Achieve Quote by Jonathan Haidt
“We can call this "the progress principle": Pleasure comes more from making progress toward goals than from achieving them. Shakespeare captured it perfectly: "Things won are done; joy's soul lies in the doing."”
About This Quote
Source Speech: The Progress Principle, 2018
Progress feels more rewarding than the final achievement because the journey itself provides purpose and joy, not just the outcome.
In simple terms: Making progress feels better than finishing.
Key Takeaway
Focus on incremental progress.
Themes
motivation
goal setting
psychology
productivity
Mood
optimistic
encouraging
Type
motivational
practical
When to use this quote
- goal setting
- project management
- personal development
- education
Key Concepts
growth mindset
self-determination theory
habit formation
Questions to Reflect On
- What small steps can you take today?
- How does progress affect your motivation?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on progress can ignore the value of completion.
![“Rewards of the Self Finally, there are the variable rewards we seek for a more personal form of gratification. We are driven to conquer obstacles, even if just for the satisfaction of doing so. Pursuing a task to completion can influence people to continue all sorts of behaviors.[lxxxvi]…” quote by Nir Eyal](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/671/nir-eyal-1258_quote_rewards-of-the-self-finally-there-are-th_2198663.jpg)
