Have you ever had a dream so big it scared you? You’re not alone, and that fear doesn’t mean you should stop. In this video, I share why dreaming big often feels overwhelming and how to move forward with courage anyway. Whether it’s fear of failure, self-doubt, or the pressure to be “realistic,” I walk you through how to shift your mindset and take powerful steps toward the future you really want.
Have you ever had a dream so bold it felt too big to say out loud? You’re not alone. Dreaming big is beautiful—but it can also feel overwhelming. That tension we feel when we dare to dream isn’t a sign to shrink. It’s a signal that we’re stepping into possibility.
Let’s explore why dreaming big feels so hard—and why it’s absolutely worth doing anyway.
The Fear Behind Big Dreams
When we start to imagine a life that’s more fulfilling, exciting, or purpose-driven, fear is often the first thing that shows up.
- Am I good enough?
- What if I fail?
- What will people think?
These questions are rooted in doubt, not truth. They’re often fueled by past experiences, societal expectations, or the pressure to play it safe.
But here’s something to consider:
Fear doesn’t mean stop. It means you care.
In fact, a study in the Journal of Research in Personality found that individuals who practised self-affirmation were 50% more likely to persist through challenges. What we say to ourselves matters.
Why Most People Settle (And How You Can Choose Differently)
We’re often told to be “realistic,” to tone down our dreams, and to settle for what’s safe. But dreaming big isn’t reckless, it’s revolutionary. It’s a choice to believe in your worth, your vision, and your ability to grow into what you want.
Real-life example?
A friend of mine dreamed of launching her own business, but she stayed in a job that dulled her spark. She waited years for the “right time”—until she realized waiting was costing her fulfilment. She took a step forward. It wasn’t easy. But it was hers. And now she’s thriving.
You’re in Good Company
Even the world’s most admired achievers started with uncertainty:
- Oprah faced rejection before she built a media empire.
- J.K. Rowling was turned down by publishers before Harry Potter became a global phenomenon.
- Stephen Hawking was given just a few years to live—and then changed science forever.
They didn’t begin with certainty. They began with belief and action.
How to Dream Big (Even When It Feels Scary)
Here are five practical steps you can take:
- Name the fear. Call it out so that it loses power.
- Reframe the narrative. Replace “I can’t” with “I’m learning to.”
- Take one small step. Your progress builds confidence.
- Fuel your belief. Use affirmations, mentors, and uplifting content.
- Celebrate every move. Big or small, momentum matters.
Final Thoughts: Your Future Is Waiting
If your dream scares you a little, that’s a good thing. It means you’re stretching beyond what’s comfortable and stepping into what’s possible. You don’t need to have it all figured out—you just need to start. Your dream is valid. Your voice matters. And you have what it takes. Let go of the old story that says you have to settle. Take one bold, beautiful step forward. Because your future is waiting for you to believe in it.
Highlights
[00:00] Introduction: Embracing Big Dreams
[01:05] The Power of Self-Belief
[01:46] Real-Life Inspiration
[02:31] Taking the First Step
[02:54] Conclusion: Becoming Your True Self
Resources:
Design Your Future Self With The S.O.A.R. Method® Course https://acmcoachinggroup.thinkific.com/courses/design-your-future-self
The S.O.A.R. to Success Deck: 50 Cards to Elevate Your Life and Achieve Your Goals https://www.andreacmclean.com/product/the-s-o-a-r-success-deck-50-cards-to-elevate-your-life-and-achieve-your-goals/
Decide to Be Your Future Self: A Journey of Transformation https://www.andreacmclean.com/product/decide-to-be-your-future-self-a-journey-of-transformation/
