Think Big: Failureproof Your Dreams
Every time someone experienced a significant change in their life, it was preceded by a significant change in their thinking. At some point, they began to “think big” about themselves and the impact that they could have on their environment.
By thinking big, Ben Carson went from being a dullard at school to becoming one of the world’s most celebrated neurosurgeons.
By thinking big, J. K. Rowling went from being a struggling single mum to becoming the author of “Harry Potter” the world’s most popular fanfiction of all time and she has been among the world’s richest authors ever since.
Not only individuals but also nations have experienced such significant shifts.
By thinking big, Japan became a leader in technology and innovation and one of the world’s leading economies.
By thinking big, UAE became the second-largest economy in the middle east and a foremost tourist destination throughout the world.
By thinking big, Singapore was transformed from a third-world to a first-world country.
Interestingly, at the heart of these national revolutions and transformations were individuals doing the thinking. In fact, all of these examples underscore the fact that for anyone who desires to ‘enlarge his territory,’ thinking big is not an option, but a must.
Last week, I already mentioned that one important key to achieving this is breaking away from your past and exposing your mind through reading books and meeting new people. American author and broadcaster, Charlie Jones summed it up well when he said, “You will be the same person in five years as you are today except for the people you meet and the books you read.”
Of course, many people often argue that “big dreams” don’t always come to pass. But if you believe the naysayers, you will only give them the authority to limit your progress. It is true that not all dreams come to pass, but a more important fact is that dreams come to pass.
Today, I want to highlight important ways to protect your big dreams in order to realize them without fail – making your big dreams failureproof and success-bound.
First, like my friend Akpoveta Valentine once told me, the first step to achieving your dream is coming out of your sleep.
Sounds hilarious, right?
Through the years, I have come to realize that vision is not only the ability to dream big dreams but also to see how your little actions today impact on the future of your big dreams. Hence, you must act on your dreams, beginning with little steps. Without faith and action, dreams become mere wishes.
Previously, I have written that “Oftentimes, we are so carried away by the fantasy of ‘overnight’ success that we forget that giant strides are the product of consistent baby steps. Some good things come easily, but nothing worthwhile is achieved suddenly. Real and sustainable change comes through compound interest.”
Let me also point out that without responsibility, there are some visions you cannot see. Visions are organically progressive. The more you do, the better you see. That is why even visions that start out small, when pursued consistently, result in big achievements and grander visions over time. “Though your beginning be small, your latter end shall greatly increase.”
The second important way of failure-proofing your big dreams is by practising delayed gratification. It is important to highlight here that discipline that becomes consistent and potent is usually powered by awareness and assurance. Know that big dreams will not be achieved immediately and be willing to ‘give up’ in order to ‘go up.’
When people don’t delay gratification, they puncture their dreams and either of two things happens: either they lose their dreams completely or they accept something that endangers their success when it is achieved.
Finally, it is important that you have a strong network of people that believe in your dreams and refresh you with energy until your dreams are achieved. It has been said that you should not share your big visions with small minds. They wouldn’t understand neither would they believe. You will only reap envy and scorn from them.
When Joseph shared his dream with his brothers, they derided him. The same thing happened when David’s brothers realized that he wanted to face Goliath and win the king’s prize.
Naysayers are everywhere, but you must shut them out of your life. Build an inner circle of people that believe in you like Jonathan was to David. And when any member of your inner circle ‘backslides’ to become a naysayer, just remember that no one person can determine your success by his or her opinion. Naysayers don’t have to want you to win; they can watch you win. Stick with those who believe and add positive energy. Keep moving!
To your greatness,
Bright UK
The Chief Scribe
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