The limitations of dreaming small: Harnessing the power of ambition

Across our history, stories have emerged of ordinary people achieving extraordinary things. These stories don’t just entertain; they inspire. At their core lies an undying spirit: the ability to dream big. To see beyond the now, to envision a brighter future and to work tirelessly to make it a reality.

However, many of us often stay confined within the boundaries of modest ambitions. This is not always by choice, but often due to societal pressures, family responsibilities or personal setbacks. But, have we ever wondered: What if the people we look up to today never dared to think beyond their immediate surroundings?

Let’s take Vice Ganda, for instance. After being introduced to her journey at Angkas HQ, her story struck a chord with me. Despite the challenges she faced early in life, she was raised by parents that taught her to never settle for less. She journeyed through law school, defying odds, and while she chose not to practice law, she became a comedian to finance her education. Today, she’s not just a celebrity, but an emblem of determination, courage and the transformative power of dreaming big.

Similarly, Mark Barroca’s journey in the world of basketball exemplifies dedication and vision. As a young man, he faced challenges that might have discouraged many. Playing with only one shoe didn’t deter him. Instead, he saw every game, every dribble and every shot as a step closer to his dreams. From local games to the grand stages of PBA championships, Mark shows us that no matter where we start, with the right vision, we can reach great heights.

Imagine if every Filipino looked beyond their immediate challenges and set their sights on bigger dreams. Dreams that wouldn’t just change their lives, but could reshape entire communities. In a country like the Philippines, where many confront daily struggles, the ability to dream big is transformative, not just for the individual but for the nation.

While supporting our families is a priority, it shouldn’t stifle our broader aspirations. Dreams are seeds. When nurtured, they can grow into ideas and actions that change the world. When we aim higher, we set a path that can lead us to places we never thought possible.

Still, it’s important to remember the tough realities many face. Economic challenges can be daunting, sometimes making even the most basic dreams seem out of reach. It’s hard to aim for the stars when daily survival is a struggle. But dreaming is essential. That’s why at Angkas, we strive to be more than just a service. We aim to be a stepping stone to dreams. We want to show our bikers that dreams should be more than just providing for one’s family. This is a fundamental right of every person and their ambition must be set higher.

Our recently concluded Tagumpay Night wasn’t just an event. It was a statement. We helped turn dreams into realities, offering our bikers monetary investment for a second business of their choosing; scholarships for their children and, for the top biker, a new house and lot he and his family can call their own. Our bikers that attended also created bank accounts which we pre-funded, another milestone in their journey to financial literacy and independence. We want our bikers to go beyond just dreaming of putting food on the table and their day-to-day. To dream more long-term and provide them the right system and platform to achieve it.

Dreams are a universal right. Why limit ourselves to small visions? The scale of our dreams often sets the trajectory of our success. We need to be brave, aim higher and encourage those around us to do the same.

Now, consider the bonsai tree. In nature, the species of trees that are often used for bonsai can grow vast and touch the skies. However, when confined to a small pot, their growth is stunted. They are limited, not by their potential but by their surroundings. Similarly, when we limit our dreams, we restrict our growth. Like a tree meant to tower over the forest but kept in a small pot, our potential remains unfulfilled. It’s not the tree’s fault, just as it’s not ours. But if given the right space, the right environment, there’s no telling how tall the tree can grow or how far our dreams can take us.

So, Philippines, it’s time to break free from the confines of our small pots. We need to teach our people the importance of dreaming big. Because when we do, there’s no limit to what we can achieve.