Motivation is when your dreams put on work clothes
What's the meaning of this quote?
Quote Meaning: The essence of the quote lies in its metaphorical depiction of motivation as the embodiment of one's dreams, donning the attire of labor and action. At its core, motivation is often seen as the driving force behind human endeavors, the spark that propels individuals towards their aspirations and goals. By likening motivation to dreams donning work clothes, the quote suggests a transformative process wherein abstract desires take tangible form through action and effort.
Dreams, in their ethereal nature, symbolize the aspirations and ambitions that reside within individuals. They are the imaginative constructs of what one envisions for their life, encompassing both personal and professional aspirations. However, dreams, in and of themselves, are passive entities, existing solely within the realm of thought and imagination. It is through motivation that these dreams are infused with life, taking on the practical guise of work clothes.
Work clothes, in contrast to dreams, represent the tangible tools and efforts required to bring aspirations to fruition. They symbolize dedication, perseverance, and the willingness to put in the necessary work to achieve one's goals. Just as work clothes are donned to engage in labor and productivity, motivation serves as the catalyst that compels individuals to roll up their sleeves and embark on the journey towards realizing their dreams.
The imagery of dreams putting on work clothes implies a conscious decision and commitment to translate one's aspirations into actionable steps. It underscores the idea that motivation is not merely a passive feeling but an active choice to pursue one's goals with determination and purpose. Moreover, the metaphor highlights the transformative power of motivation, as it bridges the gap between abstract desires and concrete actions.
Furthermore, the quote suggests that true motivation goes beyond mere inspiration or fleeting enthusiasm. Instead, it requires a sustained effort and a willingness to embrace the challenges and obstacles inherent in the pursuit of one's dreams. Just as work clothes protect and equip individuals for the rigors of labor, motivation provides the resilience and fortitude necessary to overcome setbacks and persevere in the face of adversity.
In essence, the quote encapsulates the dynamic interplay between aspiration and action, emphasizing the transformative power of motivation in realizing one's dreams. It serves as a reminder that motivation is not passive but rather an active force that empowers individuals to turn their aspirations into reality, by donning the metaphorical work clothes of dedication, perseverance, and hard work.
Who said the quote?
The quote "Motivation is when your dreams put on work clothes" is often attributed to Benjamin Franklin (Bio / Quotes). Benjamin Franklin was an American statesman, writer, and inventor who played a key role in the founding of the United States.
What are Benjamin Franklin's Best Quotes?
Watch on Elevate's YouTube channel and be sure to subscribe for more wisdom and insights from the world's top minds.
Subscribe on YouTube to get the latest quote videos delivered straight to you:
Is there a historical example that illustrates the message of the quote?
One compelling historical example of the quote "Motivation is when your dreams put on work clothes" is the story of Thomas Edison and the invention of the electric light bulb. Edison's journey to creating a practical and long-lasting light bulb wasn't a smooth or quick one; it was marked by countless failures and setbacks.
Edison had a dream of illuminating the world with electric light, a vision that extended far beyond mere ambition. To turn this dream into reality, he had to immerse himself in rigorous, hands-on work. His approach was characterized by relentless experimentation and perseverance. He tested thousands of different materials for the filament of the bulb, working long hours and often facing public skepticism. Edison's motivation was his unwavering commitment to his dream, which he translated into tireless effort and practical experimentation.
Edison's story illustrates how motivation involves not just having a vision but also putting in the hard work required to make that vision come to life. His success came not merely from dreaming about a brighter world but from working diligently and persistently to bring that vision into reality.
How can the quote be applied in a real-life scenario?
In real life, the quote "Motivation is when your dreams put on work clothes" can be applied to anyone striving to achieve a significant goal or realize a personal aspiration. For example, consider someone who dreams of becoming a successful entrepreneur. The dream alone, no matter how vivid or passionate, will not bring success. What truly matters is how this dream is translated into action.
Suppose this aspiring entrepreneur envisions launching a tech startup. The dream involves developing innovative products and making a mark in the industry. However, to bring this dream to fruition, the individual must embrace the hard work and practical steps required. This includes conducting market research, creating a business plan, securing funding, building a team, and continually refining their product. Each of these tasks requires dedication, effort, and resilience.
In this scenario, motivation is demonstrated through the entrepreneur's willingness to tackle the challenges and labor involved in making their dream a reality. It's about rolling up their sleeves and immersing themselves in the process, transforming their vision into actionable steps. This approach turns abstract dreams into concrete achievements, emphasizing that motivation is fundamentally about commitment and hard work.
Applying the quote to your life
Unlock Franklin's wisdom and apply it to your life by getting the in-depth Benjamin Franklin Workbook & Study Guide, complete with top quotes, insightful commentary, reflective questions, and practical uses for everyday life. 👇
![](https://elevatesociety.com/wp-content/uploads/footer_circle_dark2.png)
To apply more wisdom, get the All-Access Pass, which includes hundreds of study guides from the world's top minds. These include deep insights from individuals such as Nelson Mandela, Steve Jobs, and Albert Einstein, as well as some of the top authors and personal development books.
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.