Do you want to reach a dream but find yourself thinking small? Want to have more confidence in yourself to reach your dreams and goals? This article is for you!
In it, we’ll cover several ways to stop thinking small. Thinking small is like a scarcity mindset: it limits what you think and do. It can make you feel like you’re not enough—not brave enough, strong enough, smart enough, and the list could go on.
But you have everything in you to get started in reaching your dreams. God created you with unique talents, skills, gifts, and a contribution to make. It’s time to stop thinking small and have confidence in yourself and your dreams.
Let’s go!
You let personality traits stop you
Some people find themselves thinking small by letting certain personality traits hinder them. They make excuses like, “I’m too shy” or “I’ve never been good at___.” They limit themselves because of certain personality traits.
Whether you’re an introvert or extrovert, crafty with your hands or not, everyone has something to contribute and create in this world.
Let your personality traits shine in whatever you want to do. Don’t let them hold you back.
For example, I’m an introvert. I get drained from being around people (even though I come off as an extrovert)! Some people think introverts have a huge disadvantage, and maybe that’s true, because we really have to watch how much time we spend with people and who we spend time with.
However, there are a lot of strengths to being an introvert. Introverts understand people at a deep level. They sometimes know people better than they know themselves based off observation, listening, and watching.
While I do get tired from being around people, I am grateful for the empathy and compassion I learn and can show from being an introvert. My conversations with people are deeper. I understand and learn from others in a way that most people don’t.
So don’t let your personality traits stop you.
What are strengths that come from your personality traits? And how can you be accepting of and deal with the negative effects of your personality traits?
Know that you have something to offer
People think small because they don’t believe they have something to offer the world.
The majority of people will live an average life: work a 9-5 job, retire, and try to find purpose or fulfillment in retirement. They don’t always live out their purpose or mission. That doesn’t mean they lived a wasteful life, but they didn’t tap into their unique contribution.
God has given all of us gifts and talents, and it’s up to us to use them. We all have something to offer, and when we realize and believe that, we can do anything.
Also, if you’re retired or in your older years, it’s never too late. Check out this article: How to be confident no matter your age
Don’t worry about what other people think
If you’ve followed this blog for a while, you know that self confidence really grows when we stop caring about what people think. It’s time to embrace that self confidence.
People think small when they let the opinions and comments of others stop them from doing what they love or have dreamed of doing.
It makes me SO sad to think of how many people feel anxious or debilitated because of the opinions of other people. But here’s the truth.
Whether we like it or not, people will always have opinions. They’ll always judge.
Don’t think small because of what someone else will say about you or your work. Accept that other’s judgements and thoughts are a part of life, but they don’t have to stop or change you.
You are unique and original. Have confidence in that, and have confidence in the fact that you’re doing something, while most people would sit around and do nothing.
Also read: How to not care what people think
Acknowledge your weaknesses and insecurities, and don’t let them stop you
It’s ok to have weaknesses and insecurities. Everyone has them.
But don’t let them keep you from dreaming big. It’s a scarcity mindset to believe that weakness and insecurities can’t be overcome. You have what it takes to overcome them, and be stronger because of it.
A lot of people allow their weaknesses and insecurities to make them feel like they’re a fake (aka imposter syndrome). Even when a person reaches success or a goal they’ve been working towards, they might focus only on the flaws in their journey.
Every journey has flaws. And nobody is perfect. But don’t let perfectionism or your own weaknesses hold you back. Be willing to acknowledge them and work to overcome them.
Just don’t let them stop you.
Also read: How to overcome imposter syndrome
Stop letting other people project insecurities on you
We think small by letting other people project their insecurities on us.
Have you ever shared an idea with someone and, instead of supporting or giving validation, they ask questions, point out flaws, or say something negative? Maybe they didn’t say something negative, but they commented something very neutral. They said something that was neither a compliment nor an insult (this is called being passive agressive, by the way).
Remember that YOU aren’t the problem. You did nothing wrong.
Other people have insecurities, and when they can’t do what they want or love, they project that on other people. They especially project it on people doing their best to put themselves out there, have fun, and make a difference.
A personal experience
For example, there was a lady I once knew who got irritated at me whenever I shared my blog ideas, articles, or content. She said that women didn’t usually get their work out there. She added that even if I did get my stuff out there, it’d be a matter of time before someone else’s work overshadowed mine.
I didn’t let that deter me because I realized a few things. This woman, who was much older than me, was a product of her time. She grew up in a day and age where women were discouraged from speaking their mind. I think this woman might have felt oppressed in many ways by her husband, circumstances, and misogynistic culture of her day… so she projected her insecurities on me.
She wanted to make me feel like I had those same pressures and misbeliefs about being a woman and a writer. Instead of judging her, I tried to understand her… and I did. I don’t think she intentionally tried to belittle me, but her misbeliefs blinded her and she projected her insecurities on other people, including myself.
I learned a few valuable lessons from this: people always mean something deeper than what they say. And… be careful who you share your projects and creativity with. Not everyone will deserve to know what you’re up to. Those who truly care will come and ask you… and they won’t project their insecurities.
You don’t need that negativity in your life.
Read more about creating paradise where you are in my book, Aloha State of Mind.
In conclusion
It’s time to stop thinking small. You have so much to offer this world. Nobody is like you, and what you bring to the table adds so much flavor, zest, and excitement to life.
Please don’t ever let the items in this article stop you from dreaming big and having confidence in yourself. You got this friend!
What do you think?
How do you stop yourself from thinking small? Let us know in the comments below. We’d love to hear from you. Mahalo!
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