You don’t have to look far to find cliché inspirational quotes about the power of thinking big. Whether it’s Wayne Gretzky’s, “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take,” or this classic from Norman Vincent Peale, who popularized the concept of positive thinking: “Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.”
But the thing is, these sayings are cliché for a reason. It’s because they’re 100% true.
How high you aim your sights absolutely impacts where your business will land. So, while the most effective goals should always be attainable, at Accountability Services, we always recommend business owners think as big as their aspirations.
Here’s why.
Big thinking drives purpose
Whether it’s your personal inspiration or the motivation of your team, big ideas that seek to create impact are more likely to energize your team than generic growth goals.
When your vision is compelling, people want to be part of it. Show that you’re building something meaningful and others will rally behind you, including clients, vendors, and other partners and stakeholders.
Innovation and breakthroughs
Thinking small tends to lead to safe, incremental improvements. There’s nothing wrong with that but setting a low bar for what you hope to achieve can stifle the kind of breakthroughs that move the needle for your business.
We find that the more we challenge ourselves, the more we open the door to uncovering entirely new solutions. Thinking big naturally forces us to think differently.
Attract the right people
Our leadership team understands that having a strong vision for our firm is a guiding force that moves the right clients and the right employees to gravitate towards our team.
People want to be part of a story that’s going somewhere. When you have a bold mission and can communicate it clearly, it instills confidence, both in your ability to deliver, and in your ability to grow.
Create value and build a legacy
Daring to think big internally is how you deliver exceptional outcomes externally, not just for your customers but also for your family, your team, and your broader community. And as this influence grows, so will the legacy of your brand.
People get behind companies that have big ideas and put their money and efforts where their mouth is.
The dangers of thinking small
Thinking big isn’t just about what you get, it’s also about what you avoid.
When you focus too heavily on the short term or are afraid of investing in your business, here’s what’s bound to happen:
- Stagnant growth
- Missed opportunities
- Low morale
- Burnout
Thinking small might feel safer in the moment, but over time, it limits what your business can become.
Breaking down big ideas into manageable steps
Understandably, the thought of setting brave goals for your business can be daunting. And that’s why you must learn to break big ideas into small, achievable steps. Your big idea should always be paired with a practical roadmap.
- Map out a plan
- Identify key actions
- Delegate ownership
- Celebrate small wins
- Repeat
The key to success is to think big while acting small, and consistently.
Remember that thinking big isn’t a one-off event. It’s a strategic attitude, rooted in having the courage to imagine something better.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Accountability Services’ Behind the Puzzle series shares honest thoughts and stories from our own business journey. Like you, we have a vision for our company that goes beyond turning a profit – and like yours, our path to success has been lined with obstacles and triumphs, frustration and joy, problems and solutions. As our team works to solve our own business puzzle, we hope this candid look behind the scenes provides useful insights to help you solve yours.
