Why is The Big Picture so intimidating? Why, when people are asked to step outside of their comfort zone, is it so terrifying? Fundamentally, I believe that we don't do enough "Worst Case Scenario" planning. If people just took a second and thought, "Huh, ok, what is the *worst* thing that would happen if I took this risk?" before they said "No!" then I think we would all live in a much more dynamic, exciting, productive and engaging world.
A friend of mine once commented to me that very few people have the ability to see the big picture or to take an alternative perspective on something. To move from their perspective to another's and to genuinely appreciate it. To rise above the details that keep them fettered to their fears and their security and to see a better way.
THIS is what we should teach in schools. How to go BEYOND. How to internalise that risk and failure is not tied to self-worth or self-esteem. More failure with the goal of succeeding sooner. IDEO CEO-guy said that. Very true. Fail often to succeed sooner. Do more. Try more. Risk more.
We are limited by our ability to see beyond the NOW. Not by technology. Not by language. Not by resources. We are limited by our lack of imagination. The irony, of course, is that imagination is one of our few unlimited resources. Feh.