Detrimental dreams

Dreams.  Most literally, a dream is said to be "a vision voluntarily indulged in while awake" (dictionary.com).  That vision is usually one of success.  For a businessperson, it could be a raise or a promotion.  For a mother, it could be the health and success of her children.  For a student, it could be good grades and acceptance into the college of their dreams.  One must have the dedication and willingness to put in the work to reach his or her goal.  Joel Osteen goes as far as saying "do all you can to make your dreams come true."  Unfortunately, as one works towards their goals, other important aspects of a balanced life are either ignored or cheated.  
For example, when men are drafted for wars, they must first pass exams in order to qualify as being physically able to fight.  One area in which they are tested is vision.  A man aspiring to become a doctor qualifies to fight.  But can he pass the physical examination?  Because he does not want to fight, he convinces his doctor to feign a letter, describing how the man's vision is so poor that if he were to fight, he might shoot men on his side if he lost his glasses.  This example displays some of the bad things that can happen as one aspires towards their goal.  If that man passed his test, he would be forced to fight, and would not be able to go to medical school until after his time.  In order to achieve his dream, he had to take advantage of the eye doctor so he did not appear capable of fighting.  Those who take advantage of others are scorned upon, and will ultimately sever previous acquaintances.

Along with deliberately "using" others, the work involved with achieving dreams can sometimes prevent one from having the time to retain relationships.  The dreamer is so enthralled in their preparations that they don't have an extra hour to go to the movies with a friend or visit a loved one.  It is when one realizes these loses that a decision must be made: is the dream worth what is given up in the process?