Wishes

So when you make a wish on a star or a penny or whatever, what counts as your wish? The very first thing that pops in your head? Or what you try to officially wish for?

'Cause my immediate wish....came true. My official wish...in the words of an increasing number of people, "not so much"...and while I don't mind that the first got granted, I would prefer that the official one get granted. It would do a lot more good in general then my first, very selfish wish...

So does anyone know how these things are supposed to work???

'Cause I'm trying...but the fates are seemingly not working with me here...