Virgin founder and self-made billionaire Richard Branson says the story of his success "is a tale of big dreams."
Despite facing a number of challenges in his life, from seeing his company through a legal battle to surviving a bike crash that was nearly fatal, Branson remains optimistic about pursuing his goals.
"The odds have often been stacked against us," Branson writes in a blog published Monday. "But by not limiting ourselves to what we have been told to be true, we have been able to make the impossible possible."
Here are Branson's top four tips on how to dream big and be successful:
Schedule time to dream
Just as easily as you are inclined to accept or schedule a meeting, Branson says that you should "open your calendar and schedule time just to dream."
In order to do so, Branson recommends penciling in this time to let your mind wander (just like you would schedule a meeting).
"Far too many people get weighed down in doing, and never take the time to think and feel, Branson writes.
By scheduling time to think freely — whether it's an hour, a day or even a holiday — "you'll be able to see the bigger picture much easier," he adds.
Don't be self-conscious
Branson has credited his success to his willingness to dream big. He encourages others to do the same.
"Don't be self-conscious about dreaming, or about people thinking you're too idealistic, and not serious enough," Branson writes. "Don't allow your self-talk to be judgmental."
"Look at the world with wide-eyed enthusiasm, believe you are more powerful than the problems that confront you, Branson says."
'Be scared, but not scared off'
In 1987, Branson, alongside another balloonist, was trying to make the first trans-Atlantic trip via hot air balloon. They barely made it to the coast of western Scotland before the plan backfired and Branson had to jump into the water. By 1999, Branson had already made four failed attempts at circling the globe in a hot air balloon.
"If your dreams don't scare you they are too small, he says. "But those who achieve great things are the ones willing to be scared but not scared off."
The best dreams, Branson writes, are those that come with the risk of failure, criticism and loss of hope. Though this might paint a dismal scene of where you want your goals to take you, Branson says these moments are normal, if not necessary.
"Everything you've ever wanted is on the other side of fear," he says.
Be open to receiving help from others
Whether it was for a self-published magazine he ran, selling Christmas trees or breeding birds to sell as pets, Branson has a knack for looping in other people to make his business dreams come true. In fact, he writes that a "great dream can drive wonderfully innovative collaboration.'
"Very few people ever made a great idea come to life without a lot of help," he notes.
"If you share your dream with like-minded people who share your passion, you could take your dream places you never imagined going," he adds.
Branson admits that barely anyone can make a great idea a reality without help. Part of this goal includes encouraging others to dream and dream ourselves, he explains.
"The benefits of dreaming far outweigh the perceived risks, because the value of dreaming isn't just measured by the outcome, but the inspiration that comes from the journey of achieving the dream," Branson writes.
Like this story? Like CNBC Make It on Facebook.
Don't miss:
What you can learn about emotional intelligence from self-made billionaire Elon Musk
