“Where success is concerned, people are not measured in
inches or pounds or college degrees, or family background; they are measured by
the size of their thinking. How big we think determines the size of our accomplishments.”
—David Schwartz
One of my favorite books is The Magic of Thinking Big by David Schwartz. It explains a philosophy that aligns perfectly with my approach to life. I consider myself to be a big thinker, and embracing this mindset can lead to extraordinary outcomes. It has enabled me to coauthor YouX: A Simple Method for Making Decisions About Life Beyond School, move across the globe, pursue multiple degrees, expand my circle of friends and family, and so much more. As Schwartz asserts, the size of your thinking determines the size of your life (Schwartz, 1959). Big thinking isn’t just a concept—it’s a way of life where nothing is out of reach, and every possibility is on the table. This mindset has allowed me to unlock endless possibilities, driven by my own curiosity, courage, and determination.
However, big thinking alone isn’t enough. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of new possibilities. Yet the follow-through—the critical step of actually doing something—often falls short. Without action, even the best ideas remain unfulfilled and unrealized.
Schwartz outlines the potential of big thinking but also cautions against delusional thinking. Without solid inputs—clear thinking—and deliberate preparation, your ideas are neither big nor small; they’re simply unrealistic and unlikely to come to fruition (Schwartz, 1959). The book is packed with practical strategies that help move beyond hesitation, turning thoughts into achievements (Schwartz, 1959).
One of the most powerful strategies is the importance of seeing success before you even begin. You can’t achieve great things by going through the motions or staying stuck in a cycle of doubt. Schwartz encourages us to move past questions like “Can I?” or “How will I?” and instead visualize the finish line of our personal marathon as already crossed. He urges us to shift our focus from what seems impossible to what can be made actionable (Schwartz, 1959).
For those of us who are creators as well as thinkers, this mindset is crucial for building something meaningful—whether it’s a new business venture, a new school year, or any other significant pursuit. Big thinking lays the groundwork for being more open, curious, and brave—qualities that are essential when developing models or strategies that go beyond the ordinary. However, it’s the combination of big thinking and deliberate action that truly paves the way for transformative success.
Big thinking isn’t just about dreaming big; it’s about taking the necessary steps to make those dreams a reality. Turning big ideas into big realities calls for the same approach as building a model: careful planning, attention to detail, and a willingness to experiment. Every small action we take contributes to a much larger picture, creating a foundation for something truly significant.
Ultimately, once you embrace big thinking and pair it with purposeful action, the process begins to feel almost magical. What once seemed impossible suddenly becomes attainable. With this mindset, you’re ready to create models that can change your world, making more magic along the way.
References
Schwartz, D. J. (1959). The Magic of Thinking Big. Prentice Hall.
