---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Understand that by giving something a…"
description: "\"“Understand that by giving something a name, you own it. I find that by naming it, you give yourself a sense of purpose. Like wanting to become a docto..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/bd3/charles-mackriel-150509_belief_understand-that-by-giving-something-a-na_2227285.jpg"
---

#  Understand that by giving something a name, you own it. I…

![“Understand that by giving something a name, you own it. I find that by naming it, you give yourself a sense of purpose. Like wanting to become a doctor or lawyer or writer for instance, don’t hide in the shadows and wait for it to happen, because the chances of it spontaneously happening are next…” quote by Charles Mackriel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/bd3/charles-mackriel-150509_belief_understand-that-by-giving-something-a-na_2227285.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/bd3/charles-mackriel-150509_belief_understand-that-by-giving-something-a-na_2227285.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/bd3/charles-mackriel-150509_belief_understand-that-by-giving-something-a-na_2227285.jpg)

> ““Understand that by giving something a name, you own it. I find that by naming it, you give yourself a sense of purpose. Like wanting to become a doctor or lawyer or writer for instance, don’t hide in the shadows and wait for it to happen, because the chances of it spontaneously happening are next to none, trust me. You actually have to put yourself out there and commit to it by giving it a name. And you achieve this by simply saying, I WILL become a ‘this’ or ‘that’ or whatever it is that you want. Because you see, if you own it, nothing anyone can say or do will be able to take it away from you; because YOU gave it a name and thus, it belongs to you.””

Charles Mackriel

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Naming a goal gives it ownership and purpose, encouraging commitment and action toward achieving it.

**In simple terms:** Naming goals creates ownership and purpose.

Key Takeaway

Define and name your goals to claim them.

Themes

Motivation Goal setting Identity Commitment Self‑efficacy Purpose

Mood

Empowering Determined Optimistic

Type

speech advice philosophical

When to use this quote

- Goal workshops
- Career counseling
- Personal journaling

Key Concepts

Personal development Career planning Creative pursuits Life coaching

Questions to Reflect On

- What name would you give your biggest ambition?
- How does naming change your motivation?

A Different Perspective

Naming alone may not guarantee success.

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