Mental illnesses like depression make positive thinking difficult. While staying positive can spur you into action, thoughts alone can’t change reality. [2] X Research source

If your dream is to be famous, decide what you want to be famous for, then put it into action. For example, if you want to be a rock star, learn guitar and start a band. If you want to find love, think about what kind of relationship you want. Consider who your ideal partner may be. Know what you want to avoid missing out if they find you.

For example, if your goal is financial independence and you come across a great deal on a TV, consider which will help you become more financially independent: saving money on a TV or putting that money into a savings account. In the TV example, putting the money into a savings account might be a better option because it will gain interest. The TV’s value will only decrease as time goes on.

Do you want to be a mermaid? Think about what aspects of being a mermaid you like the most. For example, you could be a world-class swimmer or a respected marine biologist. Do you want to fly like a superhero? Start studying for your pilot’s license or join your country’s air force.

Don’t beat yourself up if your actions or inactions cause setback. Learn from them and modify your strategy for next time. Did things not work out due to sheer luck and coincidence? If so, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t try again. If along the way you find that your goal isn’t practically obtainable, consider revising your original wish and think of an alternative.

The right moment won’t come when you have enough money or when you have enough skill. It won’t come when you get someone else’s approval.

For example, if you want to be an animator, you’ll need to learn to draw and build a portfolio. Look for programs that have trained successful animators and have internship programs with major animation studios.

For example, if you want to be an astronaut, your first step might be to apply to an accredited college that offers bachelor’s degrees in various scientific disciplines. [5] X Trustworthy Source NASA Independent agency of the U. S. government in charge of the aerospace research and the space program Go to source Be creative and put yourself in a position to realize your dreams. While you may never become a best-selling author, you definitely won’t be unless you start writing. [6] X Research source

You can write your progress in a physical notebook or type it up on a computer. You may even choose to publish your progress online as a blog. How often you update will depend on your goal. For instance, if you are a college student who wishes to be a neurosurgeon, you may choose to update weekly or monthly. Write about your successes and your setbacks. Being mindful of your achievements will help you to stay positive, while writing out what you still need to work on will help you plan for your next step.

When you open up to others, be prepared to listen honestly to what they have to say. It will not always be what you want to hear, but an alternate point of view can be invaluable. If you need money to achieve your dream, other people are an important resource. Whether it’s your parents helping with college application fees or investors giving you startup capital for your company, you’ll need to learn how to ask for help.

Think about where the advice is coming from. What is their background do they have relevant experience? People who seem knowledgeable may be outdated or uniformed. Always check “facts” when you can, especially if they seem outlandish. Listen to as many opinions about a topic as possible. If you can’t verify a claim, it might be false. [7] X Research source [8] X Research source Learn the difference between naysayers and realists. A naysayer may tell you that wanting to direct a blockbuster movie is a ridiculous goal. A realistic critic may tell you that you may not become a famous director while still offering tips on choosing a film school.

If you have an interesting wish and a story to tell, try posting about it on social media. Crowdsourcing for “impossible” wishes is becoming more popular, connecting people to others who can grant them. You never know who may read your story and want to help you.

If you believe in one or more deities, or other spiritual beings, try prayer. How you do this will depend on your faith. If you’re unsure, talk to a local spiritual leader. Some religions use spells to make wishes come true. In some spiritual practices, spells channel the caster’s own power while in others they are cast to ask a higher power to intercede on the caster’s behalf. [10] X Research source A popular New Age philosophy called the Law of Attraction asserts that people shape reality through their thoughts. If you believe this, focus your thoughts on your wish to make it happen. [11] X Research source

Silently make a wish when blowing out the candles on your birthday cake. If you see a shooting star, make a wish. When you notice the time line up on a clock, for example at 11:11 or 03:33, say your wish to yourself. [12] X Research source

Don’t reveal personal information when typing your wish, especially if you’re a minor. This includes your phone number, name, address, or location.