Achieving Quote by Marshall Goldsmith
““One of the greatest mistakes of successful people is the assumption, “I behave this way, and I achieve results. Therefore, I must be achieving results because I behave this way.””
About This Quote
Source Book: What Got You Here Won’t Get You There, 2007
Success isn’t solely caused by behavior; results can stem from external factors, so avoid assuming causation.
In simple terms: Don’t mistake correlation for cause.
Key Takeaway
Question assumptions about success.
Themes
critical thinking
humility
leadership
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
professional
educational
When to use this quote
- performance reviews
- career planning
- team feedback
Key Concepts
Causality
self‑awareness
Questions to Reflect On
- What evidence supports your success?
- How can you test your assumptions?
A Different Perspective
Over‑analysis can hinder action.
