“It is not enough to want to make the effort. It’s in the doing, not just the thinking that we accomplish our goals” Thomas S. Monson
Wishing is not enough.
I wish I was thinner.
I wish we had more money.
I wish I could travel.
I wish I could run a marathon.
I wish I was a better cook.
I wish I got better grades?
What really does “wishing” do?
Perhaps, it can help us figure out what we really want. But, to make it happen? We need to DO something.
I realize of course, that there are some things that all the hard work in the world won’t change. I’m not talking about the things that are completely out of our circle of control (but we can control our attitude about these things…)
I’m talking about the kind of things we “wish for”, but we don’t necessarily “act for”. We can’t accomplish our goals with good intentions, or thinking about them, or even stating them.
Those are starting points. We need to jump right in and become “doers” if we want to achieve the goals we set for ourselves.
(We also need to make sure we are setting goals for ourselves – ones that push us to be the best we can be)
So, go DO!!
I have spent a lot of my life wishing, and not at all doing. There’s a huge difference! I think I’m guilty of magical thinking in which I just assume things will work out well, because they often do.
That of course changes with parenting/career stuff.
Tamara recently posted…Laughter and Meltdowns.
I think as we get older we realize how much more we get out of life if we stop just wishing. Hard to do though!
Oh, yes! This is why goals come in handy because I know when I wish, that’s just my lazy self reminding me what I need to do 🙂
Nina recently posted…How to create holiday traditions your kids will love
Exactly! That is why we all need goals – things that are within our reach!
I am with Tamara and spent quite a bit of my life wishing for things, but not necessarily doing, now I so try to do more in the way of action (especially with my kids) and truly do agree with your quote this week.
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I think we all need to wish and it is good to wish – as that is how we develop our dreams. But we have to take it the next step too and that is usually the hard part!
I recently had a conversation with a friend where we discussed the difference between trying your best and doing your best. Your quote reminds of that. Everything is in the action. Everything.
Ilene recently posted…Upside Down
LOVE THIS!!! Really has me thinking…
So true. You can have all of the wishes and wants in the world, but you have to actually *do* something. Great quotation and great life advice!! –Lisa
If only we could always live but the “great life advice!!”
I love this quote- it’s so so true. It reminds me of the quote, “Actions speak louder than words”- we can wish away our lives… but that gets us nowhere.
Chris Carter recently posted…Thanksgiving Every Day
I love that quote too! Actions really are the most important thing!
I separate wishing from wanting – wishing for things that are nearly impossible or out of my control, and wanting things that I can get if I set my mind to it. I wish I could fly, but I want to be happy. Happy I can do!
Dana recently posted…If/Then
Oh,I love this!! So true!
Yes! Wishing is fine, but if you really want something you better go out and make it happen. Love that quote!
Michelle recently posted…#AskAwayFriday with Stevie from Joy in the Midst of
It takes a lot of blood, sweat and tears usually!
I’ve had this conversation so many times this week, mostly on the topic of weight loss but very appropriate quote for a number of reasons!
Joi @ Rx Fitness Lady recently posted…Thanksgiving Gratitude – This Blog is My Baby
Weight loss is the perfect example of this!
Yes! Absolutely. I’ve been thinking about this and working on this a lot this year. I tend to be a planner and I like to have things figured out but I’ve realized that sometimes I do just need to jump in and do. I’ll never be totally and completely prepared and if I want dreams and wishes to come true, I have to act.
Christine @ Love, Life, Surf recently posted…Friday Round-Up: Thanksgiving
I know what you mean – I’m a planner too. It’s easy to get lost in plans…
You are so right. I wish for so many things but it wasn’t until recently did I realize that there is SO much work to be done, and I simply need to put my head down, put in the work, and come out on the other side a winner. 😉 Thanks for the reminder!!
Nellie @ Brooklyn Active Mama recently posted…Holiday Gift Guide: Telefora Holiday Bouquets
It does take a lot of work. I always get from your blog how motivated you are to work – I admire that in you!
Excellent advice. Rarely do wishes just happen without us acting on them!
Single Mom in the South recently posted…Not Worried
Amen! Wouldn’t it be nice though…occasionally!!
Great quote!!!
I have been guilty many times of just wishing for something – I need to remember that wishing gets me no where!!!
Kim recently posted…Not Elegant just very Festive
It is nice to wish – I think we need a little dream time too!
I love the quotes that you find. Gosh, this one is so true. I think I spend a lot of time, visualizing, wishing, planning, but sometimes I feel more comfortable hanging out in that space rather than taking the first step. This is something I’m working on.
Stevie recently posted…Ask Away Friday with Michelle of A Dish of Daily Life
I’m with you. I like hanging in that space. It’s hard to get moving sometimes!
What a powerful post! Wishful thinking is nice but sure doesn’t get it done…just do it! (Nike didn’t endorse me for this comment :))
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