Skip to content

We can call this "the progress principle": Pleasure comes…

“We can call this "the progress principle": Pleasure comes more from making progress toward goals than from achieving them. Shakespeare captured it perfectly: "Things won are done; joy's soul lies in the doing."” quote by Jonathan Haidt
Download Open image
“We can call this "the progress principle": Pleasure comes more from making progress toward goals than from achieving them. Shakespeare captured it perfectly: "Things won are done; joy's soul lies in the doing."”

Jonathan Haidt

About This Quote

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

Progress feels more rewarding than the final achievement because the journey itself provides purpose and joy, not just the outcome.

In simple terms: Making progress feels better than finishing.

Key Takeaway

Focus on incremental progress.

Themes

motivation goal setting psychology productivity

Mood

optimistic encouraging

Type

motivational practical

When to use this quote

  • goal setting
  • project management
  • personal development
  • education

Key Concepts

growth mindset self-determination theory habit formation

Questions to Reflect On

  • What small steps can you take today?
  • How does progress affect your motivation?
A Different Perspective

Overemphasis on progress can ignore the value of completion.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Jonathan Haidt

Explore all 204 Jonathan Haidt quotes

More Achieve quotes

Browse all 6,390 Achieve quotes