Stop Thinking Small! How to Open Your Mind to Thinking Big

elephant This time of year always excites me. To me, the approach of a new year means new possibilities, a brand new start, and a chance to do more, accomplish more and achieve more. I love the unknown possibilities, and find planning for a new year one of the most invigorating parts of business ownership.

In the spirit of planning, next week I will be kicking off a week-long series on goal setting, including how to identify and plan for your goals, how to measure your success, how to stick with it when you hit a challenge, and how to celebrate your success.

But before we dig into the goal setting series, and in order to position ourselves to make the most out of the process, we need to open our minds to the possibilities. When we’re doing the same thing, day in and day out, it’s hard to break out of routine thought and encourage our minds to think beyond the immediate.

So in preparation for next week, let’s take some time to open our minds to what’s possible and prepare ourselves to break free from routine as we plan for a new year.

Be Willing to Change

Change is scary for many of us, but growth and advancement is impossible without it. In order to open your mind and prepare yourself to reach a new level, you will have to accept the changes that will happen at the same time.

Get Ready to Be Proactive

Goal setting is about figuring out where you want to be and going for it. Nothing good will happen if you’re stuck in stagnancy, waiting for change to come to you. Be willing to commit to your goals and do what it takes to see them through.

Practice Open Thinking

Start practicing acceptance of new ideas, listening better to those around you, and giving every possibility an equal chance. If you can avoid writing off any one idea or dream as unrealistic or unachievable, your open thinking will bring about more possibilities.

Face Your Fears

Everyone fears something, and your fears could become one of your biggest obstacles in the goal setting process. Instead of ignoring them in an effort to get around them, take time to face them head-on, get an idea of where they’re coming from and come up with a plan for conquering them so they don’t impede your planning process.

Let Go of Control

This is a big one for many of us, myself included, but in order to truly experience an open mind, we need to give up some control. Once we stop trying to mold the world to fit our outlook, we will experience a powerlessness that can lead us to new insights and ideas.

What do you typically do to open you mind and prepare yourself for setting new goals and intentions for your business and your life?

Image credit: Grafix007

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Thinking Big

What are the benefits of thinking big?

Thinking big has numerous benefits. It allows you to break free from the constraints of small, limited thinking and opens up a world of possibilities. When you think big, you set higher goals and expectations for yourself, which can lead to greater achievements. It also encourages creativity and innovation, as you are not confined by traditional or conventional ideas. Moreover, thinking big can lead to personal growth and development, as it pushes you to step out of your comfort zone and take on new challenges.

How can I start thinking big?

Starting to think big involves changing your mindset and perspective. Begin by setting larger, more ambitious goals for yourself. Don’t be afraid to dream big and aim high. Surround yourself with positive influences and people who encourage and inspire you to think bigger. Read books, attend seminars, or listen to podcasts that promote big thinking. Practice visualization techniques to imagine your success and keep a positive attitude.

What are the common obstacles to thinking big?

Common obstacles to thinking big include fear of failure, self-doubt, lack of self-confidence, and negative thinking. These can limit your ability to think big and achieve your goals. Overcoming these obstacles involves building your self-confidence, maintaining a positive attitude, and learning to see failure as a learning opportunity rather than a setback.

How does thinking big impact my decision-making process?

Thinking big can significantly impact your decision-making process. It encourages you to make decisions that align with your larger goals and vision, rather than settling for less. It also pushes you to take calculated risks and make bold decisions that can lead to greater rewards.

Can thinking big lead to unrealistic expectations?

While thinking big encourages you to set high goals, it’s important to balance this with a sense of realism. Setting unrealistic expectations can lead to disappointment and frustration. However, this doesn’t mean you should limit your thinking. Instead, set ambitious yet achievable goals, and break them down into smaller, manageable steps.

How does thinking big affect my personal growth?

Thinking big can greatly contribute to your personal growth. It pushes you to constantly challenge yourself, step out of your comfort zone, and strive for greater achievements. This can lead to increased self-confidence, resilience, and personal development.

How can I maintain a big-thinking mindset?

Maintaining a big-thinking mindset requires consistent effort. Regularly set and review your goals, surround yourself with positive influences, and engage in activities that inspire and motivate you. Practice positive affirmations and visualization techniques to reinforce your big-thinking mindset.

How does thinking big influence my relationships?

Thinking big can positively influence your relationships. It can inspire others around you to also think big and aim higher. Moreover, it can attract like-minded individuals who share similar ambitions and goals.

Can anyone learn to think big?

Absolutely. Thinking big is not an inherent trait, but a mindset that can be developed and nurtured. With the right attitude, tools, and support, anyone can learn to think big.

How does thinking big relate to success?

Thinking big is closely related to success. It sets the foundation for setting high goals, making bold decisions, and taking calculated risks – all of which are key ingredients for success. By thinking big, you open yourself up to greater opportunities and achievements.