I recently came across a quote from the legendary Estée Lauder, a woman who didn’t just build a cosmetics empire—she built a dream from the ground up. Her words really resonated with me, and I think they’ll resonate with you, too:
I’ve always believed that if you stick to a thought and carefully avoid distraction along the way, you can fulfill a dream. My whole life has been about fulfilling dreams… Whether your target is big or small, grand or simple, ambitious or personal, I’ve always believed that success comes from not letting your eyes stray from that target. Anyone who wants to achieve a dream must stay strong, focused and steady.
In a world that constantly bombards us with new trends, notifications, and “must-dos,” her message feels more important than ever. We’re all trying to achieve something, right? Whether it’s a career goal, a personal project, or simply a healthier lifestyle. But how often do we get sidetracked?
The Cost of Distraction
Think about your own goals. Maybe you want to learn a new skill, write a book, or finally declutter your home. You start with so much energy and vision. But then, a shiny new distraction appears—a trending social media challenge, a new show to binge, or just the endless scroll that eats up your time. Before you know it, days turn into weeks, and that initial momentum is gone.
Estée Lauder understood this instinctively. She didn’t have the internet, but she had her own set of distractions to fight through. The “no’s,” the competitors, the long hours. Yet, she kept her eye on the prize: making every woman feel beautiful. She knew that straying from that target, even for a moment, could derail the entire dream.
Three Ways to Stay Focused
So, how do we apply her wisdom to our busy lives?
- Define Your Target, and Write It Down: Don’t just have a vague idea of what you want. Be specific. Instead of “I want to be a better writer,” try “I will write for 30 minutes every morning.” Having a clear, tangible target makes it harder to lose sight of it.
- Identify Your Distractions: What are the things that pull you away from your goal? Is it your phone? A specific friend? Saying “yes” to too many things? Acknowledging your biggest distractions is the first step to avoiding them.
- Embrace the “Strong, Focused, and Steady” Mindset: This isn’t just about discipline; it’s about resilience. There will be days when you feel like giving up. This is when you need to be strong. Look back at your target, remember why you started, and take the next steady step forward.
Estée Lauder didn’t just sell cosmetics; she sold a vision of confidence and beauty. And she achieved it by not letting anything get in the way. Her story is a powerful reminder that if you stick to your target, no matter how big or small, you can turn your dreams into reality.
What’s a dream you’re currently working toward?
