I really don’t know how to start this article so that it won’t offend anyone.
You see, the more I’m exploring ‘human success’, the more truth I’ve uncovered about human behavior that leads to them success or failure. Sometimes, people cannot achieve success because they think they can.
I know this sounds confusing so let me explain…
If you want to think big, make sure you can be big. I’ve seen people let go of real opportunities because they think these are too small for them - they feel that they deserve bigger opportunities. First, you have to understand the concept of ‘thinking big’ here. Thinking big does not mean that you ignore ‘small’ opportunities because most of the time, big opportunities will come once you’ve proven yourself that you’re capable of handling opportunities.
When these people get obsess with their big goals, they miss several steps. For a start, you can get all excited about your big goal and expect people to help you achieve your goal – but in reality, maybe this ‘big goal’ of yours does not seems attractive to other people at all? Because of the over excitement, you’ve forgotten to ask yourself, “What can I do for you so that you can help me back?”
Simple law of success – reciprocity. If you do something for someone, it’s much easier for someone to look into your favor in the return. But hey, if you’re all into ‘thinking big’, what happen to other people’s ‘small goals’?
Another problem with thinking big in a wrong way is you get your mind blocked. You don’t want to take advice because you don’t like to hear ‘negative’ feedbacks of what you should or should not do. You’ll say to yourself, “They don’t understand and it’s their lost”. Well, maybe you’re right but if 10 people say you’re wrong – don’t you think you should take some time to evaluate your thoughts again?
You can tell when you meet an over-thinking big person – you say something to him, he’ll nod his head but he doesn’t ‘get it’ and he’ll tell you again about his dream and goal and expect you to do something to help him. 
Understand this simple rule of success – if you want to achieve big goals in life, you need people to help you. Big things do not happen with just your 2 hands. For that to happen, you need to understand what these people’s personal goals are. If you can’t help them, then think of what you can give back to them if they’re willing to help you. It could be as simple as paying them money or exchanging other values that you have.
One more thing – I notice that most ‘thinking big’ people do not have the money to do big things. I was once in that shoe, that’s why I know. You see, that’s the problem with all these motivational seminars and books out there. They get people all highly motivated that they can do it but in reality, it’s not happening.
Am I saying that you can’t do big things with no money?
Absolutely not.
But my message is this – wouldn’t it makes more sense to take advantage of small opportunities to make money first so that it can fund your big goal? Unfortunately, most people don’t think that way.
And finally, you don’t know what you don’t know.
Talk to more people, open up your mind. Trust me, you’ll see things much different then.
I’m writing this is not to rant but with the intention that YOU GET IT and be more aware of what’s going on around you.
Patric Chan
SuccessTrace.com
Agree that we really need to prove ourselves capable of handling opportunities before the bigger opportunities will come. In other words, to be faithful in the things at hand and to focus on it instead of running from “opportunity” to “opportunity” — this will usually get us nowhere.
what a great post on Monday. You have shifted the known perception of the entire industry with this one simple concept. thanks again Patric
Certainly a good point worth thinking about.
Patric,
Great post! U make some interesting points here to think about. Thanks.
Hi Patric,
This post hits home now even after I’ve learnt this truth through my own experience.
Those motivational books and audios did it to me long time ago and it took me ages to un-learn or repurpose what they talked about.
They’re great and very inspirational but they some times leave it to the reader to remember the reality of life.
In any case the phrase “you crawl before you walk then run” kind of got me back on track
A great post to which I can relate. I wish I read it in 2006 though cause I needed it more then
Thanks
Susan
Huh?
I dont see any comfirmation that I’ve submitted the post. I am sorry if I post it twice – Please delete one
Hi Susan,
Learning from experience is always the best. Most people would just ‘think positive’ and ignore obstacles but you were different to be aware that leads you to greater success today.
Thanks,
Patric Chan
http://www.successtrace.com
this is the right words to the \’big thinkers\’. am happy you are addressing this cancer especially in you enterpreneaurs.
It takes \’faithfulness\’ to get promoted or increase. if you are faithful with the small opportunites that come your way , it opens doors to the big opportunities you always dream of.
I really like the flow of ideas by Patric.They answer most of my life questions.
you are a genius you real know where it lacks in most people….
very nice article…….i agree to this.
Very thought-provoking post, Patric. I never really thought of it that way: instead of looking at the big picture, why not concentrate on the small details first? I really like that you pointed out to take advantage of small opportunities because they could be your key to success. I guess some people (me included) think big, that we tend to lose sight of the important details along the way. To quote my favorite book, “what is essential is sometimes invisible to the naked eye”.
Hi Patric,
So true. I sometimes think that people use this as yet another excuse – you know, \
Patric, the captcha does not seem to be working… will try one more time
Patric,
You are so right, I agree with you 100%.
I think that the “big picture/goal/opportunity” people sometimes use the excuse to bypass the small opportunities as not worthy of their effort/attention because they have “bigger fish to fry”. The thing is that the bigger fish never land in their nets because they have not learned how to catch the small fish yet.
best………….valentina