Thinking BIG
I was working in my shop tonight and pondering my future and what I would like it to look like. I mean, we can all go through life as is, sort of letting things happen or we can try to shape things. Now I know that there are unseen forces in the universe and I am well aware of things outside of your control. However, I asked myself this question; “Why not think Big?”
I began to think of what I would like to do, and the things I would like to accomplish. All together added up it seems like an almost unattainable task, but when broken up into manageable tasks it seems maybe my goals and desires aren’t so distant after all. The question now is, what are the small steps that will lead me in my direction. Maybe YOU can help me? Maybe YOU have experiences that would help further my growth. maybe this is a journey I need to take alone. Who knows. All I know is that I am taking it.
Below is a list of my Passions and my Loves along with my Thinking Big statements. A sort of checklist of things to accomplish and a method of accomplishing them along the way. I’d love to hear your thoughts.
My Passions and Loves
- I am Passionate about my woodturning and artistic process.
- I love sharing my passion with others through the blog, and interactive media.
- I love to teach.
- I love to experience new things and new places.
- I love my family, and I am passionate about taking care of them.
- I love to give back!
Thinking Big
- Why couldn’t I start an interactive internet show and share my passion for woodturned art?
- Why couldn’t I build a huge following and get sponsors to help cover the costs?
- Why not incorporate traveling into this show where I could go and visit other prominent artists and deliver extremely valuable content to my fan base?
- Why not teach this interactive technology to other artists? I could do this in my travels as well, contacting art councils and societies all over the world.
- Why couldn’t I provide well for my family so that we do not have to struggle on a starving artists income?
- Why not leverage my talents as a writer, an artist, a speaker, and educator to deliver value across a multitude of levels?
Why Not Think BIG?
Illustration by M-C
Also check out Marina Martin’s End of Year Goal Setting Post!
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Stumble it!
October 28th, 2008 at 7:18 pm
Okay - so that is some big thinking! Now I have to think about my big thinking. Really - put it down on paper like you did. Put it out there for all the world to see - and hold me accountable - like you did.
Great job - really. I like big thinkers!
October 28th, 2008 at 7:24 pm
I think the real secret is passion. If you have something you can be passionate about, pursue it and share your passions with fellow enthusiasts and those yearning for more. Living a life able to give is a life well lived.
October 28th, 2008 at 7:27 pm
@Deb Thank you, and when you put it out there, please let me know!
@Darryl Thank you very eloquently put.
October 28th, 2008 at 7:35 pm
I love your attitude and approach. And, from past experiences, can vouch for your spirit and desire to give back. The idea of putting together a process other artists can use if fantastic!
I can’t wait to see the progress, and if I can be of any assistance, don’t hesitate to ask!
October 28th, 2008 at 8:27 pm
I got here through a very convoluted path, but I’m glad that I did. I think your “big idea” is the way we should all think when following our passion. My husband loves wood working and even though I have given him books on wood turning I think he is hesitant. Watching a video would be the perfect way to get him started.
By the way…I got here by reading an article about twitter (i joined today) on the NY Times blog, followed a link to Chris Brogan and then you.
October 28th, 2008 at 8:39 pm
@Soren - you always inspire me my friend. Thank you for the comment.
@waterrose - That is really neat. Who’d a thunk it right? NY Times Blog to my guest post with chris to my little woodturning blog here. That’s great.
October 29th, 2008 at 6:32 pm
Keith,
Great stuff! I lead a Lifetime Goals workshop about every eight weeks to dare people to think about using their businesses to create the ideal situation they would want to live out the kind of “goals” that they could never check off - things so big they would never possibly finish them.
To often we think what we’re supposed to do is grow our business by 10% next year because that’s what big corporations do. But we have no reason why, and no reference point for whether we should grow it 50% or 5%.
We answer the WHAT all the time - grow by 10% is a what. But we almost never ask the more important question of WHY. It’s the biggest question we can ask and it leads to thinking big in our business and to the motivation to reach for bigger things than we would if we were just trying to grow our business.
Something happens in each workshop that is fulfilling to watch. When we a) make decisions and b) put a date on when we want to be done, something deep in us changes.
Put some dates on these great big hairy audacious goals and watch what happens! By the way, it’s not about hitting the date, but about getting urgency to get moving. Missing the date by a few months or even more on the way to success is still better than having wished we would have tried.
Good luck and keep us posted! And get us involved - everybody runs to catch a moving train.
See you back on Twitter.
http:/blog.teamninbuswest.com
October 30th, 2008 at 4:51 pm
Keith -
This is a great and inspirring post! I now feel compelled to start a similar list and put more thought into a lot of my life.
Nicely done I will reccomend that others read it and aspire to Think Big!
B-