In the journey of life and leadership, we often come across two seemingly similar yet fundamentally different concepts: wish and will. While both revolve around desires and aspirations, the distinction between them often defines success, growth, and transformation. Let’s explore these concepts and understand how to transition from merely wishing to wielding the power of will.
The Nature of a Wish :
A wish is a desire, often rooted in longing or fantasy. It’s an idea of something we want to have or achieve, but without a definitive plan or commitment to make it happen.
Characteristics of a Wish:
1. Passive in nature
2. Relies on external factors like luck or circumstances
3. Lacks actionable steps or accountability
Examples:
– “I wish I could be healthier.”
– “I wish I could get promoted.”
Wishes are the seeds of aspiration, but they remain dormant unless acted upon.
The Power of Will
Will, on the other hand, is a driving force — a deliberate, conscious commitment to make something happen. It is the bridge between dreams and reality, fueled by determination, discipline, and action.
Characteristics of Will:
– Active and intentional
– Focused on taking charge and finding solutions
– Thrives on resilience, even in the face of obstacles
Examples:
– “I will exercise daily to improve my health.”
– “I will acquire the skills needed to earn my promotion.”
The will transforms vague desires into actionable goals, propelling you forward with clarity and purpose.
The Wish-Will Spectrum
Many people remain in the realm of wish because it’s comfortable. It doesn’t require effort or risk. However, transitioning to will requires self-awareness, strategy, and persistence.
Three Steps to move from Wish to Will
1. Define Your Desire – A vague wish must evolve into a specific goal.
– Wish: “I want to be successful.”
– Will: “I will complete a certification in six months to enhance my career prospects.”
2. Build a Plan – Translate your goal into actionable steps.
– Set clear milestones
– Identify your resources and potential obstacles.
3. Take Consistent Action – Will is about persistence.
– Commit to daily actions, however small, that bring you closer to your goal
Wish and Will in Leadership : As leaders, understanding the interplay between wish and will is crucial. While it’s important to dream and inspire, success comes from fostering a culture of accountability and action.
Wishful Leadership: Focuses on grand visions without grounding them in reality.
Willful Leadership: Pairs vision with execution, turning ideas into impact.
Encouraging your team to adopt a “will” mindset can be transformative, shifting their approach from passive spectators to proactive contributors.
Conclusion: Turning Aspirations Into Achievements
A wish is where the journey begins, but it is will that carries you to the finish line.
By recognizing the gap between the two and taking deliberate steps, you can harness your inner power to turn dreams into tangible outcomes.
As the saying goes, “Wishes are the possibilities of life. Will is the ability to make them true.”
So, what’s your next step?
Will you continue wishing — or will you choose the power of will?
