It floors me to realize how little time and attention supposed success-seekers spend on self-development. I listen to their conversations about what they are watching on TV and — often having zero idea what they’re talking about — I marvel over their choices. Because I (deliberately) surround myself with others who are equally success-driven, I know it’s not just me. Time for the truly successful CEO is at a premium. But only every single day.
So, when Dan Kennedy recommended I read “The Magic of Thinking Big” by David J. Schwartz, I — of course — read it. Twice.
Here’s a quote from the book that I have printed in my office:
Where success is concerned, people are not measured in inches or pounds or college degrees or family background. They are measured by the size of their thinking.”
When it comes to how you think, SIZE — absolutely — matters, so go Big. Here are two questions to challenge your own thinking:
1) How BIG is it? Do you think more about about “small” stuff (i.e. Who came out of the closet last night? Who’s dating who? Or complaining bitterly about current circumstances?) OR do you think more about BIG stuff– why you’re uniquely suited for success in your field, how you can catapult past your competitors with small strategic tweaks, or how you can up your charitable giving by 50% this year, for instance. I think it was Trump that said, “If you’re going to think anyway, think BIG.”
2) Does what you think about COMPEL you to take action? If not, your thinking isn’t big enough. If your thinking compels you to worry, brood, or gossip, you’re thinking way too small!
Either way, there’s good news. NO ONE can hi-jack our thoughts without our permission. So, let’s think BIG and act accordingly. Here’s to going boldly into 2014.
