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

Vince Lombardi on Victory

     "I firmly believe that any man's finest hour, the greatest fulfillment of all he holds dear, is that moment when he has worked his heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle..VICTORIOUS."

-- Coach Vince Lombardi

June 11, 1913 - September 3, 1970

   While I was sitting around with friends watching the end of the Super Bowl, with the Green Bay Packers finishing off my favorite team the Pittsburgh Steelers,  I was reminded of this quote.  It has been one of my favorites for a very long time and I shared it with my friends.  Then as we were driving home listening to all the post-game hoopla on the Sirius XM NFL Radio station, Boomer Esiason (I'm pretty sure it was Boomer) whipped out this quote to end his show.  Man, it gave me chills.

    As coaches, business people and entrepreneurs we go out into the "field of battle" every day.  While that may seem a bit dramatic, it is what we do.  We plan, set goals, evaluate the competition and strategize. With our resolution to SUCCEED we then put our hearts and energy into our projects and businesses, enlisting team members, friends, family members and energizing them with our dreams and visions.  With their help and hard work we set out to battle and claim our victory.

    Whether your starting a new business, have an existing business, a team or working on an important marketing campaign this all applies.  Just think what it feels like, you've quit your job to start a new business that your passionate about, but unsure how it's going to go.  You maybe enlist a partner or two or find a mentor who shares your vision.  You go to work after putting your plan together, every one's working hard, you have some setbacks and some doubts, still everyone has a goal and is grinding it out.  Now your closer to launching say, your new online business or marketing campaign that you've spent countless hours working and reworking until your deadline is now approaching.  Your nervous, tired, excited and just hoping you get more than a couple dozen clicks or orders.  The work is all done...you cross your fingers...press the "Publish Now" Button (or equivalent) and with nervous enthusiasm you wait.   Suddenly the click count starts jumping up, people are tweeting, blogging and and sharing all the information, buying your products and it's blowing away even your best case scenarios!  You take a deep breath wondering if you had enough to keep it up if it didn't work, but then you jump up start hugging everyone, high fiving, do the goal dance and run outside and shout "YA BABY, WE (I) DID IT"  What an exhilarating feeling.  VICTORY!

     Whatever it is you do, always remember to achieve sustainable success it does take hard work and enthusiasm.   Always have a plan and don't be afraid to enlist people who can help you with the knowledge or expertise to do the things you don't know or have the time for.  

Recruit Like-minded partners

Share your dreams and goals with optimistic family members and friends

Find Mentors

Use Coaches to coach in the areas you or your team needs help with

Keep Grinding, Evaluating your Strategies, Make appropriate changes and always expect VICTORY!

Don't forget to reward yourself or your team.  There's nothing like sharing the thrill of victory