They can become our 'vision'. Vision is a word that is used a lot in leadership development these days, and for a good reason. In order for something to happen, someone has to first see it happening long before it actually does. This can become your vision. And a vision is a powerful thing.
Vision is what drives success and accomplishment.
Just think of the great accomplishments of mankind and about what vision must have been behind them. Great things come when we dream, when we gain a vision of a better tomorrow. Vision drives us to attempt things far beyond where we are right now. Here is one of my favorite quotes from old Rough and Ready, Teddy Roosevelt. I hope it encourages you to stretch for greater things.