Do you want to reach your goals and create the life you have always dreamed of? Here are some strategies to help you dream bigger.

Dreaming big does not have to mean we suddenly want to be a millionaire or become famous (although it could mean that for some of us). That is because 'bigger' is a relative term. If we currently have no dreams, dreaming bigger might mean we have a small goal that we want to reach. However, even that is not always easy. If we knew how to dream bigger, we would already do it! We might think. So, how do you start dreaming bigger?

1.   Cultivate Confidence

First, you have to believe that you can achieve big things. Why would we try if we are unsure we deserve to achieve big things? That is why the first thing we need to dream big is a confidence boost.

To get this boost, remember when you succeeded in doing something you set your mind to. Alternatively, if you have a hard time, look for role models who dared to dream big and achieve more than was expected of them. Use your and others’ experiences as inspiration and motivation.

2. Face Fear of Failure

If you want to do something big, the fear can be intense. We might think: What if we fail? What then? If this sounds like you, shifting your mindset or perspective may be helpful. Developing a growth mindset—believing that growth and learning are more important than success or other people's opinions—can help you shift your focus to the journey instead of the end goal. That way, we can better enjoy the pursuit, even if it fails.

3. Face Fear of Success

We often think we do not pursue big dreams because we fear failure. However, what if we are terrified of success? Success can mean different things to different people—some of these things are scary. For example, success might mean feeling like the odd one in your family or friend group. It might mean having more responsibility than you want. Alternatively, it could lead to jealousy from others. There are lots of reasons why you may have a fear of success. However, looking at these fears and thinking about how you might deal with them can help you move through them.

4. Use Your Imagination

Start by visualizing various possible exciting outcomes from following your dreams. Maybe you imagine yourself owning your own business, having a big family, or traveling worldwide.

As you visualize, try to be mindful, paying attention to how your body feels during each scenario. Tune into how each experience feels in your body, and note any thoughts or emotions. Ask yourself:

●        Does living this life feel good?

●        Does living this life feel authentic?

●        Does living this life feel like a big dream?

Use this visualization exercise to understand better which big dreams are a good fit for you.

5. Find Meaning

Many of us get stuck on the path toward small dreams (or the wrong dreams). Often, it is because we have not yet profoundly explored what matters to us. To make sure our big dreams are meaningful, reflect on these different things that research shows give us meaning (Ryff, 1989):

●        Positive relations with others. Warm, trusting relationships with others.

●        Self-acceptance. Holding positive attitudes about the self.

●        Autonomy. Feeling free to choose and direct one's actions.

●        Environmental mastery. Feeling that one can change one's circumstances.

●        Personal growth. The ability to develop and grow as a person.

●        Life purpose. Having a sense of meaningful direction in life.

When dreaming big, remember these things to ensure your dreams will be meaningful and inspire you to act on them.

6. Enjoy in the Process

Sometimes, we spend so much time focusing on our big dreams that we forget to enjoy the process. Indeed, big dreams can help us imagine a life or future unlike any we have ever known. However, big dreams take time, and it will be tough to get there if we do not enjoy the process.

So, try to focus on the enjoyable parts of creating your dream. You are taking control of your life and building a new reality; even the small steps you take are worth celebrating. If our dreams are significant to us, striving towards them can increase our well-being, regardless of whether we achieve the big goal in the end or not.

References

●        ​Ryff, C. D. (1989). Happiness is everything, or is it? Explorations on the meaning of psychological well-being. Journal of personality and social psychology, 57(6), 1069.