Saturday, March 1, 2025

Expanded Meaning:

This quote captures the fundamental difference between passive dreaming and active doing. Many people want success, whether in their careers, relationships, or personal growth. Others may even wish for it, hoping that luck or circumstances will somehow align in their favor. But wanting and wishing are both passive states — they rely on external forces or magical thinking.

The real difference-maker is the third group: those who make it happen. These are the people who step forward, take action, and persist when the work gets hard. They aren’t waiting for perfect conditions or external validation. They take ownership of their goals and actively shape their outcomes through effort, strategy, and resilience.

At its core, the message is about accountability and action. Success doesn’t respond to wishing or wanting — it responds to consistent, intentional action combined with adaptability and a willingness to learn from setbacks.

Context and Origin:

This quote comes from Michael Jordan, widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. While his natural talent was undeniable, it’s his legendary work ethic, relentless drive, and refusal to settle for mediocrity that made him iconic. Jordan wasn’t just talking about sports — this mindset applies to any area of life.

Throughout his career, Jordan was known for his obsession with improvement. Whether it was spending hours perfecting his jump shot, demanding excellence from his teammates, or coming back even stronger after failure (like being cut from his high school varsity team), Jordan embodied the “make it happen” mentality.

This makes the quote particularly powerful because it’s not just advice — it’s a reflection of how he lived. His success wasn’t handed to him; it was earned through grit, sacrifice, and relentless action.

Added Value:

This quote invites the reader to self-reflect:
👉 Are you someone who simply wants success, admiring it from a distance?
👉 Are you someone who wishes for success, hoping life will magically deliver it?
👉 Or are you someone who is actively doing the work to make it happen — consistently, even when motivation fades?

The beauty of this message is its empowerment. It reminds readers that they are not powerless — they hold the ability to move themselves into the third group, the group that gets results. It’s a call to take responsibility for your dreams and to close the gap between desire and reality through action.

Key Takeaway:

Success isn’t reserved for the most talented, the luckiest, or those with the best circumstances. Success follows those who take ownership of their goals and refuse to sit on the sidelines. Every day, you choose which group you belong to: the wanters, the wishers, or the doers. Choose to be a doer — that’s how dreams become reality.

Resource List: 

📚 Books:

• "Atomic Habits" by James Clear – A practical guide to building small, consistent habits that lead to big results.

• "The 5 Second Rule" by Mel Robbins – A simple method to overcome hesitation and take immediate action.

• "Relentless: From Good to Great to Unstoppable" by Tim S. Grover – Written by Michael Jordan’s personal trainer, this book dives into the mindset that separates the best from the rest.

🎧 Podcasts:

• The Ed Mylett Show – Conversations with high achievers about their mindset and work ethic.

• The Mindset Mentor – Short, actionable episodes on motivation, success habits, and personal growth.

✍️ Practical Tools:

• Daily Action Planner – A simple printable or app to track your daily action steps toward a goal.

• 90-Day Challenge Tracker – Set a bold goal and document daily progress to build momentum.

• Accountability Partner – Find someone who will hold you to your commitments and help you course-correct when needed.

🔗 Inspiration:

• Michael Jordan’s Hall of Fame Induction Speech – A powerful reminder of his relentless work ethic and refusal to settle: Watch Here