Closing the 18-Inch Gap Podcast-EP068: Dream Big starting today, Even If You Feel Small!

Do you ever feel too small to dream BIG? "In this episode, I want to go over a list of things I call “dream stoppers”.  These are things that make you feel small and stop you from making progress on what matters most to you, what keeps you from not just reaching, but even getting started on your journey to make those big dreams happen.  If you don’t have something big to dream for than you are simply living and nothing else.

If you are ok with that, than that’s fine. That’s completely up to you.  However, if you want to do something meaningful then you must remember that you only have one chance to do it.  So, I want to ask you today, what’s keeping you from taking the leap to get started? I want to know if any of these “dream stoppers” are getting in your way and what you can do about it.

Quote of the week: "Do not wait; the time will never be just right. Start where you stand, and work with whatever tools you may have at your command, and better tools will be found as you go along." - Ralph Waldo Emerson 

Points covered:

1.  Low Self-Worth- Some individuals don’t believe they’re worthy of big dreams or success.

2. Chronic Illness or Health Struggles- Health challenges can consume a person’s time, energy, and emotional resources.

3. Caretaking Responsibilities- Many people are deeply committed to caring for others—children, aging parents, or sick partners.

4. Financial Pressure- Economic insecurity can make dream-chasing feel unrealistic or even irresponsible.

5. Past Trauma- Unresolved trauma, especially from childhood, can create powerful mental and emotional blocks.

6. Cultural Expectations- In some families or cultures, dreaming beyond traditional roles is discouraged.

7. Emotional Burnout- When someone has experienced prolonged stress or emotional exhaustion, they often lack the energy to dream.

8. Limiting Beliefs from Childhood- Many people absorb disempowering beliefs early in life, such as “dreams don’t pay the bills” or “you’re not creative.”

9. Comparison to Others- Constantly comparing themselves to more successful, attractive, or confident people can crush a person’s motivation.

10. Fear of Judgment- Worrying about what others will think can be a huge barrier.

11. Past Failures- People who have tried and failed in the past may carry emotional wounds that keep them from trying again.

12. Lack of Role Models- If someone has never seen anyone like them succeed, it’s harder to believe they can.

13. Mental Health Struggles- Anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges can distort how a person sees themselves and the world.

14. Unresolved Grief- Losing a loved one can cause people to put their dreams on hold—sometimes indefinitely.

15. Lack of Support System- Pursuing a dream can be lonely, especially without encouragement from others.

16. Inner Critic- The internal voice that criticizes, doubts, and undermines can be louder than any outside voice.