The Magic Of Thinking Big

We choose our thoughts, and our life becomes what we think.

Photo of front cover from Annelie’s own book copy.

“Think you are weak, think you lack what it takes, think you will lose, think you are second class — think this way and you are doomed to mediocrity.” — Dr. David J. SchwartzLast

Last week, I survived the nightmare of traveling from Florida to Washington, D.C. by train. The train ride, back and forth, took 40 hours. Imagine that, a whole work week of just sitting in a chair with nowhere to go and nothing to do, except looking out a boring window. I almost lost my mind. Oops, wrong track.

This transformative book, The Magic Of Thinking Big, by David J. Schwartz, PH. D., teaches us that the key element to achieving success lies not in our circumstances, but in the power of our thoughts. Of course, the word success means different things to different people. I define success as pursuing and achieving what we want in life. For certain, we cannot get what we want unless we clarify our thoughts.

Keeping those thoughts steady serves as a beacon of hope and a roadmap to success. This helps to remove misery from life. Most of us don’t think big because we haven't learned how. When we think small, our lives become small. That makes us miserable.

A small thinking person, generated from Microsoft Word, AI Copilot.

This book taught me how to grow my thinking, banish misery, and embrace big thoughts from this day forward.

Thinking big thoughts.

Here are six guideposts to help you think big.

• Decide what you want and define what success means to you. Bring your ideas from your head and into the world by writing them down.

• Plan and set clear goals. Don’t be afraid to think big. “Big ideas and big plans are often easier — certainly no more difficult — than small ideas and plans,” writes Dr. Schwartz.

• Do one thing today and do another thing tomorrow while you move towards success.

• Believe in your thoughts and act accordingly.

  If you believe your glass is half-full, be grateful for it. If you want to write a book, believe that what you write matters. Dr. Swartz likens the mind to a “thought factory”, where your focus shapes your output. By focusing on positive outcomes we believe are possible for us, we can overcome the doubts that are sure to visit whenever we feel down and vulnerable.

• Enlarge your thinking and remember that your achievements will never exceed the scope of your thinking. “Remind yourself regularly that you are better than you think”, is another statement from the book. Visualize possibilities and use empowering language to inspire optimism.

• You might need a little training, but keep at it. We are what we think we are, and we decide what that is. Eliminate the excuses we often use to hold ourselves back. At times, we all do this when we don’t feel like doing something that we ought to do. Dr. Schwartz calls this Excusitis, the failure disease. It is all related to a mind-deadening thought disease.

  The author reminds us that the excuses made by mediocre fellows could be, but aren’t made by a successful person. Take proactive action because thinking big requires action.

  Writing a book is a perfect example.

  If you write 30–60 minutes before work every day, it becomes a habit. I know this because I did it. Before I retired, I rose at 4:30 in the morning to make time for my morning ritual, which included writing. Before starting my nursing shift at 6:30 am in the hospital, I had already taken another step towards completing my book, Say Yes To A Better Life. I still prefer to write in the morning.

• Regular Self-reflection is a way to stay true to our thoughts, desires, and goals. The way to stay aligned with our goals and values is to regularly reflect on our actions, thoughts, and feelings to better understand ourselves. Self-reflection also helps us to make necessary adjustments as we go along. Rereading texts that resonate with us and rehearsing bold, big thoughts must be part of our regular self-reflection. This is the fuel that runs our engines.

  “When you believe something can be done, your mind will find the ways to do it.” ~Dr. David j. Schwartz.

  The number of these guideposts is like a spit in the ocean compared to the sea of information found in the book. I want to give you one word to remember from this story. One word that will honor your self-worth is to believe. Fill your thoughts with the belief that your goal can be accomplished.

  The magic of thinking big is not just a concept; it is a way of life. As far as I know, we only get one shot at life; make it spectacular. The magic of thinking big knows no age limits. If you are a Boomer girl like my older sister or me, remember that age is not a limitation but a testament to your wisdom and resilience.

  Thank you ❤️

  This story was first published on Medium.