"It's the thought that counts."

A phrase we often hear or say to bring comfort when our actions seem to have fallen short of the goal toward which we were striving. But what are thoughts, ideas, beliefs, and feelings in the absence of action? Shouldn't we instead say "It's the effort that counts"?

Thoughts are nothing until an attempt is made to bring that idea, a strange formation of the human mind, into reality. Once that attempt is made, thought gains worth and demands recognition as having "counted for something."

Do not allow your thoughts to be futile and meaningless, but instead venture to make them known through your actions.