--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: If you think your job is to fix what is…" description: "\"If you think your job is to fix what is broken, you keep finding more broken places to mend.\" — Geneen Roth" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7c6/geneen-roth-3050_broken_if-you-think-your-job-is-to-fix-what-is_674186.jpg" --- # If you think your job is to fix what is broken, you keep… ![“If you think your job is to fix what is broken, you keep finding more broken places to mend.” quote by Geneen Roth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7c6/geneen-roth-3050_broken_if-you-think-your-job-is-to-fix-what-is_674186.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7c6/geneen-roth-3050_broken_if-you-think-your-job-is-to-fix-what-is_674186.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7c6/geneen-roth-3050_broken_if-you-think-your-job-is-to-fix-what-is_674186.jpg) > “If you think your job is to fix what is broken, you keep finding more broken places to mend.” [Geneen Roth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/geneen-roth/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Fixing one problem often reveals deeper systemic issues. **In simple terms:** Repairing leads to more repairs. Key Takeaway Focus on root causes, not just symptoms. Themes systems thinking self-improvement awareness Mood analytical thoughtful Type philosophical practical When to use this quote - coaching - organizational change - personal therapy Key Concepts systems theory psychology habit formation Questions to Reflect On - What underlying patterns repeat in your life? - How can you address the root instead of the symptom? A Different Perspective Addressing surface issues can be endless without deeper analysis. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Broken](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/broken/) [Broken Finding](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/broken-finding-325500/) [Broken Places](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/broken-places-785787/) [Finding Broken](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/finding-broken-5346648/) [Findings](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/findings/) [Fix Broken](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/fix-broken/) [Ifs](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ifs/) [Jobs](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/jobs/) [Monday](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/monday/) [Monday morning](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/monday-morning/) [Morning](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/morning/) [Places Mend](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/places-mend-5346647/) [Thinking](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/thinking/) ## Related quotes > [But there is a different between mending someone who's broken and finding someone who makes you complete.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jodi-picoult/but-there-is-a-different-between-mending-someone-who-s-broken-and/) [Jodi Picoult](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jodi-picoult/) > [Just because we form an opinion about ourselves, or anyone else, doesn't mean it is true.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/geneen-roth/just-because-we-form-an-opinion-about-ourselves-or-anyone-else-doesn/) [Geneen Roth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/geneen-roth/) > [You are not your past, not your habits, not your compulsions. When you get to know who you are, anything becomes possible.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/geneen-roth/you-are-not-your-past-not-your-habits-not-your-compulsions-when-you/) [Geneen Roth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/geneen-roth/) > [Ask: is what I'm doing and thinking right now bringing me closer to myself or farther away? Opening my heart or closing it? You…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/geneen-roth/ask-is-what-i-m-doing-and-thinking-right-now-bringing-me-closer-to/) [Geneen Roth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/geneen-roth/) > [You already have everything you need to be content. Your real work is to do whatever it takes to realize that.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/geneen-roth/you-already-have-everything-you-need-to-be-content-your-real-work-is/) [Geneen Roth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/geneen-roth/) > [You are lovable, you are loving; your choices about food will reflect that, if you give yourself a chance.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/geneen-roth/you-are-lovable-you-are-loving-your-choices-about-food-will-reflect/) [Geneen Roth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/geneen-roth/) > [You don't need a scale to tell you whether you're allowed to like yourself today. You are. You belong here. No matter what you…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/geneen-roth/you-don-t-need-a-scale-to-tell-you-whether-you-re-allowed-to-like/) [Geneen Roth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/geneen-roth/) > [If you treat your feelings with as much love as you treat your dog or your cat or your child you'll feel as if…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/geneen-roth/if-you-treat-your-feelings-with-as-much-love-as-you-treat-your-dog-or/) [Geneen Roth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/geneen-roth/) > [You can rescue yourself. No matter how you feel, no matter what you believe about your worth or your capacity to love and be…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/geneen-roth/you-can-rescue-yourself-no-matter-how-you-feel-no-matter-what-you/) [Geneen Roth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/geneen-roth/) > [Imagine treating yourself with the kindness that you show people you love.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/geneen-roth/imagine-treating-yourself-with-the-kindness-that-you-show-people-you/) [Geneen Roth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/geneen-roth/) > [We are all broken and wounded in this world. Some choose to grow strong at the broken places.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/harold-j-duarte-bernhardt/we-are-all-broken-and-wounded-in-this-world-some-choose-to-grow/) [Harold J Duarte-Bernhardt](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/harold-j-duarte-bernhardt/) > [“I am a broken person. And I know exactly where my cracks are and how deep they run. I don't pretend to not be…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/c-joybell-c/i-am-a-broken-person-and-i-know-exactly-where-my-cracks-are-and-how/) [C. JoyBell C](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/c-joybell-c/) > [The world breaks everyone, and afterward, some are strong at the broken places.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ernest-hemingway/the-world-breaks-everyone-and-afterward-some-are-strong-at-the-broken/) [Ernest Hemingway](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ernest-hemingway/) > [Life breaks all of us but some of us get stronger in the broken places.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ernest-hemingway/life-breaks-all-of-us-but-some-of-us-get-stronger-in-the-broken-places/) [Ernest Hemingway](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ernest-hemingway/) > [In the broken places, the light shines through.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/leonard-cohen/in-the-broken-places-the-light-shines-through/) [Leonard Cohen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/leonard-cohen/) ## More by Geneen Roth > [For some reason, we are truly convinced that if we criticize ourselves, the criticism will lead to change. If we are harsh, we believe…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/geneen-roth/for-some-reason-we-are-truly-convinced-that-if-we-criticize-ourselves/) [Geneen Roth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/geneen-roth/) > [“Most of us are so enthralled with the scary tigers in our minds--our stories of loneliness, rejection, grief--that we don't realize they are in…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/geneen-roth/most-of-us-are-so-enthralled-with-the-scary-tigers-in-our-minds-our/) [Geneen Roth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/geneen-roth/) > [Most of our suffering comes from resisting what is already here, particularly our feelings. All any feeling wants is to be welcomed, touched, allowed.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/geneen-roth/most-of-our-suffering-comes-from-resisting-what-is-already-here/) [Geneen Roth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/geneen-roth/) > [The relentless attempts to be thin take you further and further away from what could actually end your suffering: getting back in touch with…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/geneen-roth/the-relentless-attempts-to-be-thin-take-you-further-and-further-away/) [Geneen Roth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/geneen-roth/) > [I tell my retreat students that they need to remember two things: to eat what they want when they're hungry and to feel what…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/geneen-roth/i-tell-my-retreat-students-that-they-need-to-remember-two-things-to/) [Geneen Roth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/geneen-roth/) > [After initial needs are met—enough food, shelter, comfort—there is no correlation between money and happiness. That's a difficult thing for people to believe.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/geneen-roth/after-initial-needs-are-met-enough-food-shelter-comfort-there-is-no/) [Geneen Roth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/geneen-roth/) > [“When you ignore your belly, you become homeless. You spend your life trying to erase your own existence. Apologizing for yourself. Feeling like a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/geneen-roth/when-you-ignore-your-belly-you-become-homeless-you-spend-your-life/) [Geneen Roth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/geneen-roth/) > [“People often mistake tenderheartedness for indulgence, as if being kind to themselves leads to lethargy—sitting around the house all day eating bonbons and wearing…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/geneen-roth/people-often-mistake-tenderheartedness-for-indulgence-as-if-being/) [Geneen Roth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/geneen-roth/) > [If you pay attention to when you are hungry, what your body wants, what you are eating, when you've had enough, you end the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/geneen-roth/if-you-pay-attention-to-when-you-are-hungry-what-your-body-wants-what/) [Geneen Roth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/geneen-roth/) > [“Pay careful attention to the bodily sensations that you recognize as hunger. When you feel yourself starting to get hungry, sit down for a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/geneen-roth/pay-careful-attention-to-the-bodily-sensations-that-you-recognize-as/) [Geneen Roth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/geneen-roth/) > [The purpose of healing is to live while you are alive instead of dying while you are alive. Healing is about being broken and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/geneen-roth/the-purpose-of-healing-is-to-live-while-you-are-alive-instead-of/) [Geneen Roth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/geneen-roth/) > [“But replacing hunger for divine connection with Double Stuf Oreos is like giving a glass of sand to a person dying of thirst. It…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/geneen-roth/but-replacing-hunger-for-divine-connection-with-double-stuf-oreos-is/) [Geneen Roth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/geneen-roth/) > [I live between fearing doom and wishing for it.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/geneen-roth/i-live-between-fearing-doom-and-wishing-for-it/) [Geneen Roth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/geneen-roth/) > [Imagine treating yourself with the kindness that you show people you love.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/geneen-roth/imagine-treating-yourself-with-the-kindness-that-you-show-people-you/) [Geneen Roth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/geneen-roth/) > [“When you are not hungry and decide to eat, choose a food that you ate that day when you were hungry. Be aware of:…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/geneen-roth/when-you-are-not-hungry-and-decide-to-eat-choose-a-food-that-you-ate/) [Geneen Roth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/geneen-roth/) [Explore all 141 Geneen Roth quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/geneen-roth/) ## More Broken quotes > [Broken by hardships, disappointments and tragedy, people can become discouraged and cynical. But lives can also be mended. Put back together well, they won't…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/steve-goodier/broken-by-hardships-disappointments-and-tragedy-people-can-become/) [Steve Goodier](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/steve-goodier/) > [You don't want to fix things that aren't broken, so that kind of stops you from make changes.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chris-weidman/you-don-t-want-to-fix-things-that-aren-t-broken-so-that-kind-of-stops/) [Chris Weidman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chris-weidman/) > [How else but through a broken heart may Lord Christ enter in?](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/oscar-wilde/how-else-but-through-a-broken-heart-may-lord-christ-enter-in/) [Oscar Wilde](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/oscar-wilde/) > [The worst advice? 'Don't listen to the critics.' I think that you really ought to listen to the critics, because sometimes they're telling you…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-king/the-worst-advice-don-t-listen-to-the-critics-i-think-that-you-really/) [Stephen King](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-king/) > [Marriage is a desperate thing.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-selden/marriage-is-a-desperate-thing/) [John Selden](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-selden/) > [The child who ran weeping to you with a cut finger is now brought home, smiling gamely, with a broken collarbone and incredible contusions-…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pam-brown/the-child-who-ran-weeping-to-you-with-a-cut-finger-is-now-brought/) [Pam Brown](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pam-brown/) > [There is no pain like the first time you get your heart broken.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ne-yo/there-is-no-pain-like-the-first-time-you-get-your-heart-broken/) [Ne-Yo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ne-yo/) > [Broken china lasts longer than unbroken.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jules-renard/broken-china-lasts-longer-than-unbroken/) [Jules Renard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jules-renard/) > [My life was incoherent to me. I felt it quivering, spitting out broken teeth.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/paula-fox/my-life-was-incoherent-to-me-i-felt-it-quivering-spitting-out-broken/) [Paula Fox](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/paula-fox/) > [Don't fix what's not broken.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-atkins/don-t-fix-what-s-not-broken/) [Robert Atkins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-atkins/) > [“ving self and others is an every second of every day of every week, of every month, of every year gift that should not…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sanjo-jendayi/ving-self-and-others-is-an-every-second-of-every-day-of-every-week-of/) [Sanjo Jendayi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sanjo-jendayi/) > [Your head's like mine, like all our heads; big enough to contain every god and devil there ever was. Big enough to hold the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/grant-morrison/your-head-s-like-mine-like-all-our-heads-big-enough-to-contain-every/) [Grant Morrison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/grant-morrison/) > [Rome, believe me, my friend, is like its own Monte Testaceo, Merelya marvellous mass of broken and castaway wine-pots.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/arthur-hugh-clough/rome-believe-me-my-friend-is-like-its-own-monte-testaceo-merelya/) [Arthur Hugh Clough](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/arthur-hugh-clough/) > [Its funny how someone breaks your heart but you still love them with all those broken pieces..!!](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/its-funny-how-someone-breaks-your-heart-but-you-still-love-them-with/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [When we don't get what we want, there's a legitimate grieving, and then the spiritual journey truly begins, because not getting what we want…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mark-nepo/when-we-don-t-get-what-we-want-there-s-a-legitimate-grieving-and-then/) [Mark Nepo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mark-nepo/) [Browse all 5,851 Broken quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/broken/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "If you think your job is to fix what is broken, you keep finding more broken places to mend.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Geneen Roth" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/geneen-roth/if-you-think-your-job-is-to-fix-what-is-broken-you-keep-finding-more/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Broken" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/geneen-roth/if-you-think-your-job-is-to-fix-what-is-broken-you-keep-finding-more/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7c6/geneen-roth-3050_broken_if-you-think-your-job-is-to-fix-what-is_674186.jpg", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7c6/geneen-roth-3050_broken_if-you-think-your-job-is-to-fix-what-is_674186.jpg", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7c6/geneen-roth-3050_broken_if-you-think-your-job-is-to-fix-what-is_674186.jpg", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“If you think your job is to fix what is broken, you keep finding more broken places to mend.” — Geneen Roth", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Quotes", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Geneen Roth", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/geneen-roth/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "If you think your job is...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/geneen-roth/if-you-think-your-job-is-to-fix-what-is-broken-you-keep-finding-more/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/geneen-roth/if-you-think-your-job-is-to-fix-what-is-broken-you-keep-finding-more/#breadcrumb" }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "publisher": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png", "width": 512, "height": 512 } } ] } ```