What does it really mean to dream big and do big?

z-db-step11-giveyourallenthusiastically

Here are least four things it means for sure!

One, you are excited and filled with enthusiasm. As Ralph Waldo Emerson aptly put it,

“Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm!” 

Two, you are terrified! But you are not paralyzed into non-action. You recognize big dreams are scary because:

1. They may not be fulfilled. In other words failure is more likely than success.

2. Accomplishing them takes effort – sustained effort. This requires an investment of time and sacrifice. As Sammy Rabbit likes to say and sing, “there are no free rides!” There is always a price to pay. Nothing is free, even if it does not require money. There are always opportunity costs – like the things we do not pursue in order to plan, prepare, and work on our big dreams.

Other traits that come to mind are discipline, commitment, perseverance, and mental toughness. Ultimately whether one accomplishes their big dream or not, practicing and acquiring these traits makes the pursuit of big dreams worthwhile.

Three, it means you are going to grow, stretch yourself, and discover who you are and who you are not. You are going to discover what you are capable of and what you are not.

Four, it means you are going to require and need “tangible” support. Several years ago, I heard Hilary Clinton share, “it takes a village!” The more I have had time to reflect on that statement, the more I recognize it is true. Whether it is raising children or pursuing big dreams, success is not achieved in a vacuum.

“Dream and do big, one step at a time!” -Sammy Rabbit

What do you think? What does it mean to you to really dream big and do big? We would love to have your thinking. We invite you to comment or contact us! Have a Sammyriffic day!

Warning! A Sammyriffic day includes reading, smiling, and service to others which can have a positive compounding impact on lives!

References and Resources

Inc.: Richard Branson: Knight of Big Ideas

“Dream big by setting yourself seemingly impossible challenges. You then have to catch up with them…”

Forbes – Carmine Gallo: Steve Jobs Advice – Dream Bigger Dreams!

TakePart.com: Students never forget when a teacher says “Dream Big”

WSJ – Maynard Webb: Teach them to dream big!

CNN – Amanpour: Has America lost its ability to dream big?

8 Women Dream: The 50 most inspiring dream big quotes of all time

Darren Hardy: Dream Big Dreams