From idea to reality: how to make plans become success

      An inspiring guide for leaders and dreamers who want to transform visions into concrete achievements

Every great achievement starts with a plan on paper, but what separates a dream from reality is action. Discover how strategies rooted in science, theater, and planning can turn your ideas into results that impact the world. Ready to take the first step?

Planning is an act of imagination, but executing it is an art that demands method, passion, and discipline. Often, brilliant ideas remain trapped in drawers or endless meetings, never coming to fruition. Neuroscience teaches us that the human brain excels at creating visions but needs structure to turn thoughts into actions. A 2021 Harvard University study revealed that individuals who follow structured plans with clear goals are 40% more likely to achieve their objectives. For leaders, workers, or anyone with a dream, the challenge is clear: how do we move from paper to practice? The answer lies in methodologies that blend science, creativity, and action, such as those developed by Antônio Carlos dos Santos, which integrate strategic planning with artistic expressions like theater to make ideas tangible.

Practical Tip: Start by writing your goal in a clear, specific sentence. For example: “I want to open a sustainable café in 12 months.” Revisit this sentence daily to stay focused.

One of Santos’ most powerful methodologies is Quasar K+, a strategic planning model that guides dreamers and leaders to transform visions into measurable outcomes. Quasar K+ emphasizes five pillars: clarity of purpose, resource mapping, step definition, team engagement, and continuous evaluation. An inspiring example of its application occurred in 2019, when a small cooperative of farmers in rural Brazil dreamed of exporting organic products. Using Quasar K+, the cooperative set clear goals (export 10 tons in two years), identified logistics partners, trained members with communication techniques from Santos’ book Strategic Communication: The Art of Speaking Well, and monitored progress monthly. By 2021, the cooperative not only met but exceeded its target, exporting 12 tons of products to Europe, proving that a well-executed plan can turn dreams into reality.

Fun Fact: Studies from Stanford University (2020) show that teams that regularly review their plans are 25% more likely to succeed, as continuous evaluation keeps them aligned with goals.

Theater, surprisingly, also plays a crucial role in plan execution. Santos’ MAT (Mindset, Action, and Theater) methodology proposes that effective planning requires a positive mindset, practical action, and the ability to “stage” the future. In MAT, leaders and teams are encouraged to simulate scenarios, such as a pitch to investors or a negotiation, using theatrical techniques outlined in the book Breathing, Voice, and Diction. A 2022 University of Oxford study confirms that artistic practices, like theater, boost confidence and clarity in communication by 30%, skills essential for turning plans into results. Imagine a manager who, by practicing a presentation with MAT, improves their diction and posture, earning the trust of their team and stakeholders.

Inspiring Story: Oprah Winfrey, before becoming a global icon, meticulously planned her career. She used visualization techniques, like “staging” her interviews, to prepare for success. Her discipline took her from a small local station to a media empire.

Santos’ ThM (Theater Movement) methodology takes the concept of action further by integrating physical movement into planning. In ThM, individuals are invited to “embody” their plans, using gestures and postures to internalize goals. For example, a leader might walk slowly while visualizing each project step, connecting body and mind. A 2021 University of Cambridge study showed that activities combining movement and planning increase goal retention by 20%, as the body reinforces mental commitment. In the book Moving Letters: The Art of Writing Well, Santos explains how writing plans with clarity and emotion, combined with ThM, helps transform abstract ideas into concrete steps.

Practical Tip: Set aside 10 minutes a week to “embody” your plan. Walk while verbalizing your goals, as if rehearsing a play. This strengthens your commitment.

The MBPT (Mané Beiçudo Puppet Theater) methodology adds a playful touch to planning, especially for engaging teams. Using puppets like the charismatic Mané Beiçudo, leaders can tell stories that illustrate a plan’s challenges and solutions. In a tech company in 2022, MBPT was used to explain a restructuring plan to employees. The puppet “narrated” the goals, making communication more accessible and reducing resistance. A 2023 Yale University study highlights that playful narratives increase engagement by 35%, particularly in corporate settings. MBPT transforms planning into a collective experience, where everyone feels part of the story.

Motivational Quote: “A plan without action is just a wish. Take the first step, and the path will reveal itself.” – Antônio Carlos dos Santos, Strategic Communication.

Science also underscores the importance of breaking plans into manageable steps. The “small wins” theory, developed by the University of Chicago (2020), suggests that celebrating small victories sustains motivation. For instance, if the plan is to launch a new product, celebrate milestones like “prototype completed” or “first client secured.” Quasar K+ incorporates this idea by encouraging continuous evaluation, allowing for quick adjustments. A famous case is that of entrepreneur Sara Blakely, creator of Spanx. She started with a handmade prototype and, step by step, turned her idea into a billion-dollar brand, constantly revising her plan.

Inspiring Story: Sara Blakely faced rejections but never abandoned her plan. With discipline and small advances, she transformed a simple idea into a global fashion empire.

Another critical aspect is clear communication, a central theme in Santos’ Strategic Communication. Plans fail when teams don’t understand goals or feel unengaged. Techniques from the book—such as using strategic pauses and varied intonations—help leaders convey their visions with impact. A 2022 MIT study showed that leaders with effective communication skills boost team productivity by 28%. Combining these techniques with MBPT or MAT creates a holistic approach, where the message not only informs but inspires action.

Fun Fact: Research from Columbia University (2021) indicates that teams emotionally connected to a plan have 50% lower turnover, as they share a common purpose.

Finally, turning plans into results requires resilience. Neuroscience teaches us that the brain responds well to repetition and consistency. A 2023 UCL study showed that habits formed through consistent actions solidify in an average of 66 days. Quasar K+ and Santos’ methodologies encourage repeating small steps, like reviewing weekly goals or practicing theatrical presentations. As Santos said, “success is the sum of small daily efforts.” By combining science, theater, and planning, anyone can transform a scribble on paper into an achievement that changes lives.

Practical Tip: Create a “progress journal” to note small weekly victories. This keeps motivation high and helps visualize the journey. 

Access the books by Antônio Carlos dos Santos on amazon.com or amazon.com.br

Click here.

https://www.amazon.com/author/antoniosantos

To learn more, click here.

To learn more, click here.

To learn more, click here.