What’s Your Secret Wish?

For a few years now, every January, I’ve started my year with something called the Year Compass. It’s a non-profit project designed to help you reflect on the past year and plan for the one ahead. It’s simple, but profoundly impactful. You sit down with a series of prompts, some brutally honest, and by the end, you’ve not only assessed where you’ve been but also charted where you want to go.
Easier said than done. Have you ever sat with yourself - really sat, no distractions - and asked: What do I truly want?
It’s terrifying, isn’t it? To admit to yourself what you want most in the world. To even whisper it out loud. Because what if you don’t get it? What if it’s too big, too impossible, too much?
That was me, not long ago. I was staring at this prompt, a simple one, really: Pick a word for the year ahead. One word to guide you, to remind you of your dreams when things get tough.
And instead of feeling inspired, I felt paralysed. My brain immediately said, Don’t bother. Life is too unpredictable, too hard. You’re not ready, anyway.
Because what I really want is big. It’s scary. It’s the kind of dream that makes me feel exposed and unsure like I’m walking on thin air.
But I knew I couldn’t ignore it.

What Do I Really Want?

As I sat there, I started listing all the things I thought I should want this year.

  • Finish my yoga teacher training.
  • Grow my blog.
  • Declutter my house.
  • Get stronger, and more flexible.
  • Be more disciplined.

But when I stripped away all the “shoulds,” one desire stood out. It was quiet but persistent, and honestly, it scared me more than anything else:

I want to create something meaningful. Something that aligns with my values, lets me be my authentic self and proves to me that I’m capable of more.

But as soon as I named it, the fear kicked in. The same fear that whispers:

  • You’re not good enough.
  • You don’t have what it takes.
  • What if you fail?

The Fear of a Big Dream

This is the part no one really talks about: how vulnerable it feels to dream big. Not because the dream itself is impossible, but because daring to want it makes you confront every insecurity you’ve ever buried.

For me, that insecurity sounded like this:

  • Who are you to think you can build something meaningful?
  • Your blog gets three views on a good day. What makes you think you can grow it into something real?
  • You’re not even certified as a yoga teacher yet – how could you possibly inspire anyone?

It’s exhausting to face that inner voice, and it’s tempting to just walk away. To stay small, safe, and unchallenged. But here’s what I realised:

The fear wasn’t proof that I should stop. It was proof that this dream matters.

Naming My Secret Wish

I decided to stop running from the fear and name my dream. My secret wish is this:

I want to build a platform that empowers emapths, humanitarians, and visionaries to reach for the leadership roles this world so desperately needs. I want it to align with my values. I want it to prove that I can live my purpose and create a sustainable, values-driven life.

When I first wrote that down, it felt ridiculous. Like I was asking for too much. But then I sat with it. I let the fear wash over me. And I reminded myself: The point isn’t to have it all figured out. The point is to start.

How I’m Moving Forward

If this resonates with you – if you’ve ever felt stuck between wanting something big and fearing you’re not enough – here’s what I’ve learned:

1. Start Before You’re Ready

Dreams don’t come with perfect timing. If you wait until you feel 100% ready, you’ll never begin. Take one step today, even if it’s small. For me, it’s sharing this post.

2. Break It Down

Big dreams are just a series of small actions. I can’t build my platform overnight, but I can write one blog post, connect with one person, or brainstorm one product idea.

3. Reframe Fear

Fear isn’t a stop sign – it’s a guide. If it scares you, it’s because it matters.

4. Celebrate Progress

Every small win – whether it’s a new blog comment, a kind word from a reader, or even a personal breakthrough – proves that you’re moving forward.

What’s Your Secret Wish?

I’m sharing this because I know I’m not the only one. We all have those quiet dreams that feel too big to say out loud. But here’s the truth: Those dreams don’t go away.

So, here’s my challenge to you: What’s your secret wish? What’s the thing that scares you but also lights you up?

Write it down. Let yourself feel the fear. And then, take one small step.

Because the fear isn’t there to stop you. It’s there to remind you how much this dream matters.

This year, I’m choosing alignment. I’m choosing courage. And I’m choosing to believe I am enough – even when the path feels uncertain.

If you want help getting started, I can’t recommend the Year Compass enough. It’s free, insightful, and might just help you uncover the dream you’ve been afraid to name. You can download it here.

What will you choose?