What do you dream about? What is it that you would like to achieve? What have you been searching for, longing for in your professional life?

In my consulting practice I am thrilled when a client asks me how to reach a higher level. It’s exciting to me because it’s one of the most rewarding things that I do – to have the opportunity to help those who ask the question, to watch them blossom, to help them on a different path ramping up to a higher level.

Recently I was coaching a chief financial officer of a major manufacturing concern in Minneapolis. I’ll call him Henry. Henry had been exploring his career situation and what he should do about it. As a senior executive he had been enjoying a six figure salary, bonus, stock options and executive perquisites. But he felt he was still lacking something. He wanted a leadership position, but not necessarily in finance. He was weary of closing the fiscal month / quarter / year, over and over. It was the same routine, and now he felt under-challenged, under-utilized. I asked Henry a simple question: “Henry, let’s say that it’s a Tuesday afternoon in November, five years from today, the year is 2014. What are you doing? What do you envision you will be doing on a Tuesday afternoon five years from now?” I waited for his response. He said, “I would be the chief strategy officer for the company.”

This caught me by surprise. I found myself scrambling a bit, trying not to look surprised. I asked him a few roundabout questions as I prepared mentally for the question that I really wanted to ask him. I finally found an opening in his remarks. I was very respectful and diplomatic, and I asked him: “Henry, I have one more question about your dream position for 2014. Is it big enough?”

Now he was the one who was surprised – at himself. Henry realized instantly what I meant. He had not reached out far enough; he had not thought big enough, he was shortchanging himself from the outset. I then said: “You know, this doesn’t mean that you should want to be the CEO. It’s not that kind of size I’m referring to. Instead, have you thought about being on your own, putting together a great idea backed up by some capital, which I’m sure you can raise?” I continued, “Or maybe in a completely different arena, you could start a 501(c3) not for profit organization to lead a mission you’ve always wanted to pursue.” Henry became very contemplative. He hadn’t thought quite like that. “Henry, I see all that you are, all that you have in potential, and, may I have your permission?” He said, “Sure!” I continued, “You have a lot more to offer your business community, your family, yourself. You now have an opportunity – to leave a legacy.”

If you are longing for something different, something bigger in your professional life, in your personal life, then take time to think about it, visualize it, write it down, express your dream. Try discussing it with trusted friends, with loved ones. Do you have informal advisors, or a mentor, or a coach? Tell them what your idea is and ask them this: Is your dream big enough? Do they see you reaching out to the extent of your full potential? Are you driving your very best race just to finish – or to win?