We have all heard about "think big", think big. "Since you wear, think big", "shoot the moon and so even if you fail you will reach the stars", etc. And it is true, motivating and responsible for great feats, but. There has to be a but, otherwise this article would not exist. My own experience tells me that this attitude is not always useful, like many others that I will talk about on another occasion.
The main reason why I consider that it is not always useful is that it can lead you to feel frustrated, stagnant and unable to continue; especially if you are starting something new. If you are already involved in something, it is a very wise attitude to overcome self-imposed mental limits and go further than you initially thought. But when you are just starting out, for some people thinking like this can be counterproductive, since all it does is make you more afraid.
That is exactly what happened to me when I started my business. When I read or listened to "thinking big" and imagined the future of my business in the relatively long term, I was discouraged! Because I saw her so far from my situation that, instead of inspiring me, she paralyzed me. At that time, when I had just left my scientific career, still with my internship mentality, thinking about a coaching business in a big way left me practically in a coma. Not to mention that I personally hate the question of how you see yourself or how you imagine your business in 5 years from now. So if the same thing happens to you, know that you are not the only one.
There are times when what really helps is to focus on a shorter-term and not so ambitious vision that, of course, you can later expand and modify to your liking. In these situations the most important thing is to take action, and if a very distant vision of your current situation paralyzes you even more, focus better on one that is a little more modest but that inspires you enough to take the necessary steps. It is as if you are trying to get into deep water without ever having seen the sea. Many people would do it without hesitation, but for many others it works better to wet your feet first, go in little by little and, when you are already tucked up to the waist and more mentally prepared, then yes, then you dive completely.
I'm not saying don't consider your big vision, on the contrary, do it! Because it will help you open your mind and realize the possibilities, and because maybe you are one of those who are inspired and motivated from the beginning with a great vision. But if not, keep it in the bedroom and focus on something closer until you are mentally prepared to consider it again. One way to do it, when you consider your vision and your goals, is to do it in the long, short and medium term. So the "big vision" will not paralyze you because you can focus on the previous steps, your short and medium term goals. Do not forget that the most important part is the mentality and I assure you that a day will come when that vision will make you less and less afraid.
What do you prefer, go directly big or start small?
