Dream Big, Set Intentions, and Work Thrice as Hard
A 3-step Philosophy to Achieving Anything
The first rule of success, they tell you, is “Dream Big.” It’s an inspiring notion that encourages you to visualize a wide range of possibilities. Vivid dreams can be a powerful motivator, giving you a sense of direction.
Though this is a good start, the path to reality often requires much more. An effective strategy I’ve practiced and observed in successful people is to dream big, set intentions, and work thrice as hard.
The Power of Big Dreams
Why dream big when the world is going to clip your wings before you learn how to fly? Why not obey the little rules and get comfortable with reality? Why even try? These are questions I’ve pondered. As I’ve come to find out, dreaming big isn’t just necessary — it’s important.
Imagine a world where everyone settled for the ordinary. Would Marie Curie have won Nobel Prizes in two fields? Would Malala Yousafzai have fought so fiercely for girls’ education? Would the human race have survived at all? When we choose not to dream big, we risk losing the opportunity to realize our full potential and make a significant impact.
“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” — Eleanor Roosevelt.
Dreaming big starts with realizing that you’re the architect of your own destiny. Are you satisfied with the current state of things? What would you like to do about it and why? Understanding that you can change ‘what is’ to ‘what could be’ is necessary for achieving great things. It is possible as long as you will it.
Big dreams inspire, motivate, and drive progress. They don’t just motivate the dreamer; they inspire people around them. Martin Luther King Jr., for example, rallied people to his cause with his famous “I have a Dream” speech. Our actions can create a ripple effect, encouraging even future generations to dream big and pursue their aspirations.
Setting Intentions
Let’s face it, setting high expectations often follows after having those lofty goals. The great irony is: it’s not about what we expect from life, but how we choose to respond to whatever it throws our way.
Successful individuals often talk about the importance of intentions. Big dreams set the direction, but intentions define how you want to travel that path. Intentions are a culmination of the mindset, attitudes, and behavior you want to embody as you work towards your goals. They ensure that your actions are aligned with your values and aspirations.
Intentions are the lens you filter your decisions through. They provide clarity on the principles and attitudes you want to uphold. For example, Elon Musk’s intentions, as evident across his companies, are innovation and disruption, sustainability, and a couple of others.
Unlike an outcome-oriented mindset, setting intentions focuses on the process. Like preparing for your upcoming birthday, you enjoy the pursuit as well as the destination. This acknowledges the ebbs and flows of life, allowing you to remain resilient and adaptable in the face of challenges.
When You Set Intentions, You:
- Become driven by intrinsic motivation which is more enduring than external rewards.
- Stay true to yourself when pursuing your goals.
- Remain committed to continuous improvement, even after meeting your desired goal.
- Connect you to your broader purpose.
Yet, simply setting intentions isn’t enough. The real key to turning dreams into reality lies in relentless and outstanding effort — working thrice as hard.
Working Thrice as Hard
“To be in the top 1% you have to be willing to do what the other 99% aren’t.”
Cliche? Yes, but it’s painfully true. We have to constantly ask ourselves the questions, “What are the successful people doing that I’m not?” and “What can I do that others aren’t doing yet?”.
Steve Jobs, for instance, studied calligraphy, which helped his innovation to be more creative when he invented the Macintosh. Elon Musk often mentioned reading a wide range of books aside from physics and economics, which he majored in.
In simple terms, working thrice as hard means putting in more effort than required. Like bringing a bazooka to a pencil fight, what better way to ascertain victory?
It’s about going above and beyond; reaching for knowledge and skills that may seem unrelated at first sight. Want to be a photographer? Don’t just stop at taking a photography course and becoming a plus one to the number of photographers that already do the same thing. Take an art, drawing, communication, or even a psychology class. Use insights from them to create unusually creative work while also expanding the boundaries of photography in other areas.
Our best bet is to cast a wider net to catch a golden fish. When we hope to succeed at something, it’s safer to triple down on our effort.
The Synergy
The synergy of dreaming big, setting intentions, and working thrice as hard creates a powerful trifecta for success. When you dream big, you set a high vision for your future, pushing your boundaries and expanding your potential. Setting intentions grounds these dreams in your core values and guides your daily actions, ensuring that each step you take aligns with your ultimate goals. Working thrice as hard ensures that your efforts are not just sufficient but exceptional, propelling you forward with the momentum needed to overcome challenges and seize opportunities.
P.S: This isn’t based on any academic research but keen observations from me. This approach has been effective for me across all facets of life. Feel free to copy, modify, or cancel. Peace.
You’ve read it this far, thank you. A few claps would help this piece reach more audience. If you’ve got any questions, drop them in the comment section, I’d be happy to discuss.
