Thinking big can be challenging. It’s easy to get caught in the weeds of day-to-day life, losing sight of the bigger picture.

Adopting forward-thinking practices can help you break out of this rut and start setting more ambitious goals.

In my experience, there are eight key practices that can help shift your mindset towards thinking big. They’re simple, practical, and easy to integrate into your daily routine.

So, if you’re ready to push your boundaries and elevate your thinking, keep reading. Here are eight forward-thinking practices for those who struggle to think big.

1) Embrace uncertainty

One of the major barriers to thinking big is the fear of the unknown. We’re often so focused on maintaining control and preventing failure that we limit our own potential.

Embracing uncertainty means accepting that you can’t predict or control everything. It’s about being comfortable with stepping outside your comfort zone and taking risks.

This doesn’t mean throwing caution to the wind. It’s about balancing the need for security with the understanding that growth often requires a level of uncertainty.

When you embrace uncertainty, you open up a world of possibilities. You allow yourself to dream bigger and aim higher, because you’re not limited by fear of what could go wrong.

So next time you’re faced with a decision, try not to let fear of the unknown hold you back. Embrace uncertainty, and see where it takes you.

2) Set audacious goals

Years ago, I found myself in a rut. I was setting goals, sure, but they were small, safe, and ultimately unsatisfying. I was holding myself back, afraid to reach for more.

Then one day, I decided to challenge myself. I set a goal that was so audacious, so far beyond what I thought I could achieve, it almost felt laughable. But guess what? That audacious goal was the kick I needed.

Setting big goals forces you to stretch your thinking and question your limits. It might feel uncomfortable–it certainly did for me–but that discomfort is a sign of growth.

So take it from me: Don’t be afraid to set audacious goals. You might surprise yourself with what you can achieve when you dare to think big.

3) Practice mindfulness

When our minds are cluttered with thoughts and worries, it can be hard to think big. We get caught up in the minutiae of life and lose sight of the bigger picture.

Mindfulness, the practice of being fully present and engaged in the current moment, can help clear that mental clutter. It allows us to focus our attention on our thoughts, feelings, and surroundings without judgment.

Research has shown that regular mindfulness practice can actually change the structure of our brains, increasing areas associated with memory, empathy, and stress regulation.

By practicing mindfulness, we can create the mental space needed to think big and dream big. So consider incorporating some form of mindfulness practice into your routine, whether that’s meditation, yoga, or simply taking a few minutes each day to focus on your breath.

4) Surround yourself with big thinkers

You’ve heard the saying, “You’re the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” There’s a lot of truth in this. The people we surround ourselves with greatly influence our thoughts, actions, and attitudes.

If you want to think big, surround yourself with people who are already doing so. Seek out mentors, join groups, or find communities of people who are dreaming big and taking action.

Their ambition and drive can be contagious. You’ll find yourself inspired, motivated, and encouraged to think bigger and reach higher.

So take a look at your social circle. Are they helping or hindering your ability to think big? Remember, you have the power to choose who you surround yourself with. Make those choices wisely.

5) Believe in yourself

This might sound clichéd, but it’s absolutely crucial. If you don’t believe in your own ability to achieve big things, it’s unlikely you will.

Self-belief is the bedrock upon which all big thinking is built. It’s the quiet voice in your heart that assures you “Yes, I can do this.”

I’ve found this to be one of the hardest and most important practices. It’s not always easy, especially when obstacles arise or when others doubt you. But I promise you, it’s worth it.

When you trust in your own abilities and have faith in your potential, doors open. Opportunities arise. Dreams start to become realities.

So, look inward. Trust yourself. Believe that you have what it takes to think big and achieve big. Because I assure you, you do.

6) Reflect on your past successes

Sometimes, thinking big can feel overwhelming. In those moments, I find it helpful to look back at my past successes, no matter how small they may seem.

I remember a time when I felt stuck in my career. I was in a role that didn’t challenge me and I craved more. But, thinking about making a change was daunting.

That’s when I decided to reflect on the things I had already accomplished. I had graduated from college, landed my first job, and even earned a promotion. These were all things that once seemed impossible, but I had achieved them.

Reminding myself of these past successes gave me the confidence boost I needed. It proved to me that I was capable of achieving big things.

So when you’re struggling to think big, take a moment to reflect on your past successes. Use them as stepping stones to propel you towards your next big goal.

7) Keep learning and growing

Part of thinking big involves constantly seeking new knowledge and experiences. It’s about being curious, asking questions, and never being satisfied with the status quo.

The world is constantly evolving and if you want to think big, you need to evolve with it. That means continually learning and growing.

Take advantage of resources around you. Read books, attend seminars, take online courses, talk to experts in your field. The more you learn, the more you’ll be able to expand your thinking and see bigger possibilities.

Remember, learning is a lifelong journey. Embrace it, and let it fuel your big thinking.

8) Take action

At the end of the day, thinking big means nothing if you don’t put those thoughts into action. Big dreams remain just that – dreams – unless you take steps to make them a reality.

Taking action can be scary. It often means stepping out of your comfort zone and facing potential failure. But it’s also the only way to truly achieve anything.

So don’t just think big. Act big. Take those first steps towards your goals. And remember, every journey begins with a single step.

Final thoughts: It’s about mindset

At its core, thinking big is a mindset. It’s a willingness to dream beyond the boundaries of what you currently know or believe is possible.

This mindset isn’t something that just happens. It’s cultivated and nurtured through practices like embracing uncertainty, setting audacious goals, practicing mindfulness, and taking action.

As neuroscientist V.S. Ramachandran once said, “Your brain is more than a bag of chemicals.” It’s an incredibly powerful tool with the capacity for boundless creativity and innovation.

Thinking big isn’t about being unrealistic or impractical. It’s about giving yourself the freedom to envision a future that excites you, motivates you, and pushes you to grow.

So, as you go about your day and face the challenges that come your way, remember to think big. Allow yourself to dream, explore, and question. And most importantly, believe in your ability to turn those big thoughts into reality.