off the ground.
In short: the Walt Disney method. Think through your plan successively, assuming the role of a dreamer, realist, and critic.
‘If you can dream it, you can do it’, says Walt Disney. And you may be thinking, that is easier said than done. And you are without a doubt correct. Because in order for a vision to become reality, one needs to make great effort and have a healthy portion of ambition. Sayings like ‘Don’t dream your life, live your dream’ may sound nice, but they don’t move a vision one step further.
The reason that Walt Disney, the creator of Mickey Mouse and Co., made this statement might have to do with a creative technique that he developed and applied daily and that was made famous later by Robert B. Dilts. About Disney, Dilts said that there were actually three Walts: Walt the dreamer, Walt the realist, and Walt the spoiler. That is how he fittingly describes Disney’s technique that helped him get through mental barriers and come up with
ideas. The so-called Walt Disney method is easy to apply and may also help you to implement your visions and plans. Walt Disney is responsible for another excellentquote, by the way: ‘It’s kind of fun to do the impossible.’
So, what are you waiting for?
1 Dream
As a dreamer, you are the visionary supplier of ideas. The dreamer can simply let his mind flow, he is subjective and enthusiastic. There are no forbidden thoughts, no criticism, no objections. Every crazy thought may become
the core of a new idea.
// What would my vision look like?
// What ideas do I have about my vision?
// What occurs to me about my my vision?
2 Be relastic
As a realist, you are the pragmatic doer. Evaluate the ideas of the dreamer and work them into a realistic plan of action.
// What needs to be done, what steps need to be taken?
// What can we build on, and what resources are needed (people, know-how, materials, etc.)?
// Who can help?
3 Provide criticism
As a critic, ask constructive questions. Take a constructive and critical look at the plan of the realist. Look for weak points and provide positive criticism.
// Can that all work?
// What can we improve?
// What opportunities and risks exist?
// Has any aspect been overlooked?
4 Have all questions been answered and are there any open items?
Yes
Finished! Then we can get started …
No
Repeat. The dreamer must supply additional approaches and attempt to allay the critic’s concerns.
