Quote of the day by Azim Premji: “If people are not laughing at your goals, your goals are too small”

When we speak of visionaries who shaped modern India, Azim Premji stands tall, an industrialist who transformed his company into a global powerhouse, and a philanthropist who has given away billions to transform lives.

Among his many powerful life lessons, one line has become a mantra for dreamers everywhere, “If people are not laughing at your goals, your goals are too small.” It’s a statement that on the surface feels bold, even daring. But under it lies a deep understanding that an ambition truly requires courage, endurance and the willingness to dream beyond what seems reasonable.

What the quote means?

Great goals look impossible until someone achieves them. Every breakthrough, technology, business, sports, science, started with someone daring to think differently. Premji’s words suggest that the dreams worth chasing are the ones that seem unrealistic to others. People laugh at big goals because they challenge comfort zones, not just yours, but theirs too.

They laugh because they cannot imagine what you can see. They laugh because your vision is bigger than their fears. When you aim high, you will face doubts, mockery, disbelief, even from people you love. But according to Premji, if your dream doesn’t stretch you to the point that others question your sanity, you’re not dreaming big enough.

Why big goals matter?

Big goals do more than create success; they transform the person chasing them. Here’s why they matter:

Big goals build resilience

When your target is high, you naturally develop patience, discipline and persistence.

Your setbacks become stepping stones

They push you out of your limits: Small goals keep you safe. Big goals make you grow.

They reshape your identity

The moment you choose a dream bigger than your circumstances, you stop being defined by the present and start being driven by the future.

They inspire others

History remembers those who chase what others consider impossible. Your courage becomes someone else’s permission to dream.

Lessons from Premji’s quote

Azim Premji built his empire not by following trends, but by seeing possibilities before they existed. His words reflect years of observing how ambition transforms lives.

Here’s what his message teaches us

People’s laughter is not a sign of your weakness, it’s proof of your boldness. Most people aim small because small goals don’t risk embarrassment or failure. Dreamers aim big anyway.

Big goals filter your circle. Those who mock you reveal their limits. Those who support you reveal their belief in you.

Your dreams must scare you a little and excite you a lot. If they don’t, they won’t pull out your best potential. Make your dreams so big that they demand a better version of you.

How to chase bold, “laughable” goals?

Chasing big dreams doesn’t mean acting recklessly, it means acting courageously. Here are simple steps to help you align your life with your ambition:

Start with clarity: Write down the goal that feels too big, too unrealistic, too distant.
If it scares you, good. That’s your real dream.

Break it into milestones: Even the biggest mountains are climbed one step at a time.
Create monthly or yearly checkpoints.