You are never too small to dream BIG

The magic of unlimited possibilities and big dreams are in you right now. You can access it at anytime you choose.

When I was a child I remember grown-ups always asking me and my friends what we wanted to be when we grew up. We had big dreams and no cares in the world, no bills to pay, no mortgage and a lot of time. The world was our playground. In my mind, I thought that if I could make $10.00/hour, I could retire. Being 30 years old was inconceivable.

As time moved on, a sense of seriousness took over and I began to question my own destiny. My parents and relatives started to wonder why I had not made a career choice. They told me that I would amount to nothing if I didn’t finish college or learn a trade. I stopped going to family functions for two years because I was sick and tired of hearing it. Eventually the wonderful gift of my imagination and all its possibilities shrunk like a shriveled prune.

After many years passed, I became a successful executive. My family and relatives were proud of me as if they helped me to get there. In the bigger sense, they did. They helped to propel me in a direction that was in alignment with who I was.

Have you ever seen something on TV, in newspapers or magazines and thought, “Hey, I had that idea a long time ago!” Someone actually took their dream, turned it into a tangible idea and made it a reality. Perhaps as a business owner, entrepreneur or employee you once had a great idea but people said it would never work or it’s not the right time and they advised you to stick to your day job. You put up some resistance but eventually you let your dream fizzle.

It doesn’t matter what the size of your business is financially or the amount of people in your business. You are never too small to dream big.

In a 1996 Harvard Business Review article, Building Your Company’s Vision -written by James Collins and Jerry Porras, they penned the term BHAG (pronounced bee-hag). A BHAG is a Big, Hairy, Audacious Goal. It is used to define visionary goals that are clear, compelling, vibrant and engaging. Collins and Porras used this in connection with successful companies and later used it in their book ‘Build to Last’. Although their research led them to big corporations, the validity of the concept can be used on any size business.

Who switched the word?

The words dream and vision are interchangeable. Somewhere along the way as we got older, the word “dream” turned into an adult-word, “vision”. It came into play because it sounded businesslike and more legitimate. However, both versions are outstanding.

When was the last time you were inspired by all the unlimited possibilities?

Here are 8 steps to jump start your next big dream.

1.     Create a vision.

Where do you want to be? Create the biggest, most audacious vision you can think of and make it juicy. Make it dripping juicy so that you can sense, feel and experience all the emotions that go along with experiencing your dream.

Without a vision, we let our circumstances create our life. With a vision, we create our circumstances. In a business, a shared vision allows all the team players to know where the company is headed and what their future holds. Without this, life for the team becomes routine and a day-to-day experience.

2.     Incorporate all parts of your life.

When creating a fabulous business vision, imagine how other aspects of your life will be incorporated. As an example, if you have children, a spouse or partner, how do you see them in this jaw-dropping life you are creating?

3.     Write it down - Legitimize yourself!

Pick a time where you will not be interrupted. Turn on your favorite music (or not) and write down an unedited, ultimate, juicy, sensual and moving description of your vision. Remember, it is for this point of time in your life, and you can change it in the future.

4.     Incorporate what motivates you.

If you are inspired by a quote, a picture or article, keep that with your written vision.

5.     Chunk it down.

A lot of great ideas, leading edge technology and magnificent companies were never created because the dream was so big, the creator did not know how to manage it. Trying to jump from concept to realization is like trying to light a big log in the fireplace with a match. I invite you to start with the kindling. Break down your vision into smaller and more manageable pieces. What is your kindling?

6.     Create your road map.

Using your intuition and knowledge, plan how you are going to get to where you would like to be. Seek out advice. Get involved in groups and events like BizNik and other groups in your field of interest. Some people like to use the intention and manifestation process and let things happen organically. Some like to write a plan. Remember that your plan doesn’t have to be 50-100 pages. It could be one or two pages or whatever serves you.

7.     Do something, anything!

Everyday do something that works on getting you closer to your vision. Some things may seem small but they may turn into big, brilliant fires that will ignite your passion. Start your day fueling your passion.

8.     Acknowledge your progress.

Don’t let the bumps in the road define who you are. Keep moving forward. I can bet that right now, you are already doing things towards your vision. Take the time to acknowledge yourself for things that you are doing every day towards your vision.

A former milkshake machine salesman, Ray Kroc saw the potential to sell more mixers with every new restaurant that opened. At the age of 59, Ray purchased a company that we know today as McDonalds. The rest is history.

Harland Sanders, at the age of 65, found himself penniless. He went on the road to sell his chicken to restaurants trying to get them to buy his seasoning packets. Legend has it that there were 1009 no’s before he heard his first yes.

It’s never too late. You can accomplish anything you want in life and at any age. You are the Source!