Think Big...Dream Big

Think big.... Dream Big

I have this quote hanging in my office and it reminds me to move forward in big ways to see beyond my potential and do big things for myself and other people. It also reminds me that whatever problems or setbacks I may come across I can still come back stronger and better than before.

  Big thoughts many times start with big dreams.  Success and greatness starts with BIG DREAMS.  Success and greatness are accomplished by taking action on those dreams.  Don't fear your dreams, embrace them.  Don't let other people talk you out of your dreams. 

  One of my favorite big dreamer's was Thomas Edison, he not only dreamed he could invent the light bulb, and did after failing thousands of times, he dreamed bigger than that.  He had big thoughts of building power plants to to generate the electricity to capitalize on the invention of the light bulb as well as many other "modern" devices to improve lives and increase the consumption of the energy his power plants were producing.

  Actors are another type of big dreamers I admire. These are folks who generally start with their dream at a young age of being in the movies or tv, "being famous" or winning an Oscar.  They work hard at their craft, suffer setback after setback, ridicule, lack of support and work sometimes 10 to 20 years to be an overnight success.  But the successful actors believe in their dream, believe in themselves and aren't willing to give up.  Coaches, musicians, athletes, and entrepreneurs often fall in this category as well. 

  So we now have this big dream.  How do we manage it?  First, is to clearly visualize it and see yourself "living this dream."  Write it down, then write it down even bigger!  Bigger dreams bring us bigger challenges and even larger rewards.  If your dream is to make $100,000 in commissions by the end of the year then make that $200,000.  This will help you stay energized and focused even if things get a little harder then you thought they would be.  Next put together a clear plan and set goals.  They need to be to goals you must reach for, remember you are going after big things.  As John Wooden said, "Goals achieved with little effort are seldom worthwhile or lasting."  Make sure the goals are in writing.  Now break those goals down into steps and the steps into tasks.  Put a target date or deadlines on these tasks, steps and goals.

  Discuss your dreams and get other like-minded people excited with your vision.  Find partners and mentors to help you along the way.  Help other people along the way. The more you are able to help other people get what they need, the more they will help you get what you need and help you fulfill your dreams.

Think Big

Dream Big

Dream Bigger

Have a plan 

Write down your goals, steps and tasks (with deadlines) to achieve your bigger dreams

Stay Focused on the "Prize"

Use coaches, mentors and find partners to keep you on the path to success

Coach John Wooden on Achievement

     "Don't mistake activity for achievement"

-- Coach John Wooden
October 14, 1910 – June 4, 2010


  For me personally these five words from John Wooden may have been the most powerful keys to my success as a salesman and a coach.  I had just started coaching soccer and knew little or nothing about the game.  There wasn't much available in the U.S. on soccer coaching, plus I had never coached before, even if the were just 7 year olds at the time.  So I run across this quote by Coach Wooden, and it prompts me to purchase the book "They Call Me Coach".  Wow, not only was this quote and it's meaning a prescription for how to plan and run a practice effectively to achieve the maximum results, but it related to how I should plan a successful sales day, week, month etc..  The consistent practice of planning my days took my already solid sales career and fast forwarded it.  The book itself is not just about basketball, UCLA and sports but about success in life as well.  A must read for leaders and coaches.
  As a coach the practice of planning every practice kept the players engaged and moving from activity to activity growing their skills, conditioning, knowledge of the game and ultimately the opportunity to compete and win.  I always tried to make it fun, and end every practice with a game based on the strategy we had worked on during practice.
  When I began to consistently plan every day and week (as well as write down my goals) it was amazing how much more time I had for my family, was able to achieve more and be involved in the community.  It also turbocharged my income.
  Too many times over the years I have seen salespeople and coaches going through day after day "winging it".   They can usually be mildly successful winging it either because of good economic conditions or superior players.  This does eventually catch up to them resulting in unnecessary struggles.  I sometimes run into competitors I know aren't doing well and ask them how they're doing.  It blows me away how often I hear "I'm kicking "butt" and taking names," I think to myself "but are you making any money?"  I can tell this may usually be an enthusiastic salesperson, but is someone who isn't planning what they are doing day to day, their just out there taking names.  You still have to "achieve" appointments and get sales.  If taking names was going to get me stellar commissions I'd pick up the phone book and poof, I'd be rich.  


  "Plan your work and work your plan. Decide in advance exactly how you are going to get from where you are to where you want to go." -- Brian Tracy


Don't Wing It
Have a Plan
Plan BIG things
Write down your plan!  Find a system that works best for you.  Even if it's just a piece of paper or notebook.  Write it down!
Write down your goals
Encourage others to make BIG plans and to write it down.