Dreamers, Doers, and Stagnators
We all have dreams. Whether it’s a big career goal, a life-changing personal transformation, or a world-altering vision (like finally finding the perfect parking spot at Walmart), dreams are the fuel that drives us forward. However, not everyone is equally equipped to take action on these dreams. In fact, people tend to fall into three distinct categories: dreamers, doers, and stagnators. Understanding the strengths and challenges of each type can help us better navigate our personal journeys—and figure out how to stop binge-watching Netflix when we should be working on our goals.
Dreamers: Visionaries Who See the End Result
Dreamers are the visionaries of the world. They’re the ones who can see the big picture before anyone else does. Dreamers often live in the future, imagining what could be, and their minds are filled with endless possibilities—like starting a unicorn sanctuary or inventing a device that automatically folds laundry. While we may not all be aiming for unicorns (though, if you’re out there, let me know), dreamers have big ideas that push the boundaries of what’s possible.
“We are limited, not by our abilities, but by our vision.” – Anonymous
But here’s the catch—dreams are just the starting point. Dreamers need wisdom on how and when to share their dreams. Not every idea should be broadcast to the world immediately. Not everyone will get it—there’s a reason why some people said Thomas Edison was “wasting his time” before the light bulb invention became a game-changer. Dreamers need to find the right people to encourage their vision and help them take the first steps toward making their dreams a reality.
Every dreamer needs a doer. And this is where the doers step in.
Doers: The Builders Who See the Path
Doers are the ones who bring ideas to life. While dreamers envision the end result (hello, unicorn sanctuary), doers see the path to get there. Doers are the ones who put in the effort, take action, and focus on the practicalities. They love checking things off their to-do list and are often the ones leading the charge. Without doers, we’d still be stuck in the planning phase, with dreams floating around in the ether like that “one day” trip to the Grand Canyon we keep talking about.
“Action is the foundational key to all success.” – Pablo Picasso
Doers play a crucial role in helping dreamers transform their visions into concrete accomplishments. Every dreamer needs a doer to help them take action, break down the work, and actually do something. And every doer needs a dreamer to remind them why they’re working so hard. Without a dreamer, a doer might just end up mowing the lawn for the 12th time this week… which, hey, I’m not saying it’s a bad thing, but we could do with a bit more vision.
Stagnators: The Ones Who Are Stuck
And then we have the stagnators. Ah, the stagnators. These are the people who are stuck in a rut, unable to move forward, or paralyzed by fear or indecision. It’s like they’re in quicksand—every time they try to make progress, they just sink further. Unlike dreamers, they don’t have grand visions, and unlike doers, they don’t take action. Stagnators often find themselves in a state of inaction, whether out of fear, uncertainty, or sheer “Netflix and chill” mentality.
“Procrastination is the art of keeping up with yesterday.” – Don Marquis
Stagnators need a swift kickstart. A little push from a doer can get them moving again. Whether it’s a nudge to finally sign up for that marathon you’ve been talking about for years or help cleaning out the garage (yes, I’m looking at you), stagnators need a helping hand to get back on track. If you’re a stagnator, it’s time to stop binge-watching “how-to” videos on YouTube and actually try one of those tips yourself!
Stagnators need a doer to help them get unstuck. It could be something as simple as organizing a small task or setting a mini-goal. Once they start moving, it’s much easier for them to keep going. Sometimes, all it takes is someone else to show them the way.
Conclusion: We All Play a Role
The world needs all three types of people—dreamers, doers, and even stagnators—because each plays an essential role in shaping our lives and communities. Dreamers provide the vision, doers make it happen, and stagnators… well, they remind us not to get too comfortable sitting on the couch.
If you’re a dreamer, surround yourself with doers who can help you take action. If you’re a doer, connect with dreamers who can remind you of the bigger picture. And if you find yourself stuck as a stagnator, don’t hesitate to reach out to someone who can help you get back on your feet.
Dream big. Take action. And don’t let anything stop you from reaching your full potential.
“Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.” – Robert Collier
So whether you’re dreaming, doing, or stuck, remember this: there’s always a path forward. And sometimes, that path is just a phone call away.
Books to Inspire Action and Overcome Stagnation:
- “The 5 Second Rule” by Mel Robbins – A simple, practical way to overcome procrastination and take action, fast.
- “Atomic Habits” by James Clear – A brilliant guide on how small, consistent actions lead to big results. (personal favorite) ******
- “Start with Why” by Simon Sinek – For dreamers and doers alike, understanding the “why” behind what you do will keep you focused and motivated.
- “Do the Work” by Steven Pressfield – A call to action for those struggling with resistance and procrastination.
Pick up a book, take action, and stop making excuses. You’ve got dreams to make real!