Why Go Big or Go Home is Not the Ultimate Self-Improvement Challenge
Have you heard this expression before?
Go big, or go home!
Have you said it? To yourself, or others?
I’ve used this phrase. Usually in a joking manner — and mostly directed to myself.
But is it the most supportive statement?
That all depends on the context of how it is used.
Who Said It First?
Looking up the origins of this phrase I was met with three different, and plausible explanations.
Firstly, that it was used as an advertising slogan. Secondly, that it is a military term. And thirdly, that it comes from sports.
I’m not sure which to believe. But I guess that doesn’t really matter. Whichever way, the explanation of the phrase is consistent — do big things, in a big way, or you won’t get results.
It is said as a challenge – whether you are challenging yourself or another another. It almost sounds like a dare. Go on… go big.. or you really need to go home… seriously.
What’s in a Name (or Phrase)
How this phrase is interpreted is up to each of us.
For me, on face value, I feel it perpetuates a myth that we must be bold. Or that we must be daring and brave, whenever we want to try something new, or to grow.
As someone working on improving their confidence, I don’t feel it is entirely encouraging. In fact, I feel it can be off-putting and intimidating.
I get that in order to be more confident I need to be more action, less hesitation. Doing is key. Experience counts.
But I don’t feel my only option is to approach things in a large or brash way. Experience is not only gained when we do big things.
Is There An Alternate Approach?
Ok, so this racoon is not a good example either. This kind of thinking is too small. That is, if we want to see real change and improvement in our lives.
If we only want to feel challenged, then we will get that. We will get a want for challenge. We won’t get the challenge. Or the ensuing growth. Just a feeling of wanting.
The idea of being challenged on our own terms is appealing.
But from my experience, in the case of confidence-building, on our own terms means our growth is not as forth-coming.
We need to push ourselves. I absolutely agree.
But we also have more options than going big, or going home.
What Worked for Me
My lack of self-belief kept me static for so long.
I hesitated. I lived in my comfort zone. I also lived in fear.
This was not a way to get the most out of life. I definitely felt I was living too small. Going bigger was important.
But if I believed I could only move forward by being big and bold, then I wouldn’t have got anywhere either. That would be too much, too soon, for me.
I’m working on my belief in my abilities and my potential. I’ve built courage, by doing, not necessarily having the confidence beforehand.
By believing I could, I felt ready to give it a go.
That belief was coupled with action. I walked into my courage zone.
Small steps were fine. These steps gave me confidence to continue taking more steps. And then some more.
It is working. I’m seeing improved confidence.
My thoughts are more positive too. In turn, my goals are more optimistic and challenging.
Starting small ultimately allowed me to dream big.
Going big will come. In time.
I’m on my way.
What steps are you taking? Are they big, small or just right?
Either way, it doesn’t matter, so long as you feel you are doing what is right by you. We are all different, and what works for someone else may not be the right course of action for another.
Have a think about what you truly believe you need to be doing right now to bring you closer to your goals. Work out the next step. You don’t have to do it all at once. Then, when you are clear on the next step, do it!
Look at you go!!
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