Dreamers are visionaries who picture a future filled with limitless possibilities. Dreaming is great– we all need more of it. However, while many are busy sketching stars and picking the color palette for the mansions in their dreams, the true shakers are on the ground, building a ladder to reach them. A doer doesn’t just talk about ambitions or ideas—they bring them to life, transforming vague “what ifs” into concrete “here it is.”
True, a small loan of a million dollars can go a long way in making things move, but daily habits separate the ordinary from the extraordinary. These can either propel an idea forward or leave it stuck in the fog of “someday”. Becoming one of these shakers requires more than wishful thinking.
Who do you want to be? Here are some of the unique habits that elevate shakers above the dreamers.
1. Believing in Themselves
Shakers have an unwavering belief in their abilities, which gives them the courage to take bold steps and tackle ambitious goals. This confidence isn’t arrogance—it’s a deep-seated assurance that they’re equipped to handle whatever comes their way.
They understand that success comes through persistence, trusting in their ability to learn and grow as they go. Dreamers may hesitate, wondering if they’re ready, but shakers make self-belief their foundation.
2. Turning Talk into Tangible Action
True shakers know that ideas without action are like cars without fuel—they’re not going anywhere. Instead of endlessly talking about possibilities, they get moving, even if it’s a small step. They don’t wait for the perfect conditions or inspiration– they know progress is built on showing up and chipping away at the goal, piece by piece.
While dreamers might still be perfecting the mental blueprint, shakers are already in the trenches. They’ll be doing and embracing a practical, hands-on approach that brings concepts to life before a dreamer finishes yawning.
3. Embracing Failure as Part of the Process
Shakers have a unique relationship with failure. They see it as an expected visitor rather than a dreaded guest. They don’t fear missteps, rather they view them as part of the learning curve, which helps refine their approach and broaden their understanding.
This mindset keeps them from feeling crushed by setbacks and focused on what they can improve. When others might stop, paralyzed by the idea of getting it wrong, shakers keep experimenting, failing, adjusting, and staying in motion.
4. Scheduling, Prioritizing, and Sticking to Their Goals
For shakers, dreams aren’t hazy notions—they’re planned projects. They break down their ambitions into concrete, manageable steps, creating schedules and timelines to keep themselves on track.
Every day has its priorities, and every task has its time. This dedication to organized planning ensures that they move steadily toward their objectives without getting derailed. Dreamers may feel overwhelmed by the size of their dreams, but shakers know that breaking goals down makes them achievable.
5. Building Resilience Like a Muscle
What’s your relationship with obstacles? Are you tenacious and resilient? Shakers treat challenges as growth opportunities, embracing the rough patches instead of avoiding them. Turning dreams into reality requires weathering all highs and lows.
This inner strength isn’t an innate quality. It’s a habit they cultivate through experience, learning to bounce back from setbacks and come back even stronger. Obstacles are viewed as stepping stones.
6. Surrounding Themselves with Motivated People
Who’s in your inner circle? Is your networking intentional? Shakers know that the people around them have a powerful influence on their journey. They seek out motivated individuals who inspire them, offer fresh perspectives, and push them toward their goals.
This strategic selection of company fuels their progress and keeps their ambitions alive. Dreamers may settle for whoever’s nearby, but shakers actively curate their circle to include those who share their drive.
7. Staying Curious and Always Learning
When did you last learn something new? Read a book? Have you watched something useful? For shakers, learning isn’t a chore—it’s a lifelong habit. They’re always eager to dive into new topics, pick up new skills, and expand their horizons.
This continuous pursuit of knowledge keeps their minds sharp and their ideas fresh, allowing them to adapt and stay ahead of the curve. Where dreamers might rely on old information, shakers never stop updating their skill sets.
8. Mastering Self-Discipline
All those things you’ve wanted to achieve, self-discipline will take you there. It is the lifeblood of a shaker’s productivity. They understand that motivation will come and go, but discipline keeps things moving forward.
They don’t wait to feel “inspired,” they create routines and habits that support their goals, allowing them to stay consistent even on the days when motivation runs dry. A dreamer may waver when enthusiasm fades, but a shaker stays the course.
9. Valuing Feedback, Even When It Stings
A shaker has a rare openness to constructive criticism. They seek out feedback, understanding that an outside perspective can help sharpen their skills and refine their projects. Sometimes, it stings to be told half your efforts are garbage, but they view criticism as a tool to get better, embracing it as a part of the growth process.
Dreamers might avoid feedback for fear of judgment, but shakers know it’s essential for improvement.
10. Finding Joy in the Process, Not Just the Outcome
True shakers are driven by more than the end result– they find satisfaction in the journey itself. They appreciate the daily progress, the small wins, and the learning moments along the way.
This enjoyment of the process keeps them energized and prevents burnout, allowing them to stay committed for the long haul. Some dreamers may erroneously fixate solely on the big picture.
11. Using Time-Management Tools
Shakers understand that time is their most valuable asset, and they don’t rely on memory alone to keep track of tasks. They leverage time management tools—from digital planners, task-tracking apps, or even classic paper agendas—to organize, prioritize, and maximize productivity.
These tools help them manage their schedule and stay on top of both long-term goals and daily to-dos. Dreamers may wing it, but shakers know that a structured approach to time keeps them efficient and focused.
12. They Follow Through, No Matter What
Above all, shakers are masters of follow-through. They don’t leave projects half-finished or let ideas fizzle out. Instead, they complete every venture, honoring their commitment to themselves and their goals.
This habit of seeing things through to the end is what truly distinguishes them as shakers. Dreamers may have good intentions, but shakers bring them to life. This dedication to following through turns plans into achievements and makes them the people who actually get things done.
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I’m a Language and Literary Studies (Honors) graduate with 11 years of experience in magazine and blog writing and content creation. I’m passionate about storytelling for change and believe in the power of words to make a difference. My writing is thought-provoking, accessible, and engaging, focusing on the Psychology of human behavior, complex social issues, personal experiences, and the latest trends. I’m a wife and a Mom of three.
I’m a Language and Literary Studies (Honors) graduate with 11 years of experience in magazine and blog writing and content creation. I’m passionate about storytelling for change and believe in the power of words to make a difference. My writing is thought-provoking, accessible, and engaging, focusing on the Psychology of human behavior, complex social issues, personal experiences, and the latest trends. I’m a wife and a Mom of three.