The Gap Between Size of Our Dreams and Action We Are Taking

“Dream Big.”

It’s perhaps the most common piece of advice in the entrepreneurial world. We see it on motivational posters, Instagram quote tiles, and hear it in commencement speeches.

But if we look at the data, there is a massive disconnect between the size of our dreams and the reality of our actions.

The truth is, having a “big idea” isn’t rare. It’s the default setting for many people who have ambition.

Here is what the data tells us about the “Execution Gap”:

Does it feel like everyone you know has a side-hustle idea or a concept for an app? You aren’t wrong.

Various surveys (including Gallup and others over the years) indicate that roughly 60% to 70% of people have seriously thought about starting their own business or project at some point.
That is millions upon millions of “Big Dreams.”

Now, look at the reality:
According to data from the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, only a tiny fraction of the adult population-often less than 10% annually-are actually engaged in “nascent entrepreneurial activity” (actively taking steps to start).

What does this data actually mean for you?

When you look at those numbers, you might feel discouraged. You might think, “If so few people do it, it must be impossible.” It could make you feel justified in not taking action, because that’s the norm.

I see it differently. I see massive, untapped opportunity.

The data proves that the greatest barrier to entry isn’t capital, technology, or market saturation. The greatest barrier is simply starting.

The world is full of brilliant, world-changing ideas currently trapped in the “thinking phase” of people who are waiting for the perfect moment.

If you decide today to take your Big Dream and turn it into just one small, tangible action: buying the domain, making the first phone call, you have already filtered yourself out of the 60% who are just dreaming.

You instantly enter a much smaller, much more exciting playing field.

The takeaway?

Don’t stop Dreaming Big. We need big dreams.

But understand that a Big Dream without action is just a comforting thought. The opportunity doesn’t belong to the person with the best idea; it belongs to the person who decides to build it.

Dream Big. Start small. But most importantly, start.