"Do not confuse dreams with wishes. Dreams are where you visualize yourself being successful at what it's important for you to accomplish. Wishes are hoping good things will happen to you, but there's no fire in your gut that causes you to put everything forth to overcome all the obstacles... You have to dream more, and never, ever, ever blame somebody else if it doesn't happen. That is in your department" - Dolly Parton.
Dolly Parton delivered this specific piece of advice during her 2009 commencement address at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where she received an honorary doctorate. She later expanded on the concept in her 2012 book, Dream More: Celebrate the Dreamer in You.
Since her recent passing, many of us have found inspiration in her wise words but what does this famous address mean? Well, dreams involve visualizing success, building convictions, and working hard to pay the price to make them come true. The universe will listen, but it won't do all the work... that's down to you. And a wish is hoping is for good things without the driving fire to overcome obstacles or a firm plan and clarity.
With this is mind, the main difference between a dream and a wish is the level of work you are prepared to do to make it happen and this is where most people trip up. A wish alone changes nothing, only a concrete, actionable plan can turn a dream into reality. Dreams take work, dedication and resilience.
A dream without a plan is just a wish.
"A dream without a plan is a just a wish" - Antoine de Saint‑Exupéry, author of The Little Prince.
You must dream more but it is down to you to take personal responsibility for your success, and avoid blaming others or blaming the circumstances and situations you find yourself in.
Practical Magic - a gentle practice for today.
Take out your journal or open your notes app and write down what you want to achieve over the next month, six months and year. Now ask yourself:
Are you ready to put the work in?
Have to time and space in your life to work on this dream or dreams?
What sacrifices are you willing to make?
Be honest with yourself and if needs be, be more Dolly.
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