This macro-strategy goes back to Walt Disney, the founder of the internationally renowned Disney Company. Disney was a person with very pronounced dreams and visions. He divided the goal-setting process into three distinct phases, separating them both spatially and chronologically. These phases, or positions, were: the Creative Dreamer, the Realistic Planner, and the Constructive Critic. For each of these three positions, Walt Disney used a different room—each designed in a way that helped him adopt the mental state most conducive to that position.

Process

Step 1: Preparation:
Mark three distinct spots in the room. Ensure each spot aligns with the thinking style for which it is designated. Place a sheet of paper labeled “Dreamer,” “Planner,” and “Critic” at each respective spot. Decide which dream you want to work on.

Step 2: Dreamer Position:
Stand on the Dreamer spot. Recall a situation in which you were especially creative and imaginative, and shift yourself into that mindset. If that’s difficult, think of someone who is often creative and consider how they might do it. It’s essential that you genuinely reach a state where dreaming and generating creative ideas comes easily. Now describe what the Dreamer envisions. If you have a companion, they can write down your thoughts. Otherwise, use a voice recorder or smartphone to capture your ideas.

Step 3: Separator:
Leave the Dreamer position and take a brief moment to clear your mind. Implement a mental “separator.”

Step 4: Planner:
Move to the Realistic Planner spot. Recall a time when you were easily able to plan realistically and carefully, or think of someone who is adept at planning. Review the Dreamer’s ideas and start working them out from a planner’s perspective. Write down the ideas:

• How could you turn this idea into reality?
• Which steps are necessary?
• In what order do they need to be done?
• How long will it take to achieve the goal?
• What intermediate milestones might make sense?

Step 5: Separator:
Leave the Planner position and again clear your mind with a separator.

Step 6: Constructive Critic:
Move to the Constructive Critic spot. Recall a time or situation when you were both critical and constructive—where you recognized obstacles and objections early, and clearly saw the strengths and weaknesses of a plan. Or think of someone who has this ability. Sense where in your body you can access this critical-thinking mindset, and step into that state. Look at the outcomes from the Dreamer and the Planner. Tune in to the plan and get a feel for it.

• What’s still missing?
• What hasn’t been taken into account yet?
• Can you reach your goal with this plan?
• What weaknesses does the plan have?
• What could go wrong?

Step 7: Further Process:
Keep moving through these three positions as needed. You might occasionally jump directly from Dreamer to Critic or go back and forth between Planner and Critic. Make all necessary adjustments and refinements.

Step 8: Concluding the Process:
There are two possible outcomes:

• a) You have thoroughly considered the dream, created a plan, and now want to begin implementing it.
• b) The dream doesn’t stand up to critical scrutiny. Despite all efforts, the drawbacks outweigh the benefits, and you decide to let it go. This can also be a good result, because it means you can now close that chapter and focus on other dreams.

Play around with this model. It’s great fun!