--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Have big dreams but focus only on what…" description: "\"Have big dreams but focus only on what you can control: your own thoughts, words and actions. This was Gandhi's way ... in the words of Buddhist poet G..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/210/eboo-patel-20781_action_have-big-dreams-but-focus-only-on-what-y_2250741.jpg" --- # Have big dreams but focus only on what you can control… ![“Have big dreams but focus only on what you can control: your own thoughts, words and actions. This was Gandhi's way ... in the words of Buddhist poet Gary Snyder, our job is to move the world a millionth of an inch.” quote by Eboo Patel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/210/eboo-patel-20781_action_have-big-dreams-but-focus-only-on-what-y_2250741.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/210/eboo-patel-20781_action_have-big-dreams-but-focus-only-on-what-y_2250741.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/210/eboo-patel-20781_action_have-big-dreams-but-focus-only-on-what-y_2250741.jpg) > “Have big dreams but focus only on what you can control: your own thoughts, words and actions. This was Gandhi's way ... in the words of Buddhist poet Gary Snyder, our job is to move the world a millionth of an inch.” [Eboo Patel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eboo-patel/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Aim for lofty goals but concentrate on thoughts, words, and actions you can control, influencing change incrementally. **In simple terms:** Focus on controllable thoughts, words, actions while dreaming big. Key Takeaway Control your mindset and behavior to impact the world. Themes ambition control mindfulness Mood inspirational pragmatic Type motivational practical When to use this quote - career planning - personal development - social activism - daily habits Key Concepts personal agency incremental change Questions to Reflect On - What small action can you take today toward your big dream? - How do you stay motivated when progress is slow? A Different Perspective Large ambitions can feel overwhelming without tangible steps. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Action](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/action/) [Big Dreams](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/big-dreams/) [Buddhist](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/buddhist/) [Dream](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/dream/) [Dreams](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/dreams/) [Focus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/focus/) [Jobs](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/jobs/) [Philosophy of Mind](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/philosophy-of-mind/) [Poet](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/poet/) [Words and actions](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/words-and-actions/) [World](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/world/) ## Related quotes > [Never listen to those negative things people say about you and your dreams but focus to making them to reality](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sean-bugi/never-listen-to-those-negative-things-people-say-about-you-and-your/) Sean Bugi > [“Control your thoughts because they become the words you use. 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