When we think about achieving success, the words that often come to mind are hard work, determination, and intelligence. However, three other important concepts can play a vital role in reaching our goals: the wishbone, backbone, and funny bone. These terms, while playful, serve as powerful metaphors. The wishbone represents our dreams and aspirations, the backbone symbolizes our strength and resilience, and the funny bone highlights the importance of humor and positivity. In this article, we'll explore how these three elements are essential for a well-rounded approach to success and provide relatable examples to illustrate their significance.

The Wishbone: Our Aspirations and Dreams

The wishbone represents both dreams and aspirations. It comes from a tradition where two people pull apart a turkey's wishbone, and the one who gets the larger piece gets to have a wish granted. This simple act reminds us of the importance of having aspirations—those goals and dreams that drive us forward.


The Essential Role of Aspirations

Having dreams is crucial for motivating us to chase our goals. Studies in psychology show that people who set clear and specific goals are more likely to achieve them. Aspirations serve as a roadmap, helping us stay focused even during difficult times.

Example: Elon Musk

Consider the incredible journey of Elon Musk, the CEO of SpaceX and Tesla. His ambitious dreams—like colonizing Mars and creating electric cars that everyone can drive—have led him to accomplish what many saw as impossible. Musk’s vision inspires not just him but also thousands of employees and supporters, demonstrating how powerful dreams can be in shaping success.

Setting Realistic Goals

While it's important to dream big, successful individuals also break those dreams into smaller, realistic steps. This is what we call SMART goal setting: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.

Example: J.K. Rowling

J.K. Rowling is a great example of someone who turned her dreams into achievable goals. The author of the beloved Harry Potter series faced many rejections before she found success. She knew she had a big dream of publishing her book, but she took it one step at a time, focusing on writing one book before moving on to the next. This approach kept her motivated and aligned with her ultimate goal.

Cultivating a Growth MindsetHaving aspirations often goes hand in hand with a growth mindset—the belief that we can improve our abilities and intelligence through effort and learning. When we adopt this mindset, we’re better able to view setbacks as chances for growth instead of obstacles.

Example: Thomas Edison

Thomas Edison exemplified the growth mindset. Known for saying, "I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work," he remained determined in his pursuit of inventing the light bulb. His dream to bring light to the world encouraged him to learn from every mistake, eventually leading him to success.

The Backbone: Resilience and Strength

The backbone represents the inner strength and resilience we need to face life’s challenges. Success isn’t always a straight path; it often requires overcoming numerous hurdles and facing adversity. A strong backbone keeps us grounded and helps us keep moving forward when times get tough.

The Importance of Resilience. 

Resilience is the ability that proves a person knows how to bounce back from failures and challenges. Research shows that resilient individuals tend to lead happier lives and achieve greater success. They remain positive and adaptable, even when circumstances aren’t in their favor.

Example: Oprah Winfrey

Oprah Winfrey’s life story is a testament to resilience. She grew up in a difficult environment filled with poverty and abuse, facing multiple obstacles on her journey to success. Yet, she used each challenge as fuel to propel her forward, ultimately becoming a media mogul and philanthropist. Oprah's strength and resilience in the face of adversity serve as an inspiration to many.

The Funny Bone: Humor and Positivity

While having dreams and resilience are crucial, we must not overlook the fun and humor in life. The funny bone symbolizes the importance of maintaining a sense of humor, even when pursuing serious goals. Humor can relieve stress, foster creativity, and strengthen relationships.

The Role of Humor in Success

When we embrace humor, it allows us to approach challenges with a lighter heart. It helps us cope with stress and builds connections with others, creating a more supportive environment.

Example: Ellen DeGeneres

Ellen DeGeneres, the popular television host and comedian, showcases how humor can create success. With her witty and positive approach, she has not only entertained millions but also built a platform for kindness and empowerment. Ellen’s ability to find joy in her journey has inspired countless people to pursue their dreams while keeping a sense of humor about life.

Balancing Seriousness with Lightheartedness

While it’s important to work hard and be determined, those who can balance their ambitions with lightheartedness tend to handle challenges better. Incorporating humor into everyday life can make even the toughest tasks feel lighter and more manageable.

Example: Richard Branson

Richard Branson, the founder of the Virgin Group, is known for his adventurous spirit and sense of humor. From kitesurfing to ballooning, he embraces life with a zest and playfulness that inspires both his employees and customers. Branson manages to keep work engaging and motivating, reminding us all that success doesn’t have to come with a solemn face.

Conclusion: The Triad of Success

The wishbone, backbone, and funny bone represent a holistic approach to achieving success. Aspirations fuel motivation and direction, while resilience provides the strength to navigate life’s challenges. Lastly, humor allows for perspective, creativity, and connection.


By intertwining these three elements, individuals can cultivate a well-rounded mindset that paves the way for both personal fulfillment and professional accomplishment. Each represents a crucial component of resilience in pursuit of goals, proving that success isn’t just about hard work; it’s also about dreaming big, standing strong, and laughing along the way. Thus, it is indeed true—wishbone, backbone, and funny bone play a profound role in one’s success.