Mark Twain said, “All you need in this life is ignorance and confidence, and then success is sure.”
That’s because the less you over analyze something, the more likely you are to just do it.
If you have confidence in yourself, you’ll take the leap and then figure out each subsequent step as it comes your way. You don’t have to have all the answers in place ahead of time.
In fact, it’s a waste of time to—you can’t predict everything.
So I challenge you to dream bigger. Small dreams may be easier to achieve, but they also lead to mediocrity and unfulfilled potential.
Following five simple steps you take to set and reach big goals.
#1: Make A Loose Plan
There’s an old joke that goes, “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.”
Makes perfect sense to me, and that’s why I recommend that you break your big dream into smaller steps. This way, you’ll gain satisfaction by crossing each step off your to-do list and you’ll get the constant joy of knowing you’ve accomplished something.
Do however much you can do now, even if it’s only a little bit.
#2: Give Up The Idea Of Perfection
It’s human nature to want to wait for all the right conditions before moving forward with something.
But the problem with waiting for the perfect time to take a leap of faith is that you could be left waiting forever. Instead, trust that you’ve prepared as well as you can and move forward with conviction.
You’ll never be ready, so make today your “ready as I’ll ever be” day and take action.
#3: Reach Out To Your Network
Let those in your inner circle know that you’ve started a new venture or are looking for a stepping stone. Seek out those in your network who have made the same journey you’re about to embark on and ask for advice.
You’ll want an array of personalities in your circle, from cheerleaders to those who aren’t afraid to provide brutally honest feedback (although, watch out for the naysayers and Negative Nancys, who are too scared to step out of their own comfort zones).
Cultivate the relationships you’ve built over the decades — you never know where support will come from.
#4: Recognize When You Need To Adjust Your Course
At some point on your journey, you’re bound to take a wrong turn.
If you find yourself on a path that isn’t leading you toward your big dream, don’t just give up on the dream. Take a step back and do a little course correction. In fact, you could learn a lot from your GPS system — if you take a wrong turn, it doesn’t simply say, “too bad” and shut off.
It will say “recalculating” and help you navigate a different route.
It may not be the original route, or even the most direct route, but the destination remains the same and it’ll eventually lead you there.
#5: Don’t Compare Yourself To Others
Your path is unique to you.
One of the worst things you can do is look to others and start measuring your success by comparing it to theirs. Success often is not a linear path, and the people you put on a pedestal may not have shared all the trials and tribulations they encountered on their own journey.
Whatever twists and turns your journey takes is all right — you will get there eventually in your own way on your own time.
So, what’s the scariest goal you can imagine setting for yourself?
One that makes you squirm just thinking about it because it’s so seemingly impossible or scary to attain. One that you know will forever change the direction of your life and bring oodles of happiness and positive things your way.
And what steps are you going to take to turn your dreams into your reality?
Don’t let another year, another month or another day go by daydreaming about your big goals.
