How to Think Big

In today’s post, I’ll be sharing some tips on how to think big. Most people don’t have a problem dreaming. They have a problem dreaming beyond what they already know. We tend to look at our current circumstances, resources, relationships, experience, and past failures—and then use those things to determine what we believe is possible. But your current reality is not necessarily the limit of your future.

If you want bigger results, you have to start by thinking bigger. Thinking big doesn’t mean being unrealistic or ignoring reality. It means refusing to automatically place a ceiling on your potential.

Stop Thinking Small

Small thinking sounds like:

“That’s probably not possible.”

“I don’t have enough money.”

“I don’t know the right people.”

“I’m not qualified.”

“People like me don’t do things like that.”

The problem with these statements is that they often become self-fulfilling. If you convince yourself something can’t be done, you won’t look for ways to make it happen.

Instead of asking, “Can I do this?” start asking:

“What would it take to make this possible?”

That’s a completely different mindset.

Give Yourself Permission to Dream

Before something becomes a reality, it usually exists as an idea. Give yourself permission to imagine a life that is bigger than your current circumstances.

Think about:

The business you could build.

The places you could go.

The people you could help.

The skills you could develop.

The impact you could make.

The person you could become.

You don’t have to know exactly how you’re going to get there. Your job is to see the destination before you have every detail of the journey figured out.

Set Bigger Goals

If your goals never challenge you, they may not require you to grow. Big goals force you to develop new skills, meet new people, solve bigger problems, and become more disciplined.

Don’t only ask, “What’s realistic for me right now?”

Ask:

“What would I pursue if I believed I was capable of much more?”

Then work backward.

Break the big vision into smaller goals.

Take the first step. Then another.

Big achievements are usually built through small actions repeated consistently.

Think in Solutions

When small thinking encounters a problem, it says:

“I can’t.”

Big thinking asks:

“How can I?”

There will always be obstacles. You may not have enough money. You may not have enough experience. You may not have the right connections. You may fail.

None of those things automatically mean you should quit. They mean you need to find another approach.

Learn something.

Ask for help.

Change the strategy.

Try again.

Don’t let a problem convince you that the dream is impossible. Sometimes you don’t need a smaller dream. You need a better strategy.

Surround Yourself With Big Thinkers

Your environment influences your expectations. If you’re constantly surrounded by people who only talk about limitations, you can eventually start believing those limitations yourself.

Spend time with people who are building things, pursuing meaningful goals, learning, taking action, and challenging themselves. Read books. Find mentors. Study people who have accomplished things you admire. Expose yourself to ideas that stretch your understanding of what’s possible.

Sometimes you need to see someone else do it before you can imagine yourself doing it.

Stop Waiting to Feel Ready

One of the biggest obstacles to thinking big is waiting for certainty. You may never feel completely ready. You may never have enough money. You may never know exactly what will happen. You may never have everyone’s approval. That’s okay.

You don’t need complete certainty to take the next step. You need enough courage to move forward while you’re still figuring things out.

Confidence is often built through action.

You take the step.

You learn.

You adjust.

You get better.

Then you take another step.

Raise Your Expectations of Yourself

Thinking big isn’t only about having bigger goals. It’s also about expecting more from yourself. Expect yourself to keep your word. Expect yourself to learn. Expect yourself to work through difficult seasons. Expect yourself to take responsibility. Expect yourself to get back up after setbacks. Expect yourself to become healthier, wiser, stronger, and more disciplined.

Don’t use high expectations to beat yourself up. Use them to remind yourself:

“I am capable of more, and I’m going to keep developing myself.”

Don’t Let Other People’s Opinions Become Your Limits

Not everyone will understand your vision. Some people will tell you it’s too ambitious. Some will remind you of your past. Some will tell you to be realistic. Listen to wise counsel, but don’t automatically make other people’s limitations your own.

Surround yourself with people who challenge you. Take action before you feel completely ready. And most importantly, stop allowing your current circumstances to dictate the size of your future. Your life can expand when your thinking expands.

Think big. Start small. Keep going.

Because the person you become while pursuing a bigger life may ultimately be more valuable than the achievement itself.

I hope you’ve gotten value from this post. Leave a comment below on what your biggest takeaway has been. I can’t wait to read your thoughts.

Go out today and make life an adventure.

Etieno Etuk

Be sure to check out my Facebook and Instagram account for daily motivational and inspirational content.

PS: To Learn How to Start Enrolling 3-7 New Customers & Team Members Weekly—No Cold Messaging or Chasing Prospects Required, Click Here!