Think Big

How is your thinking? Do you think big or do you think small? What's the difference? When you think big, your thinking has no limitations. Small thinking constrains your aspirations downward to accommodate perceived limitations.
 
People who think small invariably justify why they are doing so. In so doing, they chain themselves to small thinking since there is no belief in thinking big. Additionally, a self-fulfilling prophecy is created. Their small thinking leads to small results, therefore reinforcing the validity of their attitude.
       
Here are some thinking patterns that lead to small thinking. First is the claim that one is just being realistic. This is simply an excuse to avoid attempting anything which carries the potential for failure.  Conversely, big thinkers constantly strive for what many people would consider unrealistic.
       
Next is the desire to escape being disappointed. Although no one wants to be disappointed, very little will be accomplished by avoiding it. Achieving big goals takes perseverance. More often than not, many attempts are required before success is realized.
       
Each unsuccessful attempt is bound to be accompanied by some disappointment. Big thinkers are not dissuaded when something doesn't work as expected. They understand it's part of the process on the road to their destination. They keep going until the desired results are reached.
       
Then there are those who want to stay safe. They limit their thinking to what they perceive is a guaranteed sphere of safety. The fallacy is that there are no guarantees. Getting out of bed involves risk. Seeking absolute safety is the other end of the spectrum of wanton reckless behavior. Neither extreme is productive. The attainment of goals involves risk.  Risk is minimized by attitude, preparation, and hard work.
       
"I can't do it," is a proclamation offered by small thinkers. Their belief is that they don't have the ability to be successful. The person who thinks this way is correct; they can't do it because they don't think they can. It's unlikely they will ever attempt what it is they believe they can't do. Even if an attempt is made, their attitude is sure to sabotage the results.
       
Some people will assert, "It won't work." They will say it with such conviction you would think they are an expert on a particular topic. Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, they usually base their erroneous conclusion on hearsay or ignorance. Everything ever accomplished has customarily been labeled "impossible" by conventional wisdom. We would still be in the Stone Age had big thinkers believed in impossibility.
       
"I was advised against it," is another justification made by small thinkers. But who issued this advice? Was it a friend, neighbor, relative, or coworker? Whoever it was, it wasn't someone who thought big. Big thinkers don't dissuade others, they show them how to succeed.
       
Some people think they are not smart enough. Everyone has far more potential than they ever utilize. Besides, how do they measure their intelligence? Is it by IQ score, formal education, or perhaps the opinions of others? People with supposedly low IQ's, people having little schooling, or those who are thought to be idiots, have all gone on to become successful. Believing in yourself is the key, not some external measure of aptitude. 
       
Lastly, small thinkers avoid big goals because they think it is too hard. Anything worthwhile takes effort. Extraordinary results require extraordinary efforts. So what? Why go through life doing little and accomplishing little because you think it is easier? The greater your efforts, the greater the rewards.
       
If you are already a big thinker, great, keep up the good work. If you see yourself described above, you can start today to change your attitude. Life goes by too fast to limit yourself to small thoughts.