grounded dreams: vision vs reality

innovating is messy, unpredictable, and full of tension. vision pulls you into the future; reality reminds you that the present still matters. the trick? learning to dance between the two without getting stuck in one.

vision is rebellion. it’s what wakes you up at 3 a.m., whispering, “this could change everything.” without it, you’re just another cog in a soulless machine. but here’s the catch: vision without reality is like building a castle on quicksand. it might look impressive, but it’s going nowhere.

reality is the wake-up call you need. it’s the user feedback that hurts, the data that doesn’t lie, the brutal constraints of time and money. it’s not here to kill your dreams but to sharpen them, making sure they’re strong enough to survive the real world.

the balance between vision and reality isn’t 50/50—it shifts. in the early days, you might live 99% in your vision, experimenting wildly. later, reality takes the wheel, and you pull back to 10/90, focusing on execution. some teams might split: one pushing vision at 70/30, the other nailing execution at 20/80. it’s all about knowing what’s needed, when.

perfection is a trap. building new things isn’t about getting it right the first time. it’s about learning fast, pivoting, and letting failure shape you. the magic happens in the struggle between what could be and what is.

dream big, adapt relentlessly, and let the tension between vision and reality drive you forward. nothing great is ever built without a bit of chaos.