Are You Thinking Big Enough In Your Career?
In 2017, my goal was to get promoted. I've been with Microsoft for about two years and felt like it was time. At first, I thought I'd just apply for a role that was one level up. That's what you do, right?
However, I attended a personal development workshop that year, which pushed me to think bigger.
What if, instead, I became a VP?
It's what I really wanted, but this pesky voice in my head kept saying, "It doesn't make sense."
I was nervous even thinking about it. It felt like such a massive stretch, but something changed inside of me when I dared to ask myself: But what if…
I started looking at the opportunities around me differently. I started seeing more potential, and most importantly, I started believing that I just might be able to do it.
It was scary and exciting. It felt like something big was about to happen.
Fast forward 6 months, and I led marketing at a fast-growing startup as a VP, 3 years later? VP of marketing at a company valued at half a billion dollars.
One of my students recently jumped two levels from Director to CHRO, which reminded me of how I felt all those years ago.
She, too, didn't believe it was possible at first, so she gave herself 5-10 years to jump two levels. Five months later, she did it.
What made it possible for me then, and what made it possible for her now? I don't think it was luck, and I want to offer you my perspective.
The Magic Behind Stretching Your Mind
I've seen time and time again how stretching our thinking creates a profound shift in our brains and actions. When we force ourselves to think bigger, we step out of our comfort zone, and more importantly, we come up with entirely different solutions.
The renowned life coach Tony Robbins explains this phenomenon perfectly: "Setting goals is the first step in turning the invisible into the visible." When you dare to think bigger, you're essentially making your dreams tangible, giving your brain something concrete to work towards.
Let me explain how this worked for me. Before I dared to dream of becoming a VP, I could only see a one-level promotion at Microsoft. It was the logical next step, so I never considered anything else.
However, when I allowed myself to envision being a VP, it became clear that it wouldn't happen if I just took one step at a time at Microsoft. It forced me to ask: If not here, then where?
This is the magic of thinking big: it changes your mindset and actions. And that's what creates what seems impossible at first glance. By setting a bigger goal, I made it "visible" in my mind, which allowed me to start taking actions I never would have considered before.
How to Think Bigger (Even If It Scares You)
So, how do you start thinking bigger about your career? Here are a few strategies that have worked for me and my clients:
I like to use the "Future Self" exercise. I think about my ideal life 10 years from now, envisioning my future self and what she would be doing. I get crystal clear on that dream life and try to work backward.
What steps do I need to take to get there?
What can I do now to get there faster?
Sometimes, asking this question is all it takes to remove our mental blocks.
Another way, and how my client made that skip level jump, is to talk to people who have the job you want to have. Something weird happens when you speak to people who are so impressive they intimidate you. Once you talk to a few of them, you’ll quickly realize they are normal people like you. Who they are and what they do will seem more attainable when you remove the mystery, and that will allow your brain to think: I can totally do that!
Breaking the "Normal" Mold
But why do we limit ourselves in the first place? Here's a hard truth: We often limit ourselves to fit in with what's "normal." We follow the well-trodden path because it feels safe. But in doing so, we talk ourselves out of our true potential.
For example, many people tell themselves, "I need to be here 2 years to level up," so they wait even when they're ready. They're following an imaginary rule book that's holding them back.
But what if you threw out that rule book?
One of my clients did just that. She got promoted 11 months into a new role, even though conventional wisdom says you have to wait to apply for a promotion. She dared to think bigger and made it happen.
Another client left a toxic environment less than a year after returning from maternity leave. She moved during the worst economic downturn last year, with two toddlers in tow, and started a side hustle simultaneously. Talk about thinking big!
Overcoming the Naysayers (Including the One in Your Head)
When you start thinking bigger, be prepared: People might laugh at you or tell you you can't do it. And that voice in your head? It might be the loudest naysayer of all.
The key to keeping the faith is to believe in yourself genuinely. This isn't about blind optimism—it's about recognizing your potential and being willing to work for it.
It also wouldn’t hurt to have a personal cheerleader—someone in your life who blindly believes in you and can push you to think bigger (my husband did that for me so many times!).
Your next steps: Dare to Dream Bigger
Ready to start thinking bigger? Here's your challenge for this week:
Ask yourself: "Am I thinking big enough?" Be honest with yourself.
Write down your 10-year vision. Don't censor yourself - let your imagination run wild.
Identify one person who's where you want to be. Reach out to them for a coffee chat or virtual meeting.
Remember, the first step to achieving something extraordinary is allowing yourself to envision it. So go ahead, dream big. You might just surprise yourself with what you can achieve.
I believe in you, and I’m rooting for you.
Maya ❤️
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