Why Should You Dream Big?
Why Should You Dream Big?
People talk about your ‘dreams’ all the time
I mean ALL THE TIME! But, what are your dreams really? And what significance do you place on them? When I was a little girl I wanted to write. I mean, I loved anything to do with words. You could often find me walking around holding a book out in front of my face so that my peripheral vision would ensure I didn’t walk into walls. I read, I wrote, I loved poems and plays and English class. And then, reality struck like a bolt of hard-core lightning and I gave up on my dream.
That awful thing called ‘growing up’ started to happen to my perfectly innocent and fairytale-induced life. No, seriously, I am a major romantic! I think at one point I genuinely believed in fairies. Why wouldn’t you? When you are young you want to believe in the beauty of life. You want to believe that love conquers all, that there is gold at the bottom of the rainbow and that unicorns exist.
But, then they tell you to go get a job. Bubble burst!
So, what happens to the dreams? The thing is, dreams are persistent creatures. They never go away. In case you’re not clear on this, that’s a good thing! For me a dream is like glimpsing the sun behind the clouds, a glimmer of hope on a cloudy day. Dreams are what you reach for to build yourself, lift yourself and, ultimately, BE yourself. They are that ‘stronger stuff’ that you are made of but haven’t quite realized it just yet. Dreams are the reality that is waiting out there for you while you dabble in the mundane. Are you getting this? I feel a bit like a preacher right now, but we all have so much to learn! We have to wake up from the Dream and make it a reality.
Where have you packed away your Dreams?
Are you like me, someone who has neatly packed away their dreams, believing them to be ‘too big’ for you? For many years I have felt a tug, a sadness, that I couldn’t quite explain. It didn’t matter how good the job was or how great the people were, something was missing. This caused lots of heated debates to come up at home about ‘what are you looking for?’. I didn’t know the answer to this. Now I know that I wasn’t ready to tackle my dream head on. I was afraid.
There is no illusion greater than fear. – Lao Tzu

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Be honest about what stands in your way
It is a mystery of life that humans need to reach an unbearable level of discomfort before they can make a change. We have the tools from the start but we are so afraid that we stand in our own way. Fear really is the greatest illusion. I know, I have spent most of my life living in fear! Fear of failure, fear of financial lack, fear of confined spaces! But, how much of it is in our minds? What is the real threat that causes our chests to tighten and our hearts to beat faster?
Take a minute to picture the scenario of your greatest failure. You don’t get that job. Thank you, next. You don’t sell your book. Thank you, next. You don’t own that perfect home. Thank you, next. What is going to happen to you?! Massive disappointment. Yes. But that can be overcome. There is nothing more disappointing than ‘what if’. It took me so many years to figure this out that it literally causes my heart to ache. I felt like I had wasted so much precious time. I read a quote by Hugh Hefner – ‘Life is too short to be living someone else’s dream.’ This could quite possibly have been the turning point for me because it hit me so hard. There are no second chances on life, but there are second chances on your dreams.
So what’s stopping you?
Now, can I ask what is standing in your way? What is holding you back? Is it fear? I’m going to hazard a guess that it is. Take a moment and think about small steps that you can take towards your dreams. Does it mean studying part time? Or does it mean taking a class in public speaking to help you with your confidence? Maybe it’s standing up to your naysayers or coming to terms with the realization that your worst enemy is yourself!
Whatever is standing in your way, you DO have the power to make a change. Read the personal growth books to motivate you, watch the inspirational videos on YouTube. Make a habit of filling your day with positive feedback and avoid the negative. Put your foot down and refuse to let your dream drift away like a cloud. Know that it wants to see the light of day. Every day is a new opportunity to live life on our own terms. Make today count! Make a decision today that will shape your future!
‘All our dreams can come true. If we have the courage to pursue them.’ – Walt Disney
Thank you for reading, I hope you enjoyed it and that you feel inspired to go for your dreams!
If you enjoyed this blog you may enjoy Exploring Your Creativity
For a fun way to get serious about your dreams I highly recommend Your Dream Life Starts Here by Kristina Karlsson.
Disclosure: Some of the links are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
For a powerful reminder to hold on to your dreams, watch this inspiring video!
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I’d love to hear your thoughts on the blog! Leave a comment below! Thanks!
That was very inspiring to read, and will definately try hard to make my big dream happen but I won’t share with anybody else. I think it might jinks the whole thing?
Lol! I respect that. It starts with you, no one else!
Great inspirational post! I agree it all starts with believing in yourself and going for it, never give up. Thanks for the share!
Thanks for reading, Nishta, I’m glad you enjoyed it! We should never give up on our dreams, they are what keep us alive!
Being overwhelmed or not knowing exactly what the dream could be, not sufficient preparedness – all these could be stopping people from going after their dreams. To dream only is not enough. Dream big is even worse. One must work super hard. And it can take time to materialise big dreams. Unless you are talking about dreaming without doing:)
Yes, I agree 100%, no dream materializes without a great deal of effort. Without having a dream to work towards, though, there is no starting point. Find something that means so much to you that the hard work is worthwhile 🙂
I love the Tao Tzu quote: “There is no illusion greater than fear. ”
How many things are our fears holding us back from? How often do they limit us? I agree that, if we are honest with ourselves, we oftentimes that what holds us back is ourselves. Of course, we can also be surrounded by naysayers. But if we have the confidence to give our dreams a shot, we will ignore them. So, I will continue working on my dreams. Thank you for this inspirational post.
You are so welcome, Dorit! Don’t allow the naysayers to speak for you, only you know what is right for you. Self belief can carry us forward to a life we dream of!
I love this post! You are so right by saying that people always tell you to dream big and then burst your bubble. Luckily we are the ones in control of our own lives! Sometimes it can be discouraging, but if you give in to any limiting belief then you are giving up your control. I love your points about holding yourself back, as well. Thank you for sharing this!
You are so welcome, Sonja, thanks for reading! You know what they say ‘Reach for the moon, even if you miss you’ll land among the stars!’ ?
Love your post. It’s inspiring! Make our dream come true is beautiful. It takes time and effort. Along the journey, there is frustration, disappointment, fear, and failure. And doubt for whether I’m all wrong. We don’t know the result. Just do it and see what’s next.
Well written Steph. I think fear does get in the way of us pursuing our dreams but also the work. I think many people feel it’s easier in so many ways to just show up for a job and collect a paycheck and then clock out. Going after your dreams is risky and it’s hard work. Not everyone is willing to put in the work. I’m working on a blog article this week about THAT very topic so I appreciated reading this post today. Good luck achieving all of your dreams Steph.
Thanks for your comment, Diane! Going for your dreams definitely involves commitment and lots of hard work. I think you are right, too many people take the easy road, but are they left wondering if they missed out? I think that would be awful. I look forward to reading your blog!
I agree, I just think it is how we focus our dreams. We need to dream and set obtainable goals, meaning real achievable dreams not just fanciful wild ideals without a plan. I think that is why the naysayers do what they do, most of the dreamers don’t really have a plan, just a dream with no real structure. It is good to dream, but I think there is a real difference in dreaming and achieving.
I agree, Jen, we have to ‘want it’, make a decision and stick with it. My fear is that the voices of the naysayers can sometimes become louder than the dream. If it is something important to us we should never give up. ?
Great inspirational post! It’s ok to keep dreams and aspirations to yourself. Some people just don’t get it lol.
Absolutely, your dreams are your own! Hold them close until you are ready to shout them from the rooftops!
This came in such a good time where I am currently dreaming big and sometimes think it won’t happen. But reading this lets me know it will if I continue to do the work.
This came in such a good time where I am currently dreaming big and sometimes think it won’t happen. But reading this lets me know it will if I continue to do the work.
Thank you so much for your comment, I am so glad it resonated with you. I absolutely believe that if we want something badly enough and we are willing to work for it our dreams can come true! 🙂
This is so amazing! I am at a transition in my life where I have the most amazing opportunity/blessing to follow my dreams. But, I keep finding myself doubting if I can truly make it happen or if I will be doing enough.
I understand how you feel, Cheyenne! I know the process is not an easy one but I believe we were given our dreams for a reason. Trust your instincts and don’t give up on your dream!
Beautiful. Thanks for sharing such an important message
Thanks for your lovely comment, I’m so glad you enjoyed it 🙂
This is so beautiful ! Dream big ! Always !
Always! Thanks for reading!