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Don’t set goals for yourself that are too high to reach…

“Don’t set goals for yourself that are too high to reach. Be gentle with yourself. You are trying to follow your own breathing continuously and without a break. That sounds easy enough, so you will have a tendency at the outset to push yourself to be scrupulous and exacting. This is unrealistic…” quote by Bhante Henepola Gunaratana
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““Don’t set goals for yourself that are too high to reach. Be gentle with yourself. You are trying to follow your own breathing continuously and without a break. That sounds easy enough, so you will have a tendency at the outset to push yourself to be scrupulous and exacting. This is unrealistic. Take time in small units instead.””

Bhante Henepola Gunaratana

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Advice to set realistic, compassionate goals and pace oneself gently, avoiding perfectionism.

In simple terms: Set achievable goals and be kind to yourself.

Key Takeaway

Practice gradual, compassionate progress.

Themes

self‑compassion goal‑setting mindfulness

Mood

calm reflective

Type

motivational mindful

When to use this quote

  • daily meditation
  • learning new skill
  • exercise routine
  • stress management

Key Concepts

perfectionism realistic pacing self‑kindness

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you balance ambition with kindness?
  • What small steps feel sustainable now?
A Different Perspective

May lead to under‑achievement if too lax.

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