How To Dream Big, Achieve More, And Never Settle

“It always seems impossible until it’s done.” ―Nelson Mandela

What would you do if you had all the resources you needed and you knew you couldn’t fail? 

Just for a moment, allow yourself to consider that opportunity. Allow your imagination to explore what would you do, have, and be if ANYTHING was possible. See what images pop into your mind and get a sense of how you feel. What are you creating? What are you experiencing? Where are you going? 

Then notice how your inner dialogue quickly interferes with a million and one reasons why it couldn’t work out!   

One of the reasons we struggle to dream big is because we’re afraid to fail. 

It’s a biological thing. As humans, we need to feel a sense of belonging because it makes us feel safe. No wonder we worry about the social implications of making a mistake or falling short of where you said you want to go. 

Another reason is that we base our future possibilities on our past experiences. If your track record, inner-critic, or self-sabotaging self says that these things aren’t possible, will you really go all out to create them? 

It’s easy to see that it’s our fears, which keep us small. 

But how do you know until you give it a shot? Your past needn’t equal your future. 

Who knows, this time could be different. 

What if committing to something big cracks open a part of you that’s never been seen before? 

Us humans are incredible creative beings. By taking action, we can turn a thought in our head into a physical reality. Pressure makes diamonds, which is why big goals [and dreams] can unlock fresh ideas and problem-solving abilities.  

What if anything was possible?

As Alice In Wonderland said, “Sometimes I’ve believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast.” 

What’s more, the prize for thinking big isn’t the ‘thing’ at the finish line alone. There’s also the person you become as a result of going for it. It’s impossible not to grow and evolve when you step out of your comfort zone. Those new experiences and challenges ignite something inside of you. As you grow, so your perspective shifts [because you see the world through fresh eyes]. Who knows what you’ll think about from this new place! 

So go for it…

Take the leap. 

Allow yourself to play inside that bigger container and see what magic you make happen. 

Your best self is craving the challenge. 

Here are some tips to help you on your way.

How to dream big

“If you can dream it, you can do it.” - Walt Disney

1. Articulate your dream 

It’s easier to achieve something big when you know specifically what you want to create. Turn vagueness into something concrete by writing down the future you see. The clarity will help you make your plan and figure out the steps you need to take to close the gap from where you are to where you want to be. 

2. Know your WHY

What’s the driving force behind your big dream? Knowing your why can help you tap into that energy within that will keep you pushing on - even when it gets too hard, too ridiculous, and too exhausting. 

3. 10x your vision

Take what you want to create and in your mind’s eye and imagine what that outcome would be if you 10xd it. It’s a great game to play because it allows you to explore the possibilities and ideas you previously didn’t know existed. 

How to achieve more

“Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right.” - Henry Ford

1. Dial down your inner critic

Do you talk yourself out of taking action before you’ve even given yourself a chance? Your inner critic can be frustrating, but it’s trying to keep you safe by warning you of potential dangers. What’s more, if we hear the same rationalizations enough, we can believe them to be true. 

Time to shine the light on your inner critic. Allow yourself to become aware of what it’s saying to you. Then start to challenge it by showing it examples of where you did succeed. 

2. Build yourself up 

You don’t have to climb Mount Everest on the first day, but you can walk a mile around the block. Remember, success is rarely an overnight thing. Instead, it’s the result of incremental steps. So take things one day at a time. The road ahead isn’t scary if you’re looking down at your feet! 

Focus on the action you need to take in front of you - and before you know it, you’ll be rising to that summit. 

3. Leverage the power of YET 

You might not have all the skills, connections, and solutions you need right now, but you could in the future.

The second you hear yourself saying that you can’t do something, simply add the word YET. 

Sure, you might not be able to do it right now, but you could in the future. 

Never settle 

“You just can’t beat the person who won’t give up.” - Babe Ruth

1. Look how far you’ve come, not how far you still have to go

There are TWO gaps on the journey to your goals. 

• The gap between where you are now and where you want to go. 

• And the gap between where you started and how far you’ve come. 

It’s easy to feel down on yourself when the gap to the finish line still feels miles off, but what happens if you look behind you? Don’t minimize or downplay all the things you’ve done to get to where you are now. Celebrate your progress, knowing every single step is moving the needle. 

2. The journey is as important as the destination 

Is it worth thinking big and achieving more if you don’t enjoy today? The journey is where all the learning, the experiences, and the good stuff happens. So enjoy the ride. Take this approach, and you’ll feel more inspired to keep going. 

3. You might be two-inches from the gold 

You never know how far you are from that big breakthrough. What if tomorrow is the day you:

• Find the solution to the problem you’re struggling to solve

• Connect with a person who accelerates your progress

• Secure the deal that changes the game

If you want it, just keep going. 

Because when you dream big, achieve more, and never settle, dreams really can come true.