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Johann Wolfgang von Goethe Quote on Making Committed Decisions and How “Luke Warm” Isn’t Good Enough

“Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness… the moment one definitely commits oneself then Providence moves, too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred… boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. Begin it now.”

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Sunbeams (Page 29)

Beyond the Quote (Day 401)

The problem with staying in an uncommitted place is that it splits your mental resources. One avenue focuses on opportunity while the other focuses on risks. One avenue on possibility while the other focuses on failure. One focuses on reasons for “yes” while the other focuses on reasons for “no.” This is no way to succeed—in anything. It’s a “luke-warm” approach to achieving goals when what’s needed is heat—passion, boldness, enthusiasm! What’s needed is a full commitment of mental resources.

This isn’t to say that you shouldn’t consider opportunities versus risks; possibilities versus dangers; yeses versus noes—this process should be honored and all important factors should be properly weighed. But, this is a process that needs to come to a conclusion. It needs to end in a decision. It shouldn’t become an ongoing, undealt with process that continues to run in your mental background. Think about how it would be to use a computer when there’s a program running in the background that consumes 50% of its processing power—running any other task would become a nightmare!

And so it is (and will be) for your mind’s processing power, too. Many people are only half-way in on their goals—without even realizing it. They’re only partially committed to their “Plan A” because their mind is busy computing a sensical and viable “Plan B.” They think they want to be all the way in, but also continue to think about all of the ways out. They’re sometimes “hot,” but just as often “cold.” And luke warm isn’t going to change the temperature of your life. If you want to heat up your life, you have to add some heat (and definitiveness) to your decisions.


Read Next: Tony Robbins Quote on Staying Committed to Decisions, But Flexible in Approach


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Matt Hogan — Founder of MoveMe Quotes

Written by Matt Hogan

Founder of MoveMe Quotes. On a mission to help busy people do inner work—for better mental health; for healing; for personal growth. Find me on Twitter / IG / Medium. I also share daily insights here. 🌱

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