Where success is concerned, people are not measured in inches, or pounds, or college degrees, or family background; they are measured by the size of their thinking – David Schwartz

You have to think, so why not think big? – Donald Trump

Maxwell stresses that Big-Picture thinkers:

• Learn continually
• Listen intentionally
• Look expansively
• Live completely

Why should we pursue Big-Picture thinking?  Maxwell says:

• Big-Picture thinking allows you to lead
  • It helps you to:
    • See the vision before the people do
    • Size up situations, taking into account many variables
    • Sketch a picture of where the team is going
    • Show how the future connects with the past to make the journey more meaningful
    • Seize the moment when the timing is right
• Big-Picture thinking keeps you on target
• Big-Picture thinking allows you to see what others see
• Big-Picture thinking promotes teamwork
• Big-Picture thinking keeps you from being caught up in the mundane
• Big-Picture thinking helps you chart uncharted territory

From reading this chapter you can’t help but asking yourself:

Are you expanding your thinking to see the entire picture?

Are you able to see how today’s results, whether a win or lose, fits into the top level battle plan?

Are you keeping balance between tactical thinking required to get from point A-B  and the strategic thinking driving you to reach point Z?

Next time I will share Maxwell’s thoughts on Engaging in Focused Thinking.

More gold has been mined from the thoughts of man than has ever been taken from the earth – Napoleon Hill

Then he goes on to to say

When you take the time to learn how to change your thinking and become a better thinker, you are investing in yourself. Gold mines tap out. Stock markets crash. Real estate investments can go sour. But a human mind with the ability to think well is like a diamond mine that never runs out.  It’s priceless. – John Maxwell

If this is truly the case why would we neglect to make this kind investment in our thinking skills? The reason is simple. Most people have not been exposed to the process of improving their thinking.  As I work through Maxwell’s recipe for becoming a great thinker, I will share the highlights.