Dreams Don’t Produce (But Plans Do)"

Welcome back everybody, you’re listening to the Mindset Matters podcast, I’m your host Riley Jensen and today I want to talk about turning dreams into plans.

Let me ask you a simple question:

Are you dreaming… or are you planning?

Listen, having dreams is awesome. I’m all for dreaming big. I’m a dreamer—I’ve always been one. But here’s the truth most people won’t tell you:

👉 Dreams don’t produce.

Plans produce.

Dreams are free. They live in your mind. They feel good. But they don’t move the needle. What moves the needle? A plan.

Let’s break it down:

Dreams are unlimited. They’re vague. They can last forever in your mind.

But a plan? A plan has a deadline. A plan demands effort. It costs you time, energy, discipline… sometimes even money.

Dreams can motivate you… but a plan will actually transform your life.

Here’s a question for you right now—wherever you’re listening:

Do you have a real plan? Or are you just hoping?

I see it all the time with athletes, entrepreneurs, and high performers. We say things like:

“I dream of being mentally tough.”

“I dream of being the starting quarterback.”

“I dream of losing weight or getting that promotion.”

But when I ask, “What’s the daily plan?” …crickets.

No judgment. Just awareness. Because here’s the deal—your dreams are valid. They matter. But without a plan, they’re just decorations for your imagination.

🔥 Let’s Get Practical. Here’s Your Challenge Today:

#1 – The Gratitude Reset.

Tonight, before you go to bed, write down three things you’re grateful for. Seriously. Grab a notebook, or the Notes app on your phone. It could be simple:

Health

My family

The opportunity to compete

Or go deeper if you want. Gratitude isn’t fluffy—it’s tactical. Research shows it resets your brain, improves sleep, boosts performance, and literally makes you more mentally tough.

#2 – Write a Gratitude Letter.

Pick someone who’s made a difference in your life—a coach, a teammate, a parent, a mentor. Send them a text, a DM, or—if you’re old school—write a handwritten note. Something like:

“Hey, I just wanted to thank you. You’ve made an impact on my life, and I appreciate you.”

Two things happen when you do this:

1️⃣ You make their day.

2️⃣ You reset your own mindset toward growth instead of comparison.

🎯 Final thought:

It’s easy to get caught in “dream mode.” But what wins? Execution.

Dreams inspire. Plans transform.

So today, audit your life:

What’s the dream?

Where’s the plan?

And what are three things you’re grateful for today that prove you’re already making progress?

This is Pure Unadulterated Guts. Let’s go to work.