Dream Big

1. Embrace Your Unique Ambitions and Pursue Them Relentlessly

God delights in what He creates, and He doesn't grade our ambitions on a curve.

Define your ambitions. Your ambitions are unique to you, shaped by your experiences, talents, and dreams. Don't compare them to others or dismiss them as insignificant. Whether it's starting a school in a war zone or setting a beautiful table for guests, each ambition has value.

Pursue with determination. Once you've identified your ambitions, chase them with unwavering determination. This might mean:

• Adapting your approach when faced with obstacles
• Using your current skills to fund your bigger dreams
• Staying committed even when progress seems slow

Remember, the path to achieving your ambitions is rarely linear. It often requires creativity, persistence, and a willingness to take risks. Embrace the journey and keep moving forward, no matter how many detours you encounter along the way.

2. Identify Your True Self and Current Position

If you take away what you're known for, whatever is left is who you are.

Self-discovery is crucial. To pursue meaningful ambitions, you must first understand who you truly are. This involves:

• Reflecting on your core values and beliefs
• Identifying your strengths and weaknesses
• Recognizing the influences that have shaped you

Assess your current position. Honestly evaluate where you are in life:

• Professionally
• Personally
• Spiritually

This self-awareness provides a starting point for your journey. It helps you recognize the gap between where you are and where you want to be, allowing you to chart a course toward your ambitions. Remember, this process of self-discovery and assessment is ongoing. As you grow and change, so too will your understanding of yourself and your position in life.

3. Take Genuine Interest in Others to Unlock Your Potential

People don't follow vision; they follow availability.

Cultivate genuine connections. Taking a real interest in others can unlock opportunities and insights that propel you toward your ambitions. This involves:

• Active listening
• Asking thoughtful questions
• Offering support without expecting anything in return

Be available and present. Availability attracts opportunities. Make yourself accessible to others by:

• Responding to messages promptly
• Being open to unexpected encounters
• Offering your time and expertise generously

By fostering genuine relationships and being available, you create a network of support and opportunities. This network can provide invaluable resources, insights, and connections that can help you achieve your ambitions. Remember, success is rarely achieved in isolation. The relationships you build along the way can be just as important as the goals you're pursuing.

4. Set Absurd Expectations and Explore Opportunities

Quit letting it stop you.

Dream big and aim high. Don't limit yourself to what seems easily achievable. Set ambitious goals that push you beyond your comfort zone. This might involve:

• Visualizing your ideal future without constraints
• Breaking down big dreams into smaller, actionable steps
• Regularly reassessing and elevating your expectations

Actively seek opportunities. Once you've set your sights high, actively look for ways to move toward your goals:

• Network with people in your field of interest
• Attend conferences and workshops
• Reach out to mentors or experts for guidance
• Be open to unexpected chances that align with your ambitions

Remember, opportunities often disguise themselves as challenges or setbacks. Stay alert and be willing to pivot when necessary. The path to your ambitions may not be straightforward, but by maintaining high expectations and actively exploring opportunities, you increase your chances of success.

5. Clear the Path by Overcoming Limiting Beliefs

Just because you messed up doesn't mean you are disqualified.

Identify limiting beliefs. Recognize thoughts and beliefs that hold you back:

• "I'm not good enough"
• "I don't have the right background"
• "It's too late for me to start"

Challenge and reframe. Once identified, actively work to overcome these limiting beliefs:

• Question their validity with evidence from your life
• Replace negative self-talk with positive affirmations
• Seek support from friends, mentors, or professionals

Take action despite fear. Overcoming limiting beliefs often requires acting in spite of them:

• Start small and build confidence through small wins
• Embrace failure as a learning opportunity
• Celebrate progress, no matter how small

Remember, limiting beliefs are often deeply ingrained and may take time to overcome. Be patient with yourself and persistent in your efforts. As you clear these mental obstacles, you'll find yourself more capable of pursuing and achieving your ambitions.

6. Take Action and Live on the Edge of Yikes

Comfortable people don't need Jesus, desperate people do.

Embrace discomfort. Growth and achievement often lie just beyond your comfort zone. Push yourself to:

• Take calculated risks
• Try new experiences
• Face your fears head-on

Take consistent action. Turn your ambitions into reality through persistent effort:

• Set daily or weekly goals related to your ambitions
• Create accountability systems to stay on track
• Celebrate small victories to maintain motivation

Live on the edge of "yikes". This means:

• Pursuing opportunities that scare you a little
• Saying yes to challenges that stretch your abilities
• Trusting in your capacity to learn and adapt

Remember, living on the edge of "yikes" doesn't mean being reckless. It's about pushing your boundaries in a way that's challenging but not overwhelming. By consistently taking action and embracing discomfort, you'll build momentum towards your ambitions and discover capabilities you never knew you had.

7. Expect Setbacks and Learn from Failures

Our failures don't define us; they inform us.

Anticipate obstacles. Recognize that setbacks are a normal part of pursuing ambitious goals:

• Plan for potential challenges
• Develop resilience to bounce back from disappointments
• View obstacles as opportunities for growth and learning

Learn from failures. When setbacks occur:

• Analyze what went wrong without self-blame
• Identify lessons and insights from the experience
• Adjust your approach based on what you've learned

Maintain perspective. Remember that failure is not the end:

• Celebrate the attempt and the courage it took
• Recognize that many successful people have faced numerous failures
• Use setbacks as motivation to try again with renewed determination

By expecting setbacks and viewing them as valuable learning experiences, you can maintain momentum towards your ambitions even in the face of adversity. Each failure becomes a stepping stone, bringing you closer to success and providing valuable insights along the way.

8. Sustain Belief and Land Your Dreams

Sometimes the biggest ambition starts with the smallest whisper.

Cultivate unwavering belief. Sustaining belief in your ambitions is crucial for long-term success:

• Regularly remind yourself why your ambitions matter
• Surround yourself with supportive people who believe in you
• Practice positive self-talk and visualization

Take concrete steps to "land the plane". Move from planning to action:

• Set specific, measurable goals with deadlines
• Break large ambitions into smaller, manageable tasks
• Take daily actions, no matter how small, towards your dreams

Adapt and persevere. As you work towards your ambitions:

• Be flexible in your approach, adjusting as needed
• Stay committed to your core goals, even if the path changes
• Celebrate progress along the way to maintain motivation

Remember, achieving your ambitions is a journey, not a destination. By sustaining belief in yourself and your dreams, taking consistent action, and remaining adaptable, you increase your chances of turning your ambitions into reality. Keep pushing forward, even when progress seems slow, and trust in your ability to "land the plane" of your dreams.

Last updated: September 6, 2024