At drama school, we were taught to write down your dreams and carry them around in your wallet with you, and they'll come true, but I didn't do that.

In this quote, Lily James reflects on a piece of advice she received at drama school: to write down your dreams and carry them around in your wallet as a way to manifest them into reality. The idea is rooted in the belief that by making your dreams tangible and keeping them close, you increase your chances of achieving them. However, James admits that she did not follow this advice, suggesting a more grounded or skeptical approach to the idea of manifestation.

The quote highlights the tension between idealistic advice and personal choices. While many people believe in the power of positive thinking or setting intentions, James’ admission reveals her pragmatic or possibly realistic nature. She recognizes the value of dreaming but seems to question the simplicity of thinking that simply writing them down will guarantee success, instead focusing on hard work and perseverance.

The origin of this quote comes from James’ own experiences as an actress. Growing up in the entertainment industry, she would have been exposed to many techniques aimed at helping people achieve success. While she did not subscribe to the specific manifestation technique taught at her school, this anecdote underscores her personal journey in balancing ambition with practical effort.

Ultimately, James’ statement offers a candid reflection on the process of pursuing dreams and achieving success. It’s a reminder that while tools like vision boards or written goals might inspire some, dedication, talent, and action are equally, if not more, important in making dreams come true.