---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: You act, and feel, not according to what…"
description: "\"“You act, and feel, not according to what things are really like, but according to the image your mind holds of what they are like. You have certain me..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/230/maxwell-maltz-3463_mind_you-act-and-feel-not-according-to-what-t_345409.png"
---

#  You act, and feel, not according to what things are really…

![“You act, and feel, not according to what things are really like, but according to the image your mind holds of what they are like. You have certain mental images of yourself, your world, and the people around you, and you behave as though these images were the truth, the reality, rather than the…” quote by Maxwell Maltz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/230/maxwell-maltz-3463_mind_you-act-and-feel-not-according-to-what-t_345409.png)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/230/maxwell-maltz-3463_mind_you-act-and-feel-not-according-to-what-t_345409.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/230/maxwell-maltz-3463_mind_you-act-and-feel-not-according-to-what-t_345409.png)

> ““You act, and feel, not according to what things are really like, but according to the image your mind holds of what they are like. You have certain mental images of yourself, your world, and the people around you, and you behave as though these images were the truth, the reality, rather than the things they represent.””

[Maxwell Maltz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/maxwell-maltz/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

We act based on mental pictures, not objective reality; our perceptions shape behavior.

**In simple terms:** Our mind’s images guide our actions more than facts.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and revise limiting mental images.

Themes

perception self‑image behavior reality mindset

Mood

reflective insightful

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

- personal growth
- therapy
- coaching
- conflict resolution

Key Concepts

cognitive bias self‑fulfilling prophecy psychology

Questions to Reflect On

- What mental images are driving your current actions?
- How could changing those images alter your behavior?

A Different Perspective

Images can be distorted, leading to misinterpretations.

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