Barbara Sher: The Woman Who Helped Us Dream Again

At some point in our lives, we’ve all struggled with our dreams. Whether it’s not knowing what we truly want, feeling torn between different passions, or simply getting stuck in self-doubt, the path to manifesting our dreams can seem overwhelming. Enter Barbara Sher, a woman whose life work has been to help people find clarity, focus on their goals, and support one another in achieving those dreams. Her teachings, books, and workshops have left a lasting legacy on how we think about personal growth and community support.

The Power of Dreams, the Power of Action

Barbara Sher, a renowned author, speaker, and career coach, believed that everyone has a unique set of gifts, and that the world is better when each person can find a way to use those gifts. She wasn’t just a dreamer – she was a doer. Her approach went beyond traditional self-help, where the focus often leans toward individual effort. Instead, she encouraged people to embrace their desires, even if they seemed contradictory or impractical, and then take actionable steps toward them with the help of a supportive community.

This approach resonated with countless individuals who found themselves stuck in indecision or fear. Sher knew that it wasn’t always about willpower or the perfect strategy, but about connecting with the right people who could help.

The Idea Behind “Wishcraft”

Barbara Sher’s first and most iconic book, Wishcraft: How to Get What You Really Want, published in 1979, became a roadmap for thousands of people wanting to live their best lives. In it, Sher demystifies the concept of success and helps people understand that achieving dreams is not just for the lucky or super-talented. She provides practical tools, techniques, and exercises that help readers understand their true desires and set goals that match those desires.

The term “Wishcraft” itself is a blend of “wish” (what you want) and “craft” (the practical know-how to get it). Barbara didn’t want people to be paralyzed by the enormity of their dreams; she wanted them to break their dreams down into manageable steps and to call on others for help along the way. Her philosophy encourages taking small, consistent actions while building a support system around you. This blend of practicality and aspiration has made her work timeless.

“Isolation is the Dream Killer”

One of Barbara Sher’s most famous quotes is, “Isolation is the dream killer, not your attitude.” In her view, the biggest obstacle to achieving one’s dreams isn’t a lack of motivation or ability—it’s a lack of connection. She understood that in our fast-paced, modern world, people often feel isolated and without the support system necessary to realize their dreams. Her solution? Get people to help one another.

Sher’s “Success Teams” became a popular method to do just that. These small groups of individuals, often strangers at first, would come together regularly to share their goals, brainstorm ideas, and support each other through the process. The collaborative power of these groups proved to be transformative, allowing participants to make significant strides toward their dreams, whether personal or professional.

The beauty of this concept is that it emphasizes collective action. No one is meant to achieve their dreams alone, and Sher built a framework for mutual encouragement and accountability, which is still relevant today.

The “Scanner” Personality: Embracing Multiple Dreams

A groundbreaking part of Barbara Sher’s work is her recognition and celebration of the “scanner” personality. In her book Refuse to Choose!, Sher explained that many people struggle not because they can’t decide on a dream, but because they have too many dreams. These individuals, whom she called “scanners,” have diverse interests, passions, and talents that can make it difficult to stick to one path.

Sher’s advice for scanners was both liberating and practical. Rather than force themselves to pick one career or passion, scanners should embrace their multi-faceted nature. She offered tools and strategies for managing multiple interests and finding a way to incorporate them all into a fulfilling life. This idea resonated with countless people who had been taught that the only way to succeed was to specialize, giving them permission to explore all of their passions without guilt.

Building a Legacy of Community and Support

At Crossroads, we understand the importance of community in achieving dreams, and Barbara Sher’s work aligns perfectly with our mission. She has shown that, when people come together with the intent to help each other, magic happens. Whether through sharing resources, offering encouragement, or simply holding someone accountable to their goals, we see her philosophy in action every day on our platform.

Barbara Sher passed away in 2020, but her influence lives on in the lives of those she touched. Her books, workshops, and countless speeches have left an indelible mark on how people approach their dreams. In a world that often emphasizes competition, she reminded us that collaboration is the true key to success.

Bringing Sher’s Legacy to Crossroads

At Crossroads, we are inspired by Barbara Sher’s vision of people helping each other achieve their dreams. Our platform is built on this very principle: no dream is too big or too small, and no one should feel like they have to go it alone. Whether you are a “scanner” trying to juggle multiple passions, or someone looking to finally make that long-held dream a reality, we are here to help you connect with others who can offer guidance, support, and encouragement.

As we continue building a space for dreamers, doers, and helpers, Barbara Sher’s teachings remind us of the power of community. Together, we can manifest dreams that seem impossible when we’re alone.

Let’s carry forward the spirit of Wishcraft by working together to make each of our unique dreams come true.