Why is it that, at times, we are so committed to thinking small (and safe)? Why are we more comfortable thinking the glass is “half empty” instead of “brimming full”? I come from a baptist, Christian background that constantly taught me to think big is to “show off,” that the neighbors are going to think badly of me, and that I was not “all that.”
This is a shadow that still lives within me, and I constantly keep reminding myself that the only way to keep growing and changing is to THINK BIG.
Before
Building a bubble tent the size of a football field
After
However, for me, thinking big always has to involve setting realistic expectations (yes, Mr. Obama is already the first black president). A good way of knowing if my expectations are real is to gauge how afraid I am in taking the next step (at times I am terrified). I then acknowledge my fear, act cautious, and if it feels right, jump right ahead.
When we think big we allow the unknown to become known. We allow ourselves to see what is new and different within us, and it has no patience with repetition. I have always been more interested in what might be than what has always been, and, for me, this is the ultimate definition of THINKING BIG.
Before
Building a crystal palace.
After
Here are some tips to help you think big:
- Forget about what everyone else is doing. A big part of thinking small, I think, is just trying to catch up to the competition. Doing what everyone else is doing. Forget them and think about what YOU can do and how you can do it in your own special way.
- Forget the word “impossible.” Many times people restrict themselves by saying, “That’s impossible. I could never do that.” Pretend you can do anything. What is it you would do? Then, do it.
- Forget there’s a price tag. Indulge yourself by thinking about what you would do if you had a limitless amount of money. Then, once you’ve thought about that, think practically about some cost-effective ways (they are out there) you can reach that goal.
Now, tell me, do you think you are someone who thinks big or small? And why?
PREVIOUS
George Bernard Shaw once said: “You see things and say, ‘Why?’ But I dream things that never were and say, ‘Why not?’” That quote embodies how Preston Bailey approaches every event.
Andrinique Special Events
April 1, 2010
I agree and follow this motto every day… My cuban/west indian background leans to this way of thinking… It too was the way I was raised ! Hooray to all those who do their OWN thing
Andriniquee
Lia
April 1, 2010
Thanks for this great post! I am definitely someone who thinks B-I-G! I love the idea of no limitations. If someone says its impossible, then I have to figure out a way to make it happen. I love challenges and stretching the imagination beyond one’s reality!
When I look at ideas someone else brings me, my initial reaction is always “How can I make it better?”
Thanks again for sharing!
Lia
Aleah + Nick
April 1, 2010
Preston,
You continue to be so inspirational. Nick and I like to consider ourselves big thinkers however, it often takes a push from a mentor or some reassurance to take that next step and commit to something big completely instead of settling for a smaller idea or growth. We appreciate this post so much and thank you for pushing us to continue to think big!
Aleah + Nick Valley
Rosalba Fasan-Buffat
April 1, 2010
very true! think big and even bigger than you could have imagined will come your way.
Kate Miller Events
April 1, 2010
Thank you so much for this – thinking big and outside of the box is how we escape the mundane and everyday!
Alexandra Jusino
April 1, 2010
It’s got to be a hispanic thing because I too was raised that way and to this day I still don’t think it’s right to be tooting my horn when great things happen. I just keep it to myself. Maybe I should change that but also make sure it doesn’t become an annoying thing as some other people let it be. But thinking Big, thats a good way to start looking at things vs. starting small and going from there.
Karen S.
April 1, 2010
One of the truest things I’ve ever heard was this: “Those who think they can and those who think they can’t are both right.” You’ve got to believe in yourself and THINK BIG!
Jean Neuhart
April 1, 2010
I’ve never had a problem thinking big (yet thinking practically about the cost-effective ways like you mentioned) for my clients. But thinking big for myself? That’s a different story. I’m working on it though. Thanks for the reminder that thinking big is definitely ok.
Chris Campbell
April 1, 2010
Preston,
What a nice person you are, so much given!
You have a great heart!!!
I love you!!!
Chris
PS: If you come to Denver, lets get together!!!!
Sonia
April 1, 2010
Mr. Bailey, thank you for this powerful advice. I often think big regarding my business but once in a while I allow my circumstances to affect my thinking. It’s good to hear these tips from someone like you who wrote the book on thinking big
.
Gloria Brown
April 1, 2010
I needed this post. Thanks so much, Preston! I’m going to start my first business venture very soon and my grand opening is this coming May! I’m so, so nervous but I know I can push through and be successful. Especially with your positive and powerful posts to lean on!
Gloria Brown
April 1, 2010
P.S. I almost forgot to answer your question. I think BIG and I’m glad for it. I just wish I had the budget to soar BIG …LOL
Thuong Tran
April 2, 2010
I always feel more and more confident with my dreams and my belief after reading your blog; although yeah – many many people say It’s just my dream and it’s impossible. I myself strongly believe that any successful person must be the one who dares to dream and think big. Most of the time people would say he/she is crazy and unrealistic. But looking back, they are the one who will succeed. There’s a saying in my country: Who would tax your dream? So yeah, why can’t I dream and think big? It may be just a dream eventually, but it is the start for all the big things. Thank you Preston for always encouraging us to dream and to think big!
Kristin
April 2, 2010
Think BIG alllllllll the way. Imagine all the possibilities. I love this industry. Need an intern Preston?
Karolina
April 6, 2010
I agree You 100%!!!! In the end of May I’m going to have my best friend wedding and I’m trying to help her as much as I can, because she is abroad at this moment. And You know what? She hired professional photographer and I’m going to take 13 years old girl who is interested in photography to be as second photographer in her wedding:) My boyfriend thinks I’m totally crazy, but I’m not:) I know what i’m doing: that girl’s photos are realy great and she is very inspired about this suggestion. It’s never too late and never too early to make great things:) P.S. even that girl’s mother is afraid, but I’m not and that girl isn’t too:)
medical assistant
April 12, 2010
Wow this is a great resource.. I’m enjoying it.. good article
norah
May 19, 2010
I think both big and small. Big enough to keep my vision intact, and small enough to ensure I’m taking the necessary steps I need to take in order to reach the “think big” dream. However, I must also point out it’s important to consider the fact that “thinking big” has its costs and I’m not talking about money. Let’s consider a different perspective. It’s easier for all of us to get so indulged in “thinking big” that we forget to plan ahead. The truth is, no one ever mentions the fact that “thinking big” requires much effort, time and great sacrifice. What are you willing to give up in order to achieve your “think big dreams?!” It’s much easier to think about the rewarding benefits of having a “think big dream,” but what is it going to cost you in the long run?! Think think think! Is it going to cost you your health? (Think about the enormous amount of stress that comes along with “big dreams.”) How will you deal with it? And more importantly, what’s more important to you? Your “think big dreams” or your family? Is it going to cost you your marriage and/or time spent with family members? (Think about the amount of time and effort it will take for you to achieve this “big dream” of yours and consider how it will affect the people in your life.) I can go on and on and on. And please don’t get me wrong, I’m not trying to discourage anyone, but I believe if you are going to “think big,” then it’s wise to plan ahead and prioritize both your personal and business goals accordingly. Because with “think big dreams” comes a very hefty price tag that money cannot buy. And sometimes that hefty price tag is not all worth it in the end if your “think big dreams” end up costing you the most important treasures of life.
beatriz
June 25, 2010
Vivo en Mèxico, donde puedo conseguir tus maravillosos libros? En EEUU dònde los venden? gracias.
YOUR NAME
September 10, 2010
Preston you are my greatest inspiration after GOD and I appreciate all the tips you have
Navjot
October 15, 2010
You are so right about thinking big. If you do not dream big then you can not create big and you will always be looking at others around you. But you always should be open minded to learn from experienced designer such as you. I feel lucky to start my career from Richard Allen Inc. in Austin,Texas in 1998. I learn to dream through someone else vision. Richard taught me to think big. But the culture that I come from many a time adds the fear in there that am I going beyond from real to unreal.
I am constantly working on it and again feel lucky enough to be able to send you a post.
Homemade Solar Cells
October 17, 2010
Thanks a lot for the great tips. I have bookmarked your site and will refer to it again later.
Pam Archer
June 27, 2011
Interestingly, I am the daughter of a Baptist minister, and am a Christian. The difference between our backgrounds is that I was taught that I could do anything! My parents instilled a belief I could achieve any goal that I set and that there wasn’t anything I couldn’t do, if I worked hard enough. They also taught me to always go “all out” to make others feel special. Meager as our means were, we had lots and lots of dinner guests, adding to our family of 8. We set the table with our best, mismatched dishes, chipped glassware, always had fresh flowers, and did our best to make our guests feel welcome and loved. My mother and dad said everyone should learn hospitality, because it demonstrates love for others and is an extension of God’s love toward us Some people would call that “putting on the dog”. I have taught my daughters the same things. They have each thanked me for teaching them the art of hospitality.
A quick story, and an important one for parents and those who mentor others:
I was about 12 years old. I wanted to do a table centerpiece to surprise my mother, and it was important to me that it be creative. I took her milk glass cake stand, turned it upside down, and put water in the bottom. I floated some blooms. It probably looked pretty cheesy, but my mother praised my work. Had she belittled it, I think it might have broken my spirit and I might not have felt the freedom to create moving forward. This was more than 40 years ago, so it wasn’t an idea I had seen on TV, in a magazine, or on a blog. What we say to our children and those we are teaching is so important. Thank you for your ever encouraging words, Preston. They mean more than you know!
Vanessa Alce
September 28, 2011
Thank you for this post! More often than not people confuse humility and meakness with keeping a small mentality. The one day that changed my life was when Pastor Al, my youth pastor, told me “dream big dreams, Vanessa.” Those words stuck with me! A young girl from a broken family with no money graduated from Rollins College and owns her own event planning company. I continue to dream big even if sometimes it means needing a “push” when I lose my focus
I hope to influence others to do the same.