Last month, I found myself standing in two breathtaking places: Germany’s largest book fair, one of the most prestigious literary gatherings in the world, and the snowy, majestic peaks of the Swiss Alps. On one hand, I was surrounded by thousands of authors, publishers, and thinkers who shape global storytelling. On the other, I was standing above the clouds, reminded of how vast and full of possibility the world really is.

Both moments had something in common: they stirred something deep within me. They reminded me of a leadership lesson I’ve been learning slowly, sometimes reluctantly, over the past few years…

If you want to accomplish your goals, you have to GO BIG.

The Years I Held Back

For a long time, I played small with some of my biggest dreams. Maybe you can relate. I carried goals in my heart for years, beautiful ones, exciting ones, purpose-filled ones. But fear, self-doubt, time, financial constraints, and “what if it doesn’t work?” kept me from moving forward. I stayed safe. Comfortable. Predictable.

But comfort rarely leads us to calling.

About three years ago, I made a strategic decision: I would stop holding back and start going big. Not reckless, not impulsive, intentional, bold, and faith-filled.

The results have been nothing short of remarkable.

Going Big in My Professional Calling

One of my professional dreams was to grow in leadership, speaking, and training in more meaningful ways. I had been Maxwell Leadership certified for years, but I hadn’t fully leveraged it.

So I took a leap.

I applied to speak at a Think Tank Day session at the international Maxwell Leadership Conference, said YES to being coached live on stage by Valorie Burton, and joined the Maxwell Leadership President’s Advisory Council, a place where world-class leaders gather to grow, serve, and stretch one another.

Let me tell you… stepping into those spaces felt like standing in the “Alps of leadership.” These leaders operate at a level that is humbling, inspiring, and deeply challenging. Each call and event leaves me a little sharper, a little braver, and a lot more aware of just how much more there is to learn.

Going big pushed me into rooms that elevated my leadership and expanded my growth far beyond what I ever expected.

Going Big in My Personal Dreams

On the personal side, I had dreams I kept tucked away:

Publishing a children’s book
Speaking more frequently
Creating space to write more
Traveling to new places that would expand my worldview

For years, fear kept me quiet- fear of failing, of hearing “no,” of not being good enough.

So, I started doing scary things. I said yes to opportunities that made me nervous. I pushed past my hesitation and stepped into spaces that stretched me. And the most incredible thing happened:

Doors began to open. My first children’s book was published. More speaking engagements came. New writing projects began. And last month, I found myself walking through the halls of Germany’s Largest Book Fair—eyes wide, heart full—representing my own work as an author.

And days before, I was standing at the top of the Swiss Alps, realizing just how high life can take you when you refuse to stay grounded by fear.

Your Turn: What If You Went Big?

Is there a dream you’ve kept tucked away because you’re afraid? Is there a goal you’ve convinced yourself can wait “until later”? Is there a bold step you know you need to take, but haven’t?

What would happen if you made one courageous move forward?

Instead of asking, “What if I fail?” try asking, “What if this takes me further than I ever imagined?”

Bold moves don’t guarantee an easy journey, but they do guarantee growth, and often, breathtaking views along the way.

So here’s my encouragement to you: Go big. Take the leap. Say yes to the dream that scares you. Let the rest of us cheer you on as you soar to new heights.

I certainly will.