"As long as you're going to be thinking anyway, think big."

The essence of the quote is straightforward: if you're going to spend time thinking about something, why not aim high and dream big? It encourages boldness in imagination—don't settle for mediocre goals when you have the capacity to envision greatness. Why limit yourself to small plans when large ones are just as achievable with the right mindset?

This quote is famously attributed to Donald Trump, who has made a career out of pursuing ambitious projects and thinking on a grand scale. It's a mindset that propelled him from real estate development to becoming a reality TV star and eventually the President of the United States. The idea here isn't just about ambition in a vacuum; it's about leveraging your thought process to create substantial and impactful visions.

Let's put this into a more concrete example. Imagine a young entrepreneur, Lisa, who’s contemplating starting her own business. She could think small, planning to open a modest cafe in her hometown. That would be fine, but what if Lisa decides to think big? Instead of just one cafe, she envisions a chain of eco-friendly cafes spread across the country, promoting sustainable practices and local products. She starts with bold ideas for branding, partnerships, and environmental impact, setting her sights on a national revolution in how people consume coffee. This big thinking can drive her to create a detailed, ambitious business plan, attract significant investors, and ultimately build something far more impactful than a single local cafe.

If you're wondering how to apply this wisdom to your own life, start by identifying an area where you’ve been playing it safe. Maybe it's your career, a personal project, or even a hobby. Ask yourself: what's the biggest possible version of this? If you’re dreaming of writing a book, why not aim for a bestselling series that could be adapted into films or TV shows? If you're considering going back to school, why not also seek out scholarship opportunities or think about how this degree could pave the way for a groundbreaking career? Thinking big doesn’t mean you dismiss practical steps or realistic challenges; it means you allow yourself to envision the best possible outcome and strive towards it.

Now, let’s imagine a relatable scenario—a college student named Jake. Jake loves coding and has always wanted to create an app. Initially, he thought of a simple game that he could share with friends. But after considering the advice to think big, he starts brainstorming more ambitious ideas. He imagines developing an educational app that could help millions of students worldwide learn to code, incorporating interactive lessons, community forums, and even partnerships with tech companies for internships. Jake’s big thinking pushes him to learn more, reach out to potential mentors, and seek funding. Instead of just a fun side project, he’s now on a path to potentially making a significant impact on education and technology.

Thinking big might seem daunting at first, but it's just a shift in perspective. It's about allowing yourself the freedom to dream on a grand scale—and believe those dreams are within your reach. When you start thinking big, you open up a world of possibilities that you might have never considered. You might just surprise yourself with how far those ideas can take you.