In my mind, realistic people are human beings afraid to dream large dreams because they fear disappointment. I celebrate/honor/admire the unrealistic ones amongst us. Those who see possibilities where others only see limitations.

Sure, I get we have to be practical (at least a little) and that one needs to have common sense. But to me conventional wisdom is pretty unwise. Where would Apple be if they listened to conventional wisdom? Or what would the world look like if Ford or Disney or Gandhi or Salk listened to the chattering voices of the "realistic" critics.

So be unreasonable. Set wildly brave dreams for the influence you can have at work and the excellence you can achieve and the personal life you can craft. Set big goals - and then make them ten times bigger. Amazing how much a human being can do once she leads without title and begins to believe in herself.