3 Benefits of Thinking Big That Are Important
Imagine a future where all your dreams came true. It feels pretty good, doesn’t it?
I can remember when I was in college and had no idea what I wanted to do. But I always imagined I’d do something big with my life.
I used to dream I’d be on TV or get some kind of recognition that allowed me to influence society. I’d listen to inspirational speakers like Joel Osteen often. Some of the encouraging things he said included:
- “You have seeds of greatness on the inside.”
- “Don’t settle for mediocrity. Move forward, take new ground, and break any barriers that have held you back.”
- “Why don’t you start believing that no matter what you have or haven’t done, that your best days are still out in front of you.”
Thinking big thoughts can help lead us to great moments of happiness. We grow into a stronger and better version of ourselves through the journey of reaching for success.
What if I’m fine with thinking small?
In a previous article, I wrote about the benefits of a quiet life. I understand in a culture that tells us to get more and do things bigger, sometimes it’s better to have less and do things smaller.
But in a way, minimalism is about doing things bigger in the sense of focusing more on what’s personally meaningful. Eliminating the excess of what culture tells us to have and pursue, and amplifying what we want to have and pursue. It’s a good thing to think big when it comes to believing in yourself.
It’s interesting in that well-known Marianne Williamson quote about our deepest fear, she expresses that it’s our power, and not our inadequacy, that scares us. We question and doubt our worthiness to be talented and brilliant.
But as the quote wisely concludes, our playing small doesn’t serve the world. Letting our light shine helps to give other people allowance to do the same. We help them to be liberated from that fear, and in a way, perhaps that helps the world to be a happier place.
Benefits of choosing to think big
1. Big belief opens your mind to opportunities
In The Magic of Thinking Big, David Schwartz states, “Strong belief triggers the mind to figuring ways and means and how-to. And believing you can succeed makes others place confidence in you.” There is some science to back this idea up.
I’ve cited this research on luck more times than I can count, and it’s worth citing again. Researchers found when you believe you’re lucky, you’re more likely to be aware of opportunities that allow you to succeed.
When you choose to think small about your ability to succeed, you’ll be less likely to look around for opportunities. You’ll be more likely to not try much to make your life better.
2. Big thinking can lead to a big reality
Our mind influences our reality more than we recognize sometimes. There was research that showed people who believe their physical work at their job counted as exercise had longer lifespans. And this was independent of how much exercise they actually got.
This simple thinking lead to a favorable reality in people’s lives. If that’s the case for simple thinking, why can’t it be the case for big thinking?
3. Imagining a great big future can make us feel good
Another tool that makes your mind powerful is visualizing. Scientific research on visualization has proven it can boost our confidence and enhance our mood.
I’ve found when I visualize a big future, such as having enough to live on an island, it relaxes me. See how visualizing the big future you imagine makes you feel. Maybe you’ll not only experience your mood uplifted, but maybe you’ll be more motivated to start working to make things happen.
Are there disadvantages to big thinking?
As Darius Foroux wisely points out in his article, “The Danger of Big Thinking”, having big thoughts without action can be harmful. You have to always remember that to achieve your success, you’re going to have to work hard.
You’re going to have to take small steps daily to reach your goals. Through the power of big thinking and consistent action, you’ll help yourself have a better chance of having the life you want.
Related: Never Settle For Less – 5 Ways To Achieve Your Desires