Dream Bigger

As I write this article we have just passed the Summer Solstice: the earth’s longest day; zenith of the sun’s strength. In this season of light and heat I always experience increased energy and an enhanced sense that anything is possible.

Of late I have felt increasingly hopeful about human possibilities, in particular. My work with clients offers me a firsthand glimpse of our species’ beauty , resiliency and potential for transformation . Over and over again I am privileged to witness people become more than they ever imagined they could be.

In discussing human potential, author and Marketing Guru Dan Kennedy often refers to the “80/20” rule—a theory which states that, given the same useful information and opportunity, only 20 of 100 people will choose to apply that information and take advantage of the opportunity. 5 of the smaller group of 20 will become “superstars,” continuing to stretch themselves and integrate all the new information they can into massive action that leads to enormous success. 1 of the 5 will rise to the absolute top of their game.

What’s interesting about the 80/20 rule (which, incidentally has proven true in sports , academia and business) is that each of the 100 has absolute control over where she or he will fall—in the group of 80, 20, 5 or 1.

I can almost hear some of you objecting to my last statement, citing unequal distribution of talent, environment and personality. Yet every human endeavor is replete with examples of those who rose above what seemed to be insurmountable limitations. These are the stories that inspire and challenge us, for they remind us of our own possibilities.

Certainly you can think of myriad examples in your own life, people you’ve read about and people you know, who have accomplished the truly extraordinary. One of the biggest differences between the extraordinary people in our midst and the rest of the population is that the people we perceive as extraordinary were able to consistently imagine themselves doing extraordinary things.

A study at Harvard University found that people who have “BHAGs” (that is “Big Hairy Audacious Goals”) are many times more likely to realize their dreams then the people whose goals initially seem more attainable.

Do you have a BHAG in your life? Or are you still focusing on small, “realistic” goals? In this season of summer, I invite you to dream bigger. Allow yourself to hold a vision that would make you so excited to be alive that your day to day experience would be wonder and joy. Surround yourself with people, books and programs that push you to stretch beyond your habitual patterns into the Land of All Possibilities. What is your purpose in life? What must you do while on this planet? What are you doing right now to make it happen?

Dream bigger this summer. Call upon the light and warmth of the sun to expand your vision and empower your choices. And then focus on your Big Dreams until they light a fire under you.

May the power of the Solstice sun be yours,

Kim