Many of us have learned from childhood the rule: if you want your dream to come true, it’s better to remain silent about it. This belief does not affect the actual fulfillment of desires, but it provides a sense of psychological safety. Let’s explore where this fear comes from and whether openly voicing a dream can be beneficial.
What Prevents Us from Voicing Our Desires
Magical Thinking
In many cultures, there is a rooted belief that some higher powers are watching over a person and can interfere with their plans. Moreover, the interference is usually expected to be negative. Hence, there are sayings like: "Want to make the Universe laugh? Tell it your plans."
The phrase "Be silent, or it won’t come true" does not specify who exactly might interfere, but it creates a sense of prohibition. A desire begins to be perceived as something vulnerable and even dangerous — as if one could be punished for voicing it.
Distrust of People
Sometimes, the fear is not related to abstract forces, but to very real people. Some fear jealousy, while others fear outright sabotage. Even without malicious intent, those around can devalue dreams, criticize them, or prove that "nothing will come of it."
Such an attitude easily undermines self-confidence, making silence a form of self-defense.
Distrust of Oneself
Desires change over time — and that is normal. What seemed important yesterday may lose its meaning today. If a dream has been voiced, there arises a sense of obligation to others: as if one must see it through to the end at any cost.
Moreover, not all dreams come true, even with maximum effort. Silence in this case helps avoid feelings of awkwardness and the need to explain.
Why It Is Still Useful to Speak About Desires
It is important to emphasize: if you feel more comfortable keeping your dreams to yourself, that is absolutely fine. However, there are benefits to openly voicing desires.
Opportunity to Get Help
People are often willing to help without putting in extraordinary effort — simply because the opportunity has arisen. But this is only possible when they know about your desire.
A voiced goal can lead to a useful acquaintance, advice, recommendation, or a timely noticed opportunity.
Clear Formulation of the Dream
As long as a desire exists only in one’s head, it remains vague. Once you try to express it in words — either orally or in writing — it becomes clear whether it is truly important and what exactly you want.
The Effect of a Self-Fulfilling Prophecy
When a person believes in the possibility of their dream coming true, they begin to see the world differently: noticing opportunities, changing behavior, and making decisions that bring them closer to their goal.
Voicing a desire can be the first step toward this inner confidence.
Openness does not guarantee the fulfillment of a dream, but sometimes it is precisely this openness that helps make it more real — at least for oneself.
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