Anxious Quote by Albert Ellis
“The goal...is not to change your desires and wishes but to persuade you to stop demanding that you absolutely must have what you wish-from yourself, from others, and from the world. You can by all means keep your wishes, preferences, and desires, but unless you prefer to remain needlessly anxious, not your grandiose demands.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Reason and Emotion in Psychotherapy, 1962
Changing desires isn’t the goal; reducing anxiety from demanding outcomes is.
In simple terms: Accept wishes, lower anxiety.
Key Takeaway
Practice acceptance, reduce anxiety.
Themes
anxiety
desires
acceptance
Mood
calm
inquisitive
Type
psychological
self‑help
When to use this quote
- stress management
- goal setting
- personal development
Key Concepts
cognitive‑behavioral therapy
mindfulness
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you accept without giving up ambition?
- What triggers your anxiety about demands?
A Different Perspective
Some may view acceptance as passivity.
