It has often been said that bigger is not always better. That may 
be true when considering automobiles and the current price of 
gas, but it is never true when it comes to new ideas or personal 
dreams where thinking big is always better.

Let me illustrate. Think back to when you were a child. Perhaps 
you dreamed that one day you would grow up, get married, and have 
children. A nice dream, right? And many of you have likely 
achieved some version of that dream. But what if you had dreamed 
instead that you would grow up and marry a billionaire? Sounds 
crazy, right?

It wasn't for Caroline Bessette Kennedy, the late wife of John F. 
Kennedy, Jr. While growing up she dreamed of marrying a 
billionaire. The result? She landed one of America's most 
eligible bachelors who also happened to be a millionaire to boot. 
Some of you are probably saying, "That may be true, but look at 
the tragedy that befell them." My response: at least she died 
living her dream. That's the power of thinking big.

In my survey last month, I asked my readers to share their 
opinions on the power of thinking big. Seventy-five percent of 
respondents agreed that they don't think big enough about their 
work or business, and of those that do have big dreams, 75% of 
respondents indicated that they lack the follow-through in order 
to make them happen. Further, over 85% of respondents noted that 
they don't know where to start or what steps to take to make them 
happen.

According to Kathy Gillen, an executive coach who helps 
successful entrepreneurs become dynamic leaders, in order to 
think big, you need to " remove the ‘heebie-jeebies' about 
stepping forward and doing what is uncomfortable." How can we do 
that? Gillen recommends a simple technique. She says, "Change 
your focus from your internal fears ("I might make a mistake or 
look stupid"), to an external focus ("I'm making a huge 
contribution!") It's that simple."

When working with clients, I always suggest that they do the 
following:

1. Write down all of your big ideas/ dreams. Say them out loud. 
Share them with a trusted friend or advisor.

2. Visualize yourself successfully bringing your idea or dream to 
life. What will you look like? How will you feel? Where will you 
be?

3. Establish goals for how you will go about achieving them. Make 
them "SMART" goals and you will be more likely to achieve them. 
(Click here for more information about setting goals.)

4. Determine what action steps will help move you forward. List 
them and include a target start date, target end date, and 
resources for completing them.

5. Select one action step and do it today! Here are some 
additional tips for thinking big: Don't seek validation from 
others (they may not always agree with you or support you). Do 
seek out and create a support infrastructure (role model, coach, 
other big thinkers) to support your ideas and dreams and to help 
you craft and implement your plan of action. Do take risks and 
step out of your comfort zone. People who are comfortable taking 
risks typically experience increased autonomy, heightened self-
esteem, a more positive attitude toward life and an increased 
sense of personal power. The positive outcomes of thinking big 
and taking risks far outweigh any discomfort or fear you may 
have.

When it comes to thinking big, remember the words of Mother 
Theresa, "The biggest person with the biggest ideas can be shot 
down by the smallest person with the smallest mind. Think big 
anyway." So, what are you waiting for?
 

Regina Barr is a business consultant with a passion for 
helping companies develop their full potential by focusing 
on their most valuable asset: their people. For more 
information on her programs and services, check out her 
website, http://www.RedLadder.com and sign up for her free 
email newsletter, Developing People...Inspiring Success.