The Difference Between a Goal and a Wish: Turning Dreams Into Reality
At night, as you’re lying in bed, how often do your thoughts wander to all the things you wish for? Maybe you imagine draining a flawless three-pointer at the buzzer, shaving seconds off your personal best time, landing that dream beach vacation, or finally having the “perfect” relationship or body.
It’s natural to dream big, but here’s the truth: those are just wishes. Wishes are nice, but they don’t get you where you want to go. They’re like staring at the scoreboard before the game even starts. If you want to make those dreams happen, you need something stronger, something real. You need a goal.
So, What’s the Difference?
A wish is passive—it’s a thought that floats around in your head, fun to imagine but with no real direction.
A goal, on the other hand, is active. It has a plan. It holds you accountable. A goal asks you to show up and work for it, day by day, step by step.
Here’s the key: a wish becomes a goal when you commit to it and break it down into actionable steps.
Start With the End in Mind
Every goal starts with a vision. Ask yourself:
What do I want?
Why do I want it?
Once you have your big picture, it’s time to reverse-engineer it. Work backward by thinking: What by when?
For example:
Wish: “I want a killer jump shot.”
Goal: “By the end of the season, I’ll increase my free throw percentage by 10%.”
From there, break it into smaller, actionable steps:
Practice free throws for 20 minutes after every practice.
Analyze your form on video once a week to make adjustments.
Work with a coach or teammate to track progress.
Small steps give you checkpoints, which keep you motivated and on track.
Be Real With Yourself
Not everything happens overnight, and that’s okay. The best goals take time, consistency, and patience. That’s why it’s important to stay realistic and celebrate small wins along the way.
Think of it like running a marathon. You don’t wake up and run 26.2 miles on day one. You build up with shorter runs, gradually increasing your endurance until you cross that finish line.
Find Your Support System
Some goals are easier (and way more fun) when you’re not doing it alone. That’s why programs like CrossFit or group fitness classes work so well—they create community and accountability. When others are cheering you on and holding you to your commitments, it’s a lot harder to quit.
If you’re not in a formal program, lean on your friends, teammates, or even family. Tell someone your goal and ask them to check in on your progress.
Put It in Writing
Here’s a pro tip: write your goal down and say it out loud. There’s something powerful about seeing it on paper and hearing it in your own voice. It makes the goal feel real, tangible, and worth working for.
For example:
“I will improve my PR in the 400-meter dash by 2 seconds in the next three months.”
“I will get in 8 hours of sleep every night to recover and stay focused.”
Once it’s written, revisit it often. Post it where you can see it—on your mirror, in your locker, or even as your phone background.
Make It Happen
A wish might make you feel good for a moment, but a goal? A goal transforms your life. It pushes you to show up, grow, and become the best version of yourself.
So, next time you catch yourself wishing for that killer jump shot, a faster PR, or the perfect relationship, stop and ask: How can I turn this into a goal? What can I do today to take the first step?
You’ve got what it takes, GRLs. Dream big, set goals, and get to work—you’re unstoppable. I’m here to help!
