The Dream that Fueled Her Ambition

“I used to create daydreams, not about glamorous figures like Mr. Gable, but about my father. On rainy walks home from school, I would imagine him waiting for me, chiding me for not wearing my rubbers, which I didn’t own. My home was a place where I worked as a child servant, doing chores and remaining silent. Yet in my daydreams, I could leap over harsh realities, envisioning my father awaiting my return with a smile.

I often daydreamed of beauty, imagining myself so radiant that strangers would pause in admiration. I envisioned vibrant colors—scarlet, gold, green, and white—dreaming of walking in stunning attire while receiving praise. These fantasies made my difficult tasks more bearable; during my time as a waitress in a dreary home, I pictured myself serving in a luxurious restaurant, where everyone would admire me.”

— Excerpt from My Story by Marilyn Monroe

The Science Behind Daydreaming

Research indicates that we spend approximately 30–47% of our waking hours in a daydreaming state. Surprisingly, many people feel more comfortable sharing their most embarrassing moments than discussing their daydreams. In this context, let’s explore how daydreaming contributed to Marilyn Monroe’s incredible success.

Psychologist Eric Klinger from the University of Minnesota conducted research titled Daydreaming and Fantasizing: Thought Flow and Motivation. He highlights that daydreaming and fantasy are often confused, leading to embarrassment about daydreaming. Klinger explains that daydreams are often linked to our serious goals, acting as reminders of our aspirations and helping us plan for the future.

He states, “Rather than being unfocused, daydreaming serves to keep our life’s objectives in view; it helps us rehearse new situations and learn from past experiences.” Neuroscience supports this notion, revealing that daydreaming enhances creativity and decision-making abilities. For instance, the structure of benzene was famously discovered by August Kekulé, who envisioned snakes that inspired his breakthrough.

In a 2012 study by Soren Ashley and Joel Pearson, it was found that allowing the mind to wander between tasks can significantly improve performance. Thus, daydreaming serves as a valuable tool in achieving our goals and enhancing creativity.

However, it’s essential to maintain a balance. Daydreaming can become addictive as it offers an escape from reality, allowing us to envision ourselves as our ideal selves.

How to Daydream Effectively

While daydreaming can be beneficial, it must be approached wisely to avoid pitfalls. Marilyn Monroe exemplified the right approach; despite her daydreams of beauty and success, she persistently auditioned and faced rejection. Her aspirations acted like a GPS, guiding her toward her goals.

She once remarked in her autobiography, “You don’t have to know anything to dream big. I had no knowledge of acting, never read a book on it, nor had I discussed it with anyone. I felt ashamed to share my dreams with those I knew.”

Happy daydreaming!