I’ve been thinking about the concept of settling a lot lately. I’m someone that dreams big dreams, but there are moments where the dreams seem less possible, where I find myself wavering, and wondering if it’s easier just to settle into mediocrity.

I’ve noticed that most people expect mediocrity. I’ve noticed that sharing big dreams with the wrong people can be hurtful to your soul. There are those who will think it’s ridiculous to dream big. They will make you feel like you are being too extravagant or expecting too much. They will tell you so directly or just simply begin reacting in a hostile way. Realize that they do this, because if they were to accept your dreams and desires as possible, they would have to challenge themselves and mediocrity too.

But be careful. Don’t walk away with their words whispering to you, that you’re being ridiculous or unreasonable or expecting too much. You’re not. You deserve the very best, so much more than you can probably even imagine. Everyone does. And each person is responsible for creating her own destiny and manifesting her own magical dreams.

I’ve noticed that very successful people are often accused of being “unreasonable”–even after they have achieved much success and demonstrate that they are capable of giving themselves the very best. And they are always tweaking or further refining their lives in all areas. They are always looking to make things just a little bit better. I call such a person an “optimizer”, someone who is constantly optimizing her existence in all ways possible.

I am reminded of a quote in the recent movie “How Do You Know?” This gave me chills. It’s the part where Reese Witherspoon’s boyfriend hands her a can of Play-Do and says, “You are one small adjustment away from the life you want.” He gives her Play-Do to represent how the inventor wasn’t able to use it for its original intention, so he created a new use for the substance–as a toy. A toy that would survive the test of time.

I was reminded recently not to ever settle or give up my big dreams. I think about this while moving into my new gorgeous apartment, an apartment I can’t believe I have. I searched for three months to find just the right place. While it may not be 100% what I was looking for, it comes so close that I feel surprised and blessed. Some people might say I was “lucky”, but I don’t believe that. I believe that I found something so “on the mark” because I took my time, was clear about what I wanted and didn’t settle for anything less.

Let me stress, however, that expecting the best and not settling is NOT supposed to be an exercise in perfectionism and an excuse to always be wanting more. A big part of this is being able to enjoy and that means even being able to enjoy circumstances that may not be so pleasant. This is more about enjoying your space within, your emotions, your comfort with yourself and your blessings. When you are capable of this, than you can truly manifest what you desire externally. You are able to enjoy it, rather than always wanting something more or feeling frustrated about what you do not have. This is about having versus hoping. This is about abundance versus scarcity.

This is about feeling so comfortable with yourself within that you are able to find every moment magical and more away from those that bring you down–whether it is people, places, energies, etc. But it is always about valuing what you DO have and making MORE of what you want in your life.

I invite you to dream big in 2011 and set the standard in your life for beauty and magical moments. Enjoy your moments and choose all aspects of your life carefully. Create a world around yourself that you can truly love and be excited about. Think outside the box! Please share with me what you wish to create in 2011.