“This, therefore, is a faded dream of the time when I went down into the dust and noise of the Eastern market-place, and with my brain and muscles, with sweat and constant thinking, made others see my visions coming true.

Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds wake in the day to find that all was vanity; but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act their dream with open eyes, and make it possible.” —T. E. Lawrence

These haunting words from T. E. Lawrence plague me night…and day.

There are many dreamers by night in this city of dust and noise we call Nashville—but very few dreamers of the day. Doers as well as dreamers. Culture changers. Eyes wide open. Dangerous men.

In fact, in all my global acquaintances—I know few dreamers of the day.

Dreamers of the day who make things possible are a rare breed indeed.

Lawrence knew a thing or two about dreams of the day. Thomas Edward Lawrence was the dashing, romanticized British officer credited with leading the Arab revolt against the Turks during World War I — a feat depicted in the epic film Lawrence of Arabia.The extraordinary breadth and variety of his activities and associations, and his ability to describe them vividly in writing, have earned him international fame as Lawrence of Arabia.

According to Lawrence, here are five requirements to be a Dreamer of the Day:

1) Initiative—Lao Tzu said: “The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” For example, when people learn you are an author and see your book, inevitably, they say, “Oh, I am writing a book, too.” “Oh, may I see it?” I ask. “Oh, uh,  I haven’t started yet.” “But why haven’t you?” I want to say.

2) Brain—Our brains are under-utilized and atrophied. We should keep our brain active with tasks that involve some level of challenge. Just as physical activity keeps our body strong, mental activity keeps our mind strong. By continually challenging ourselves to learn new skills, our brain will produce new connections between nerve cells, thus promoting neuroplasticity. This will help our brain store and retrieve information more easily, no matter what our age. HERE is more great information about your brain.

3) Muscles—To have well-toned muscles, one needs discipline. Mental thought plus physical strength equals dangerous power. A dreamer of the day is a well-rounded person, who cares for mind and body.

4) Sweat—Creativity is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration. Dreamers of the day sweat from hard work. I believe the old adage, there is no substitute for hard work. It is a beautiful circle of life—work provides fulfillment, fulfillment provides happiness, happiness provides creativity, creativity provides dreams, dreams provide reality, reality provides life.

5) Thinking—“Did you ever stop to think, and forget to start again?” ~Winnie the Pooh. A question—do you have a recurring appointment in your calendar for “thinking?” An even bigger question, would you be embarrassed if the boss came into your work place during your thinking time? And would your boss (or you) think you were wasting time? Maybe the question Pooh should ask us, “Did we ever start to think?” I have written more on this subject HERE.

What do you think?

Does this make sense?

Should we be dangerous?

Please join this conversation.