How to Dream Big Even When No One Else Believes You Can

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It’s hard when people don’t believe in you or your big dreams.

But simply having the courage to chase a huge dream anyway is a powerful way to show yourself love and respect.

Joanne Radke’s series of children’s books, Jessica the Dreamer, is all about this kind of courage. In her creative storybooks for young dreamers, Joanne Radke shows us how to dream big.

DREAM BIG!

The main idea of her storybooks is that if you believe in yourself, you can overcome what others think. Today, we will show you how to dream big, even when you feel like you’re all by yourself.

We’ll talk about how to think big, believe in yourself, stay motivated, and find the strength to keep going.

Thinking Big

Every big dream starts with a big idea.

“Thinking big” means you look past what’s happening right now and what others expect you to do. It’s the intentional choice to see all the possible things you could do, even the ones you’ve been told are impossible.

You can start by looking inside yourself. What gets you excited? What do you want to achieve or change in the world? What big challenge do you feel ready to take on? Answering these questions gives your dream a strong base.

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To really think big, you have to let go of the need for everything to make sense right away. At first, your dream should be fun and creative. Let your mind wander without worrying about how you’ll get there. Don’t let yourself doubt your ideas or let other people’s doubts hold you back. You can help this way of thinking by reading inspiring stories, visiting new places, and learning from different people. Hearing about others who did what was once thought impossible is a good reminder that the only limits we have are the ones we put on ourselves.

Believing Yourself

Once you have a big dream, you need to believe in yourself to make it happen, especially when nobody else does. When people doubt you or say your dream is not absolute, it can be easy to start doubting yourself. To stop this from happening, you have to work on your own self-belief.

You can start by thinking about your past wins. Remember times you got through a tough spot, stood your ground, or reached a goal—no matter how small it seems now. These experiences prove that you can grow and succeed.

Make it a habit to be nice to yourself. When you have a negative thought, change it to a positive one. Imagine yourself succeeding. Focus on the good feelings and the results of your dream coming true. This mental practice will build up your belief in yourself and make you stronger when others say negative things.

Staying Motivated

The road to a big dream is often bumpy, especially when you don’t have a team of people cheering you on. To stay motivated without support, you need to find a deep source of drive inside yourself. This happens when you connect your dream to what’s most important to you and your personal goals.

Why does this dream matter to you? What kind of good do you want to do in the world? When your motivation comes from a place of personal meaning, it won’t depend on other people’s approval, and it will be stronger when you have setbacks.

Try breaking down your bigger dream into smaller, more manageable goals. The feeling of reaching these smaller goals gives you a sense of moving forward, which will keep you motivated.

Take the time to celebrate these small wins and acknowledge your hard work, especially the strength that you’re showing.

A steady routine and small, achievable goals can create a positive loop that keeps you focused and moving forward.

You can also find inspiration by going back to the start of your dream. Remember why you began and what you hoped to do. Reading about others who have overcome similar challenges can also give you new hope and ideas. Your dream is still important even if no one else is on board; it just means you get to count on your own inner strength to make it a reality.

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Standing Firm

The idea of chasing dreams can sound lonely, but that’s because, though you may have support, ultimately, your dreams are your own. It’s great to have people who support you, but in the end, your dream is your responsibility. Take ownership of it and accept that your journey might feel lonely sometimes.

Build up your independence. Learn the skills and get the knowledge you need to keep moving forward, even if you don’t have help. Be ready to look for information and new opportunities on your own. You can still connect with people who have similar interests or who have reached similar goals, even if they aren’t working on your project. These connections can give you good counsel and a sense of community.

After all, just because you are chasing your dreams alone doesn’t mean you have to turn away all help. It means that you have to be smart, you need to take action whenever possible, and you have to keep going, even when support is limited.

Be open to new chances and ready to create your own path. The journey of a solo dreamer can be challenging, but it’s also rewarding because it builds a strong sense of independence and courage.

Staying Strong

In the end, knowing how to dream big even when people doubt you is about resilience—the ability to keep going even when you face problems and other people’s doubts. To stand against the odds, you need inner strength and a firm commitment to your vision.

Celebrate your progress, no matter how small, and recognize your own power in standing against the odds. The journey of a big dreamer isn’t easy, but it’s a beautiful example of how people can overcome limits and create a life that shows their biggest, most wonderful dreams.

If you want to find out more about how to start believing in your dreams, check out Jessica the Dreamer and see her inspiring journey for yourself.

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Joanne Radke

With over 46 years of experience as a pastor, mentor, counselor, and friend, Joanne Radke has dedicated her life to helping countless individuals find hope and healing. Her deep compassion has led her to serve in six different ministries, including 15 years in children's ministry. Joanne’s impact extends across Canada and around the globe, most notably through her 17-year leadership of the CBA – The 700 Club Canadian prayer center, where she trains and ministers to people daily. Discover more about Joanne's remarkable journey and heart for others.

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