I was finishing up a paper for school today, sitting near the back of the auditorium. I struck up a conversation with Angelina and she said something that stayed with me. Now, as I think more about it, I realize how important it is. In fact, I might post something to the crew later, just to give them something to think about.

Angelina was talking about another school project, a history report, and said “I wish I had more time to read about that, because it seems pretty interesting.” Then, a few minutes later, she was talking about the upcoming soccer tournament and said “I wish I had practiced harder when I played back on Earth.”

Two completely different thoughts, but both of them involving a wish. As I walked back to my room it dawned on me that most of us fall into that trap. We too often choose to wish for something, rather than put in the work necessary to create it.

I don’t live Angelina’s life, but I’m pretty sure that if she really wanted to learn more about something, she would make the time, perhaps by cutting back a little bit of time on other activities. Or, if she really wanted to step up her soccer game, she could skip a few chat sessions in the Dining Hall each night and work a little harder on the practice field.

I’m going to make a conscious effort to see how often I wish for something, and follow that up with an honest evaluation: Is it really something that can only be wished for, or is it something that is within my control? Wishing, without any action, seems to be about surrendering personal responsibility; that’s something I would never wish for.

(Okay, Galahad fans, what do you think? Are you the type to simply wish for things, or do you agree with Triana that perhaps there’s more within your control than you think? Have you caught yourself taking the easy way out by hoping that something would work out, rather than making it work out?  Click on the Comments button below and share your thoughts.)