The Future You Desire

What if I told you that your future is not some distant, uncontrollable event but something you shape every single day? Ariana Grande's journey to her dream role in Wicked is more than an inspiring success story; it’s a masterclass in how the power of attention, gratitude, and perseverance can turn dreams into reality.

Five years ago, Ariana Grande was asked if she would ever consider being part of the Harry Potter franchise. Her response? A polite refusal. But when the conversation shifted to Wicked, her tone changed entirely. “Oh, that’s different,” she said, her eyes lighting up. “I would do anything to play Elphaba.” She spoke with such passion and longing that it was as though the universe itself took note.

Fast forward to today, and Ariana is living her dream, cast in the Wicked movie as Glinda, a character she has adored since she was 10 years old. To many, it seems like destiny. But this is where we need to pause, because Ariana’s story isn’t just about destiny; it’s about deliberate creation.

At 10, Ariana attended a production of Wicked. She wasn’t famous then—just a young girl with stars in her eyes. Her family bid on a backstage tour during an auction, and Ariana got to meet Kristin Chenoweth, the original Glinda. Kristin gave her a small gift—a magical wand and shower gel. Ariana treasured these items, using the soap sparingly for years, dipping her finger in just enough to make it last. Why? Because it wasn’t just soap. It was a tangible reminder of her dream, a daily symbol of where she wanted to go.

When the Wicked movie was announced, people assumed Ariana’s fame guaranteed her role. But behind the scenes, her journey was anything but easy. For six months, she took voice and acting lessons every single day to prepare for the audition. When asked if she ever doubted herself, she responded with profound humility: “I had no expectations. I was just thankful to have the opportunity to audition.”

This gratitude, combined with her sustained attention on her goal, made all the difference. She wasn’t consumed by fear or entitlement. Instead, she embraced the process, pouring her heart into the work without obsessing over the outcome.

Ariana’s story illustrates a profound truth: the present moment is not just something that passes into the past. It advances into the future, carrying with it every decision, every effort, and every dream you invest in today. Quote:

“The present moment does not recede into the past. It advances into the future to confront us spent or invested, not gone as that last moment, but oncoming.”

Look around you. Everything you see—the home you live in, the relationships you cherish, even the struggles you face—is the result of choices you’ve made. And just as you shaped your present, you have the power to shape your future.

1. Define Your Dream: Be as clear and specific as possible.

2. Create Daily Reminders: Find something that keeps your dream alive in your heart and mind every day.

3. Take Consistent Action: Even small, deliberate steps can move mountains over time.

4. Release Expectations: Trust in the process and focus on the work. Practice gratitude for the opportunity to try.

5. Adjust and Persist: Life will challenge you. Disappointments will come. But remember, the world will ask you again tomorrow what you want. Every day is a new chance to answer differently.

Ariana Grande’s journey to Wicked is a beacon for anyone who has ever dared to dream. It shows us that dreams don’t just happen; they are built, moment by moment, through attention, intention, and effort. So, what are you shaping today? What small step can you take now to bring your future closer?

Your dreams are waiting, not as distant possibilities but as seeds ready to grow. Tend to them with care, and they will bloom into realities that even you might one day marvel at.