"Always dream and shoot higher than you know you can do."

The essence of this quote is about constantly pushing your boundaries and striving to achieve more than you think is possible. It challenges you to set ambitious goals, because aiming higher often leads to greater accomplishments. We tend to limit ourselves with self-imposed boundaries, but when we dream big and aim high, we can often surpass what we initially believed was within our reach.

Historically, this kind of advice has been echoed by many successful individuals who’ve achieved great things. It’s the kind of wisdom passed down by pioneers, inventors, and leaders across all fields. They didn’t get to where they are by thinking small. Instead, they dreamt of the seemingly impossible and then set out to make it a reality. This mindset has been crucial throughout history—think of the Wright brothers aiming to fly, or Neil Armstrong stepping onto the moon.

Let’s dive into a real-life example. Picture Serena Williams, one of the greatest tennis players of all time. From a young age, she and her sister Venus were trained by their father, who always encouraged them to aim higher than they thought possible. Serena didn’t just aim to win a few tennis matches. She aimed to dominate the sport, setting her sights on Grand Slam titles and Olympic gold medals. By aiming higher than she might have thought possible at first, she has achieved a legacy that will be remembered for generations. Imagine if she had set her sights lower—her story would be entirely different.

So, how do you apply this wisdom in your own life? Start by identifying your dreams and goals. Then, push them a little further. If you want to run a marathon, maybe aim to qualify for a prestigious race like the Boston Marathon. If you're working on a project at work, think about how you can take it to the next level—maybe consider how it could impact the entire company or industry. The point isn’t necessarily to achieve every lofty goal you set, but to push yourself beyond what you think you can do. By doing this, you’ll find yourself growing, learning, and achieving more than you initially thought possible.

Let me tell you a quick story to illustrate this. Think about a friend of mine, Jane. She always loved painting but treated it like a hobby. One day, she decided to dream bigger. She enrolled in an art school and aimed to have her work displayed in a gallery. Not just any gallery, but one in a major city. It felt like a long shot, but she worked tirelessly, honing her craft and networking with other artists. Fast forward a few years, and her paintings are now featured in galleries across the country. It wasn’t easy, and there were plenty of setbacks, but aiming higher than she thought she could achieve brought her to places she never imagined she would be.

So, next time you find yourself setting a goal or dreaming about the future, remember this advice. Push your boundaries. Aim higher. You might just surprise yourself with what you can accomplish. After all, dreaming big is the first step to living bigger.