Questions to Ask About Dreams
Thoughtful questions to explore dreams, aspirations, and life goals with others, helping you understand their hopes, fears, and what drives them forward.
1What's a dream you've had for a long time that you're still working toward?
Click to see why this works
What's a dream you've had for a long time that you're still working toward?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Reveals long-term aspirations and persistence, helping you understand what truly matters to them and what they're willing to invest time and effort in achieving.
2If you could wake up tomorrow and have achieved any one goal, what would it be?
Click to see why this works
If you could wake up tomorrow and have achieved any one goal, what would it be?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Helps identify their most important current priority and reveals what they consider their biggest challenge or most desired outcome right now.
3What's a dream you had as a child that you still think about today?
Click to see why this works
What's a dream you had as a child that you still think about today?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows the continuity of their values and interests over time, and may reveal what they consider their authentic self or true calling.
4If you had unlimited resources and time, what would you want to accomplish?
Click to see why this works
If you had unlimited resources and time, what would you want to accomplish?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Removes practical constraints to reveal their deepest aspirations and what they would pursue if nothing stood in their way.
5What's a dream you've given up on, and why did you let it go?
Click to see why this works
What's a dream you've given up on, and why did you let it go?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Reveals their decision-making process around priorities and may show how they've matured or what they've learned about themselves through experience.
6If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?
Click to see why this works
If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows their values and what they care about beyond personal gain, revealing their sense of purpose and what they consider important for society.
7What's something you've always wanted to learn or master?
Click to see why this works
What's something you've always wanted to learn or master?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Reveals their interests in personal growth and development, and may uncover hidden talents or passions they haven't yet explored.
8If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you choose and why?
Click to see why this works
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you choose and why?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Reveals their lifestyle preferences, values, and what kind of environment they find inspiring or fulfilling.
9What's a dream that scares you but also excites you?
Click to see why this works
What's a dream that scares you but also excites you?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Identifies their biggest challenges and growth opportunities, showing what they're afraid of but also what they're drawn to for personal development.
10If you could be remembered for one thing, what would you want it to be?
Click to see why this works
If you could be remembered for one thing, what would you want it to be?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Reveals their legacy goals and what they consider their most important contribution or impact they want to have on the world.
11What's a dream you have for someone else (family, friends, community)?
Click to see why this works
What's a dream you have for someone else (family, friends, community)?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows their care for others and what they want for the people they love, revealing their values around relationships and community.
12If you could go back in time and change one decision, what would it be?
Click to see why this works
If you could go back in time and change one decision, what would it be?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Reveals regrets and what they consider important life lessons, showing what they've learned about themselves and their priorities.
13What's something you've always wanted to create or build?
Click to see why this works
What's something you've always wanted to create or build?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Reveals their creative aspirations and what kind of impact they want to have through their work or projects.
14If you could have any job in the world, what would it be?
Click to see why this works
If you could have any job in the world, what would it be?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows their ideal career aspirations and what kind of work they find most meaningful or fulfilling.
15What's a dream that seems impossible but you still hope for?
Click to see why this works
What's a dream that seems impossible but you still hope for?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Reveals their deepest hopes and what they're willing to believe in despite obstacles, showing their optimism and determination.
16If you could have any superpower to help others, what would you choose?
Click to see why this works
If you could have any superpower to help others, what would you choose?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows their values around helping others and what kind of impact they want to have, revealing their sense of purpose and service.
17What's a dream you have for your future self in 10 years?
Click to see why this works
What's a dream you have for your future self in 10 years?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Reveals their long-term vision for themselves and what they hope to have accomplished or become over the next decade.
18If you could solve any problem in the world, what would it be?
Click to see why this works
If you could solve any problem in the world, what would it be?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows what issues they care about most and what kind of positive change they want to see in the world.
19What's something you've always wanted to experience but haven't yet?
Click to see why this works
What's something you've always wanted to experience but haven't yet?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Reveals their bucket list items and what experiences they consider important for a fulfilling life.
20If you could give your younger self one piece of advice about pursuing dreams, what would it be?
Click to see why this works
If you could give your younger self one piece of advice about pursuing dreams, what would it be?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows what they've learned about goal-setting and dream-pursuit, revealing their wisdom about what works and what doesn't in achieving aspirations.
How to Have Meaningful Conversations About Dreams
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Best Practices
Create a Safe, Non-Judgmental Space
Make it clear that all dreams are valid and worthy of discussion. Avoid dismissing or minimizing their aspirations, no matter how unrealistic they may seem.
Share Your Own Dreams
Model vulnerability by sharing your own dreams and aspirations. This creates mutual trust and encourages deeper sharing.
Ask Follow-up Questions
Show genuine interest by asking follow-up questions about their dreams. This helps them explore their aspirations more deeply and shows you care.
Question Sequences
The Personal Aspiration Series
The Legacy and Impact Series
Common Pitfalls
Don't Dismiss or Minimize
Avoid saying things like 'that's unrealistic' or 'that's not practical.' Instead, explore why the dream matters to them and what it represents.
Don't Focus Only on Achievable Dreams
Some of the most meaningful dreams are the ones that seem impossible. These often reveal the person's deepest values and aspirations.
Don't Make It About You
While sharing your own dreams is good, don't turn the conversation into a competition or make it all about your own aspirations.