In our previous Wisdom Note, we explored The Science of Thinking Big. In today’s note, we will expand on the topic of thinking big.
As we consider the concept of thinking big, we have to understand that there is effort exerted in thinking big or small. Take advantage of economies of scale. In many cases, thinking big and taking action on large tasks takes no more time and effort than working on small tasks. But, the results are much bigger and better, and the achievement is greater. I have seen people that have worked harder thinking about how to get out of doing something than if they would just think big and do the work.
It can be much easier to succeed by thinking big, rather than thinking small. So many individuals are thwarted in life because their thinking is so confined and small. I realize that not everyone has the opportunity to travel and stretch themselves and their world by experiencing other peoples and cultures. With today’s technology, though, there is no reason that you cannot expand your horizons and thinking through virtual travel and experiences. It is literally at our fingertips today.
How to Think and Achieve Big
1. Be positive and fearless.
Negative or fearful thoughts produce small thinking. Think positively. Eliminate the word “impossible.” Successful big thinkers come up with reasons why they “can.” Others find reasons why they “can’t.” “Success comes in cans, not in cannots.”
Whichever way you think, it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. Big thinkers see problems as a challenge, and any challenge as an opportunity. Their big thinking creates unlimited possibilities, alternatives, and solutions. Turn your attention to being brave, bold and optimistic. I realize that Mark 10:27 is specifically dealing with the salvation experience, but the truth is still applicable if we are pursuing a right course of action for our lives. “Jesus looked at them intently and said, ‘Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But not with God. Everything is possible with God.'”
2. Visualize without restraint.
It is not a lack of resources that holds people back but a lack of resourcefulness. A big thinker visualizes what is possible in the future, rather than being stuck in the present or mired in the past. Look at things not as they are now, but as they can be – without constraints. This mental rehearsal gives you a compelling taste of what your vision will be like in reality, and the impetus to make it happen. Come up with creative solutions to realize your goals.
3. Ask BIG questions.
Practice asking yourself and others some really big and challenging questions, such as:
- If there was one thing you could change about your world, what would it be?
- If you had an unlimited supply of money, what would you do?
- If you had all the time in the world, what would you do?
- Who in your world would benefit the most from what you know?
Ask for feedback on your ideas from family, friends and associates, but realize they may not have the same vision and big thinking that you do. Locate someone that can mentor you and would be honest with you and have your best interest at heart. Feedback from other people discussing such big questions is invaluable.
4. Be creative and dream big.
The size of your belief determines the size of your success. The key to success is imagination. Allow yourself to dream, take note of your greatest idea, and then concentrate on that and don’t give up until your vision is a reality. Create a vision that is so inspirational that it ignites the fire within you and gets you excited to work towards it. “Life is too short for small dreams.”
5. Set short and long term goals and stick to them.
Set realistic goals and plans, both short and long term. Keep your focus laser-like as you aim towards achieving it. Turn your attention to what you want, and make it happen. What you focus on, and what you take action on, you will achieve. Successful people are those who are doing everything they can to achieve their goals. “Concentrate all your thoughts upon the work at hand. The sun’s rays do not burn until brought to a focus,” Alexander Graham Bell.
6. Inspire those around you.
The ability to leverage and inspire others is key. Big ideas motivate and inspire those around you, and in this highly connected world, it has never been easier to attract and build a following around a big idea. Leverage those around you to give yourself the best chance of making your ideas a reality.
7. Take action.
Goals are dreams that are captured, pinned down, and action-planned. Followed through by action; it ensures success. Take steps towards your big goal on a daily basis. “In life, lots of people know what to do, but few people actually do what they know. Knowing is not enough! You must take action,” Tony Robbins.
8. Above all, believe in yourself.
Belief is the most important part of achieving big. If you believe it can happen, it can happen. Magnify your thinking power. Be confident. Know that you can do it, and you will be unstoppable!
Never underestimate the power of thinking big. Thinking big widens your horizons, taking you out of the ordinary and into the extraordinary. Expand your mind, your thinking, and your horizons. The higher you aim, the higher you will go. Big thinking gets you big results!
If you’re going to be thinking, you may as well think big.”
Leave a Reply