Astonishing Quote by Brenda Ueland
“To have the external pressure of a job removed is very astonishing. Your own will is now your only motor and it has no horse-power. Sometimes I think that perhaps the most competent business men, and lawyers and doctors, who must be at the office at nine o'clock every morning, do not realize this and take more credit for initiative and industry than they deserve. And it is why all the bright women of the world, who if more were expected of them, might do important work, but who instead have a chronic feeling of ineffectiveness and sloth.”
About This Quote
When external structures disappear, self‑driven motivation can feel weak, especially for high‑achievers who may undervalue their own initiative.
In simple terms: Self‑motivation can feel powerless without external pressure.
Key Takeaway
Recognize internal drive.
Themes
motivation
self‑efficacy
gender dynamics
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
motivational
critical.
When to use this quote
- career development
- entrepreneurship
- personal productivity
Key Concepts
psychology
organizational behavior
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you create your own motivating frameworks?
- What role does societal expectation play?
A Different Perspective
External pressure can also provide useful structure.
![“[4It is hard to be carefree when you have many anxieties. But the more you have, the more necessary it is to feel carefree for a time, so that you will get some new ideas on how to deal with your anxieties.]” quote by Brenda Ueland](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/459/brenda-ueland-3836_anxieties_4it-is-hard-to-be-carefree-when-you-have_51155.jpg)
