Encourage Others to Dream Big Dreams
What kind of a world would this world be, if everyone in it encouraged others to dream big dreams?
I read an article recently written by actress Rhea Sanborn. Sanborn plays attorney Kim Wexler on the television series, “Better Call Saul.” In the article, she credits her parents for encouraging her to pursue her dreams, writing that they not only made her feel free to pursue whatever she wanted to do in life, “but also that it was an imperative.”
The article caused me to think first about how wonderful it was that she received that kind of encouragement growing up, and what a difference it made in her life. I then thought about how that is not the case for everyone, and how much better the world would be if it were.
I’ve written several articles about the importance of dreaming big dreams, and taking action to create the results you want to achieve. I believe in the power of big dreams for ourselves, and I also think we have an opportunity – if not a responsibility – to support and encourage others as they pursue their dreams.
One of the reasons to support, encourage, and breathe positivity into others is to counter the negativity that’s so prevalent in our world today. Newspapers and magazines, television, and social media can spread negative thoughts, and contaminate our minds. If we don’t offset that by surrounding ourselves with positive thoughts and information, the tendency will be to become negative or cynical ourselves.
It’s easy to notice shortcomings, especially in others. Or times when people fall short of expectations. When your son brings his report card home, do you focus on praising him for the classes that went well, or does your mind go immediately to the one class he got a lower grade in? If you’re quick to speak with the manager when service is subpar, are you equally inclined to ask to speak with her when service exceeds your expectations?
The good news is, we can orient our environment to have a positive impact. By controlling our thoughts, and becoming more intentional about the environment around us, we can produce positive energy that moves us in the direction of our desired results. We can also spread that positive energy to others. The more we do this, the more dominant it becomes, diminishing the distractions and negativity that would otherwise be so prevalent.
Here are several ways you can “be the light,” and encourage others to dream big dreams:
1. Go out of your way to share encouragement with others. You never know what’s going on in someone’s life, and words of encouragement or affirmation might be just what they need in that particular moment. If you have a positive thought about someone, then share it. For an even bigger impact, share it with others in front of the person.
2. Whenever you introduce someone, share a positive statement about their background, or the exciting new project they’re working on. This provides an opportunity for the recipient of your praise to share more about their dream. It also boosts their confidence and excitement about their project.
I must admit, this is an area I can definitely improve. Many of my friends are great at this and, when they introduce me, I almost feel like they’re describing someone else, because of the kind words they use. I want to give that kind of introduction when connecting people who haven’t met, and I want that for you, too.
3. Send a card or note, flowers, or a small congratulatory gift whenever you hear of someone launching their dream. When you acknowledge their new business venture, their new job, or other dream they’re pursuing, the recipient of your gesture will feel encouraged, supported and appreciated. I’m guessing you would appreciate that kind of support, so why not provide it to others?
4. When someone is courageous enough to share their dreams with you, offer your support. People are often reluctant to share their goals and aspirations, and one of the reasons for this is the response often contains all the reasons their idea won’t work. We’ve all had times when we’ve been excited about something, shared it as soon as we had the opportunity to do so, and had our “balloon popped” by the response we received.
If someone tells you about their goals, dreams or ambitions, and you’re excited about their idea, then share their enthusiasm. But even if you aren’t, don’t be a “dream killer.” Many of the world’s greatest innovations started with ideas that few people believed would work. Offer encouragement either way, and then find ways to help them make their idea work.
5. When someone you know has a win, celebrate their success. Whether you’ve been part of their journey, or the first you’ve heard about it is when they achieved their goal, acknowledge and celebrate their victory! This could be as simple as a high-five or a “Way to go!” for small wins, or celebrating with a special dinner or a party for bigger accomplishments.
When you celebrate someone’s success, it lets them know they’re important to you, and you recognize their amazing accomplishment. The best life is a life shared with others, and they’ll appreciate your gesture, and feel even better about the results they’ve created.
It doesn’t take much to encourage and support others. I hope you’ll make the extra effort to be as excited about others’ dreams as you are your own. Be a source of positive energy in the lives of those around you. Encourage others to dream big, and look for tangible ways to support them when they do.
If we all did that, the world would be a better place.
