Thread: How to shift from "thinking small" to "THINKING BIG"?

I'm reading MJ's fantastic book and it's getting me excited to take the next step. But I still need some help to get there.

Here's the deal -- I am, by most people's standards, a "successful" internet entrepreneur. I haven't had a boss since 1988, I earn enough from my businesses to lead a comfortable life, spend lots of time with my family, have no major debt to speak of and I spend my days more or less as I like.

But I feel as if I've hit a plateau, and MJ is helping me understand why: I've always just thought "big enough" and never beyond that. There are people who look at a new idea and say "I'm gonna make $100K a month from that". Me? I look at it and say "I'm gonna make $5K a month from that". And we both are usually right in our judgements.

I feel that changing though, and MJ's book is part of it. But I want to keep the momentum going. So, my question:

How does one transform himself from a small thinker to a big thinker?

Originally Posted by Jon Bard

I haven't had a boss since 1988, I earn enough from my businesses to lead a comfortable life, spend lots of time with my family, have no major debt to speak of and I spend my days more or less as I like.

Maybe because you are already a success in your mind? And by the way you describe your life above, I would agree with that. If you are happy and content, the motivation to "go big" just might not be there. Either way, congrats -- I think the above speaks volumes of success because you own your time.

Thanks James & MJ. And very perceptive of you MJ -- I think contentedness with what I've got is keeping me where I am. But I do see a bigger horizon -- an opportunity to be even freer, to worry less about having what we need for the rest of our lives and experience even more out of life. And I do believe I'm cultivating a desire for that, thanks in no small part to your book.

I recognize that I've already got what many are struggling for, and I'm grateful for that. Now the question is -- how big can I go while staying just as free? I think there's still lots to get after, I just need to develop and keep the motivation.

Finding this forum is a wonderful first step!

Jon, congatulations, you have owned your own time for many years now. So, you're already more successful than 99,9% of the world's population.
In order to get motivated to think bigger it might be a good idea to ask yourself the question what would happen if your present internet business(es) would suddenly stop generating the income you need to live comfortably. Do you have sufficient cash, income generating real estate, etc. to assure that you can continue to live your present bossless and stressless life?
If the answer is no, that should be a strong reason and motivator to step on the gas.

Thanks Henk. Yep, you're right. And I think my awareness of that is what's gotten me to this point. So, that's a good start.

Your post is very inspiring.

Sometimes, enough is enough. Thinking BIG is what got you to where you are today. I lecture on "how much is enough" and you my friend have got exactly what I tell people to aim for. Focus on your hobbies and passions and have a great life. Your spare time will probably have you falling into financial projects just to keep life interesting and to make sure you can maintain your current lifestyle.

Don't think "I'm bored", think "how lucky am I?!" Accept being a little bored as being OK because from boredom springs excitement. From here on you're only task is to keep life exciting or satisfying. Your struggle is over. Grow if you want or focus on satisfying your basic human needs (as proposed by T.R.)...

- Certainty
- Variety
- Connection/Love
- Significance

Then to grow spiritually...

- Growth
- Contribution

Once we get the financial struggle out of the way (as you have) and we have our time back, life can go anywhere you need it to go. Thinking BIG (I think) is like the rocket fuel we need to get into orbit. Once we are there it's only purpose is to "go somewhere else" but if you goal was to always just get into orbit you are there. Look around - you made it!

You don't have to be a millionaire to be free, excited or satisfied. if you become one - great! if not, just having enough money and the ability to not have to worry about money (by controlling your lifestyle) is as rewarding as life needs to be.