Anticipation Quote by Daniel Gilbert
““We cannot feel good about an imaginary future when we are busy feeling bad about an actual present.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Stumbling on Happiness, Daniel Gilbert, 2006
We struggle to stay positive about an imagined future while being stuck in present negativity.
In simple terms: Future hopes suffer when present mood is bad.
Key Takeaway
Focus on improving the present.
Themes
psychology
future
mindset
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- personal development
- therapy
- coaching
- goal setting
Key Concepts
happiness
cognitive bias
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you shift present feelings to support future goals?
- What present actions can improve your outlook?
A Different Perspective
Optimism alone cannot fix present problems.
![“[It is hard to know what is good luck and what isn't and therefore whether we should be happy or sad about it. Only time will tell. For example...] The Talmud relates a story about two people who wanted to travel by boat. One broke his foot and was unable to make the trip, while his friend got on…” quote by Zelig Pliskin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/68d/zelig-pliskin-22951_anticipation_it-is-hard-to-know-what-is-good-luck-and_34545.jpg)
![“The only thing is that ordinarily when I do dance with [women] they think I am suddenly going to throw them over a table or twist them all around. All I want to do is one-two, one-two-three - a simple fox trot. But they're shaking with anticipation at the thought that I'm about to whip them around…” quote by Gene Kelly](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/073/gene-kelly-11878_anticipation_the-only-thing-is-that-ordinarily-when-i_44100.jpg)
