--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Good intentions aren't enough. People…" description: "\"Good intentions aren't enough. People have good intentions when they set a goal to do something, but then they miss a deadline or other milestone.\" — H..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/faf/harvey-mackay-1775_deadline_good-intentions-aren-t-enough-people-hav_1724712.png" --- # Good intentions aren't enough. People have good intentions… ![“Good intentions aren't enough. People have good intentions when they set a goal to do something, but then they miss a deadline or other milestone.” quote by Harvey Mackay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/faf/harvey-mackay-1775_deadline_good-intentions-aren-t-enough-people-hav_1724712.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/faf/harvey-mackay-1775_deadline_good-intentions-aren-t-enough-people-hav_1724712.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/faf/harvey-mackay-1775_deadline_good-intentions-aren-t-enough-people-hav_1724712.png) > “Good intentions aren't enough. People have good intentions when they set a goal to do something, but then they miss a deadline or other milestone.” [Harvey Mackay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/harvey-mackay/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Good intentions alone don't guarantee results; execution and follow‑through matter more than planning. **In simple terms:** Intentions aren't enough without action. Key Takeaway Focus on meeting deadlines. Themes responsibility execution goal‑setting Mood determined pragmatic Type advice motivational When to use this quote - project work - personal goals - team deadlines - habit formation Key Concepts self‑discipline time management Questions to Reflect On - How can you turn intentions into concrete steps? - What systems help you meet milestones? A Different Perspective Even with good intentions, obstacles can derail plans. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Deadline](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/deadline/) [Enough](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/enough/) [Goal](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/goal/) [Goals](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/goals/) [Good](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/good/) [Good intentions](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/good-intentions/) [Intention](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/intention/) [Intentions](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/intentions/) [Intentions Aren](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/intentions-aren-977752/) [Intentions Set](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/intentions-set-1372592/) [Milestone](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/milestone/) [Miss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/miss/) [Missing](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/missing/) [People](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/people/) [Set A Goal](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/set-a-goal/) [Set Goal](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/set-goal/) ## Related quotes > [New year resolutions usually amount to nothing. Instead, set a goal and work towards it.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/new-year-resolutions-usually-amount-to-nothing-instead-set-a-goal-and/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [You set a goal to win a state championship, to get a scholarship, then your focus is on just playing in the NFL. You…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/randall-cunningham/you-set-a-goal-to-win-a-state-championship-to-get-a-scholarship-then/) [Randall Cunningham](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/randall-cunningham/) > [When you set a goal, write it down and then it's like making a promise to yourself.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tony-dicicco/when-you-set-a-goal-write-it-down-and-then-it-s-like-making-a-promise/) [Tony DiCicco](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tony-dicicco/) > [“Set a goal. Say it out loud. Let it scare you. Let it change you. Let it excite you. And then, let it motivate…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/liz-newman/set-a-goal-say-it-out-loud-let-it-scare-you-let-it-change-you-let-it/) [Liz Newman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/liz-newman/) > [Set a goal and a program for yourself, and everything else will follow. Guaranteed.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/amby-burfoot/set-a-goal-and-a-program-for-yourself-and-everything-else-will-follow/) [Amby Burfoot](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/amby-burfoot/) > [You just have to set a goal and go for it.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/andrew-w-k/you-just-have-to-set-a-goal-and-go-for-it/) [Andrew W.K](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/andrew-w-k/) > [That's basically what I have people do, I have them become aware. Once you set a goal, once you become aware of something, it…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tony-robbins/that-s-basically-what-i-have-people-do-i-have-them-become-aware-once/) [Tony Robbins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tony-robbins/) > [If you do not get chills when you set a goal, your not setting big enough goals.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bob-proctor/if-you-do-not-get-chills-when-you-set-a-goal-your-not-setting-big/) [Bob Proctor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bob-proctor/) > [We can with confidence set a goal to make this Christmas brighter than the last and each year that follows brighter still.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/henry-b-eyring/we-can-with-confidence-set-a-goal-to-make-this-christmas-brighter-2/) [Henry B. Eyring](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/henry-b-eyring/) > [Set a goal, and in small, consistent steps, work to reach it. Get support from your peers when you start flagging. Repeat. You will…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/seth-godin/set-a-goal-and-in-small-consistent-steps-work-to-reach-it-get-support/) [Seth Godin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/seth-godin/) > [I've done a couple of songs which are not up to the mark. So, mentally, I've set a goal that I should be more…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/arijit-singh/i-ve-done-a-couple-of-songs-which-are-not-up-to-the-mark-so-mentally/) [Arijit Singh](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/arijit-singh/) > [Each one of us has set a goal for our selves in life,but most of us dont follow what we really want.the key is…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nateman/each-one-of-us-has-set-a-goal-for-our-selves-in-life-but-most-of-us/) [Nateman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nateman/) > [Set a goal, write it down, and release the outcome. Small steps make a big difference.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cheryl-richardson/set-a-goal-write-it-down-and-release-the-outcome-small-steps-make-a/) [Cheryl Richardson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cheryl-richardson/) > [You want to set a goal that is big enough that in the process of achieveing it you become someone worth becoming.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jim-rohn/you-want-to-set-a-goal-that-is-big-enough-that-in-the-process-of/) [Jim Rohn](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jim-rohn/) > [When you set a goal, it's a personal thing, and that goal should be very big, hairy and audacious.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tony-bates/when-you-set-a-goal-it-s-a-personal-thing-and-that-goal-should-be/) [Tony Bates](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tony-bates/) ## More by Harvey Mackay > [It doesn't matter if they say you can't do it. It only matters if you say you can't.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/harvey-mackay/it-doesn-t-matter-if-they-say-you-can-t-do-it-it-only-matters-if-you/) [Harvey Mackay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/harvey-mackay/) > [Life is too short to wake up with regrets. So love the people who treat you right. Forget about those who don’t. Believe everything…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/harvey-mackay/life-is-too-short-to-wake-up-with-regrets-so-love-the-people-who/) [Harvey Mackay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/harvey-mackay/) > [Be like the turtle. If he didn't stick his neck out, he wouldn't get anywhere at all.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/harvey-mackay/be-like-the-turtle-if-he-didn-t-stick-his-neck-out-he-wouldn-t-get/) [Harvey Mackay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/harvey-mackay/) > [Keep the customer actively involved throughout your presentation, and watch your results improve.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/harvey-mackay/keep-the-customer-actively-involved-throughout-your-presentation-and/) [Harvey Mackay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/harvey-mackay/) > [Your workforce is your most valuable asset. The knowledge and skills they have represent the fuel that drives the engine of business - and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/harvey-mackay/your-workforce-is-your-most-valuable-asset-the-knowledge-and-skills/) [Harvey Mackay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/harvey-mackay/) > [I've learned that people will seldom let you down if they understand that your destiny is in their hands, and vice versa.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/harvey-mackay/i-ve-learned-that-people-will-seldom-let-you-down-if-they-understand/) [Harvey Mackay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/harvey-mackay/) > [People begin to become successful the minute they decide to be.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/harvey-mackay/people-begin-to-become-successful-the-minute-they-decide-to-be/) [Harvey Mackay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/harvey-mackay/) > [I have ten marathons under my belt, including four New York races and one Boston.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/harvey-mackay/i-have-ten-marathons-under-my-belt-including-four-new-york-races-and/) [Harvey Mackay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/harvey-mackay/) > [Southwest Airlines is successful because the company understands it's a customer service company. It also happens to be an airline.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/harvey-mackay/southwest-airlines-is-successful-because-the-company-understands-it-s/) [Harvey Mackay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/harvey-mackay/) > [Pay attention to those employees who respectfully ask why. They are demonstrating an interest in their jobs and exhibiting a curiosity that could eventually…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/harvey-mackay/pay-attention-to-those-employees-who-respectfully-ask-why-they-are/) [Harvey Mackay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/harvey-mackay/) > [The employees who share innovative ideas may also be the folks who have some hidden talents that would help incorporate their suggestions.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/harvey-mackay/the-employees-who-share-innovative-ideas-may-also-be-the-folks-who/) [Harvey Mackay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/harvey-mackay/) > [Leadership does not mean getting people to do their job. It means getting people to do their best.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/harvey-mackay/leadership-does-not-mean-getting-people-to-do-their-job-it-means/) [Harvey Mackay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/harvey-mackay/) > [It's only lonely at the top if you forget all the people you met along the way and fail to acknowledge their contributions to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/harvey-mackay/it-s-only-lonely-at-the-top-if-you-forget-all-the-people-you-met/) [Harvey Mackay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/harvey-mackay/) > [If you walk backwards, you will never stub your toe.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/harvey-mackay/if-you-walk-backwards-you-will-never-stub-your-toe/) [Harvey Mackay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/harvey-mackay/) > [As you schedule individual tasks, give yourself a cushion. Mark the due date a few days ahead of the actual deadline so you have…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/harvey-mackay/as-you-schedule-individual-tasks-give-yourself-a-cushion-mark-the-due/) [Harvey Mackay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/harvey-mackay/) [Explore all 209 Harvey Mackay quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/harvey-mackay/) ## More Deadline quotes > [Having small children and being an investigative reporter would seem like a difficult mix, but it worked well for me. I was often working…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jill-abramson/having-small-children-and-being-an-investigative-reporter-would-seem/) [Jill Abramson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jill-abramson/) > [Two things you need to know about taxes. They've extended the deadline to April 18, and when you write your check, just make it…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/david-letterman/two-things-you-need-to-know-about-taxes-they-ve-extended-the-deadline/) [David Letterman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-letterman/) > [All writers are forced to live within deadlines, and deadlines determine how good they can be.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lawrence-o-donnell/all-writers-are-forced-to-live-within-deadlines-and-deadlines/) [Lawrence O'Donnell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lawrence-o-donnell/) > [I always think the most important thing for a writer is a deadline, and it's the same with a house. They say you shouldn't…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/adriana-trigiani/i-always-think-the-most-important-thing-for-a-writer-is-a-deadline/) [Adriana Trigiani](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/adriana-trigiani/) > [“Pakiramdam ko e andami kong naiisip na dehins magawa dahil alang deadline. Nasanay ata ko sa school tsaka sa trabaho na lahat may deadline.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/manix-abrera/pakiramdam-ko-e-andami-kong-naiisip-na-dehins-magawa-dahil-alang/) [Manix Abrera](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/manix-abrera/) > [Everybody in the real world will agree - the moment a project is behind deadline, quality assurance tends to go out the window.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alan-cox/everybody-in-the-real-world-will-agree-the-moment-a-project-is-behind/) [Alan Cox](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alan-cox/) > [Nero wasn't worried at all when he heard the utterance of the Delphic Oracle: "Beware the age of seventy-three." Plenty of time to enjoy…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/c-p-cavafy/nero-wasn-t-worried-at-all-when-he-heard-the-utterance-of-the-delphic/) [C.P. Cavafy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/c-p-cavafy/) > [Nothing focuses attention like a real deadline. If you are in a field where life and death, or having a job or not having…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-perry/nothing-focuses-attention-like-a-real-deadline-if-you-are-in-a-field/) [John Perry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-perry/) > [“There is one surefire way to produce bad writing: submit to the slavery of a deadline.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/flavia-id/there-is-one-surefire-way-to-produce-bad-writing-submit-to-the/) [Flavia Idà](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/flavia-id/) > [I think setting goals is critical; having deadlines for ourselves- how much by when? Too many people have these big dreams where they want…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jack-canfield/i-think-setting-goals-is-critical-having-deadlines-for-ourselves-how/) [Jack Canfield](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jack-canfield/) > [Publishing is, by its nature, about deadlines, and deadlines are toxic.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jan-karon/publishing-is-by-its-nature-about-deadlines-and-deadlines-are-toxic/) [Jan Karon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jan-karon/) > [There are no unrealistic goals, only unrealistic deadlines.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brian-tracy/there-are-no-unrealistic-goals-only-unrealistic-deadlines/) [Brian Tracy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brian-tracy/) > [Without deadlines and restrictions I just tend to become preoccupied with other things.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/val-kilmer/without-deadlines-and-restrictions-i-just-tend-to-become-preoccupied/) [Val Kilmer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/val-kilmer/) > [Most lawsuits against the EPA historically have come either because of the agency's lack of regard for a statute or because the EPA failed…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/scott-pruitt/most-lawsuits-against-the-epa-historically-have-come-either-because/) [Scott Pruitt](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/scott-pruitt/) > [“The deadline is at midnight in America; dawn, 5 A.M., in England, and 8:00 A.M., early morning, in Iraq. The Americans tie yellow ribbons…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/betool-khedairi/the-deadline-is-at-midnight-in-america-dawn-5-a-m-in-england-and-8-00/) [Betool Khedairi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/betool-khedairi/) [Browse all 405 Deadline quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/deadline/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "Good intentions aren't enough. 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