Desire Quote by Kelly McGonigal
![“[...]while we all have the capacity to do harder things, we also have the desire to do exactly the opposite.” quote by Kelly McGonigal](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/da7/kelly-mcgonigal-20652_desire_while-we-all-have-the-capacity-to-do-har_3180109.jpg)
““[...]while we all have the capacity to do harder things, we also have the desire to do exactly the opposite.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Upside of Stress by Kelly McGonigal, 2015
People often crave ease even when capable of greater effort, revealing a conflict between ability and desire.
In simple terms: We want ease despite ability.
Key Takeaway
Align desire with capability.
Themes
psychology
motivation
self‑control
Mood
motivational
thoughtful
Type
self‑help
psychological
When to use this quote
- fitness training
- academic work
- career advancement
Key Concepts
effort aversion
goal setting
habit formation
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do we choose easier paths?
- How can we motivate harder work?
A Different Perspective
The quote may understate external constraints.
![“Teaching might even be the greatest of the arts since the medium is the human mind and spirit. My three [great teachers] did not tell - they catalyzed a burning desire to know. Under their influence, the horizons sprung wide and fear went away and the unknown became knowable. But most important of…” quote by John Steinbeck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/84c/john-steinbeck-71_art_teaching-might-even-be-the-greatest-of-t_1738.jpg)
