HOW TO DREAM BIG

1. DEFINITION OF A BIG DREAM

● A big dream is a substantial wish or an aspiration for something, of which when we attain it; we believe it would fulfill or satisfy an inner longing or desire.

● A big dream is a bold vision of the future.

2. THE DREAMING PROCESS

● Knowing what your big dream is, why and when to achieve it, is a powerful driving force.

● You can have more than one big dream; however pursue one big dream at a time.

3. HOW BIG IS YOUR VISION?

● Have a compelling reason to get out of bed every morning.

● Ask yourself - Are your dreams big enough?

4. THE JOURNEY TO A DREAM

● Start off with a big vision then break it down into bite-sized pieces.

● Do one small thing every day aimed at achieving your big dream.

5. PERSEVERING

● It takes hard work and patience to accomplish your dreams.

● There will be challenges and adversities along the way.

6. WRITE YOUR BIG DREAM

● The act of writing down your big dream signifies a commitment to yourself.

● Be specific regarding what your dream is and why you want to achieve it.

7. SETTING GOALS

● Develop smaller goals which all feed into your big dream.

● Set a deadline for achieving the overall dream and mini-deadlines for goals.

8. ILLUSTRATING YOUR VISION

● Develop a visual portfolio of what your definition of success looks like.

● Regularly look at images that illustrate the outcome of your big dream.

9. LIFE CYCLE OF A BIG DREAM

● Begin with a big vision then break it down into small steps.

● Anticipate risks and challenges. Track performance. Make corrections along the way.

10. ACTION PLAN

● Strategize and develop a plan for how you will achieve your dream.

● Celebrate each time you reach a milestone and keep moving forward.

11. NO INSTRUCTION MANUAL

● Big dreams rarely have an instruction manual; you figure it out as you go.

● Work towards your dream and resolve challenges as you encounter them.

12. YOU HAVE TO TAKE ACTION

● Without action, big dreams are simply dreams.

● Get started, break away from fear and start acting on your dreams.

13. ASK QUESTIONS

● Ask lots of questions about different things in life. Why are things the way they are?

● Listen to input and insights from others.

14. POWER OF INCREMENTALISM

● Start small, small actions taken add up over time.

● Taking small steps leads to momentum.

15. WHY BIG DREAMS DIE

● Dream killers include fear, giving up, poor planning, fatigue and poor execution.

● Other dream killers: trying to do it all at once, worrying over things you can't control, doubt, pessimism, procrastinating and making excuses.

16. TRAITS OF BIG DREAMERS

● Big dreamers have a burning desire to achieve their dreams. Big dreamers dream big then take action.

● Traits: courageous; innovative; curious; visionary; risk-takers; big thinkers; persistent; dissatisfied with the status quo; comfortable with small wins along the way or incremental growth.

17. SELF-LIMITING BELIEFS

● Half the battle is won in your mind. Practice positive self-talk and have thoughts of expectancy.

● Be your number one champion and believe you deserve to achieve your big dreams. Overcome self-limiting beliefs.

18. FEAR OF FAILURE

● Many people do not pursue their big dreams because of fear of failure.

● Failure is a possibility but it should not hold you back from taking action.

19. WORKING WITH OTHERS

● Big dreams are achieved faster through working with others.

● Ask for help when you need it.

20. LEARN ABOUT DREAMERS

● Learn how successful people have achieved their dreams.

● Read books and listen to motivational audio and videos.

21. SHARE YOUR BIG DREAM

● Share your big dream with a few people who you trust.

● Sharing you dream creates public accountability to motivate you to take action.

22. BIG PICTURE THINKING

● The ability to see the whole, the parts and how they are interconnected is critical.

● Visualize the relationship between a single brick, the blueprints and a finished building and vice versa.

23. WATCH HOW YOU SPEAK

● Which words do you choose when you speak about your big dream? Choose your words carefully – use empowering words.

● Don’t self-sabotage yourself with your words. Think possibilities and speak possibilities.

24. FORKS IN THE ROAD

● A big dream can be a catalyst for major changes in your life.

● Major turning points in life include changing careers or starting your own business.

25. ALLOW FLEXIBILITY

● Everything doesn’t go according to plan; allow room for trial and error.

● You will learn from mistakes and failures.

26. HANG AROUND BIG DREAMERS

● Build or join a community of big dreamers. Share your big dreams and energize each other.

● A good support system of like-minded people helps in preserving big dreams.

27. LIVE A WELL BALANCED LIFE

● Remember to take good care of yourself.

● Have fun in life and get enough sleep.

28. ONE THING NOT TO DO

● lt is discouraging to hear a successful person ridiculing or belittling another person’s big dreams.

● As a successful person you should teach others about your failures and mistakes. Don’t just poke holes on other people’s dreams. Provide constructive feedback respectfully.

29. OVERCOME CRITICISM

● Detractors and dream predators will criticize you and your big idea and tell you how unrealistic you are.

● Don't get distracted by critics, keep your vision alive and keep moving towards the finish line.

30. TAKE A RISK

● There is an element of risk in pursuing your big dreams. You do not know if your dream will work out or not.

● Develop your risk tolerance; plan as best as you can, gradually build up your risk appetite by completing one small task at a time.

31. HELP OTHER BIG DREAMERS

● Other people’s big dreams are just as important as our own. Strive to help others to realize their dreams.

● It is very exciting to see others succeeding in their calling and talents.

32. REWARD YOURSELF

● Take some time to reward yourself after achieving your big dream.

● Share your story with someone to encourage and inspire others to pursue their big dreams.

33. KEEP YOUR DREAM ALIVE

● Identify what to achieve in life. Jump over the wall of fear. Chase your big dream with passion.

● Keep your dream alive. Write it down in specific sentences, read it out aloud and record yourself.

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