Wishing and Hoping…

Today, I’d like to discuss how a pop song from 1963 can provide some very valuable lessons about business, and about life.

“Wishin’ and Hopin’” was written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David. First recorded by Dion Warwick in 1963 and also released later by Dusty Springfield in 1964.

In brief, the song delivers advice to a woman who seems intent on landing a man. The conclusion is that wishing is not enough – she’s gotta actually do something!.
(video and lyrics are at the bottom of this post for your reference)

So let’s break the song lyrics down into three categories and find out how they can help us to achieve our own goals:

Wishing, Hoping, Praying, Dreaming
Change often starts with the germ of an idea or goal. Although these four words won’t do anything on their own, having a dream or wishing for something may spur you on to do more. Beware! Getting stuck at this stage may feel good, but ultimately accomplishes nothing!

Planning, Thinking, Looking
The next step for many folks is to start planning and considering the steps needed to move closer to a desired goal. The danger that lies here is a tendency to get too detailed, or to attempt to devise a perfect plan. At some point it’s time to jump in and see what happens! Depending on your style, this step may be optional. Some find it more natural or intuitive to move straight to the next step…

Take Action! (Do Something!)
If you expect to move closer to realizing your goal, you’ve got to take action! There will surely be bumps along the road. Each wrong turn will teach you something about the path. Nobody succeeds at everything. Sometimes the journey will hit a dead end. However, the sooner you start, the sooner you’ll discover what lies ahead for you. And either way, you’ll learn something with each step you take.

What Next?
In truth, all three of the above are needed for you to succeed. You’ll need the inspiration to get started, the planning to be prepared, and the hard work to progress. Sometimes you’ll get lucky and be able to skip a step – but don’t count on it! Better to undertake your journey with a light pack and a cheerful disposition 😉

Here’s Wishin’ and Hopin’ you the best for 2015!

Wishin’ and Hopin’
written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David

~~~ Lyrics ~~~

Wishin’ and hopin’ and thinkin’ and prayin’
Plannin’ and dreamin’ each night of his charms
That won’t get you into his arms

So if you’re lookin’ to find love you can share
All you gotta do is
Hold him and kiss him and love him
And show him that you care

Show him that you care just for him
Do the things he likes to do
Wear your hair just for him, ’cause
You won’t get him
Thinkin’ and a-prayin’
Wishin’ and hopin’

Just wishin’ and hopin’ and thinkin’ and prayin’
Plannin’ and dreamin’ his kiss is the start
That won’t get you into his heart

So if you’re thinkin’ how great true love is
All you gotta do is
Hold him and kiss him and squeeze him and love him
Yeah, just do it and after you do, you will be his

(You gotta)
Show him that you care just for him
Do the things he likes to do
Wear your hair just for him, ’cause
You won’t get him
Thinkin’ and a-prayin’
Wishin’ and hopin’

Just wishin’ and hopin’ and thinkin’ and prayin’
Plannin’ and dreamin’ his kiss is the start
That won’t get you into his heart

So if you’re thinkin’ how great true love is
All you gotta do is
Hold him and kiss him and squeeze him and love him
Yeah, just do it and after you do, you will be his
You will be his, you will be his

All content written and voiced by Joe J Thomas online at: JoeActor.com