Skip to content

Ability Quote by Norman Vincent Peale

“Expecting the best means that you put your whole heart (i.e. the central essence of your personality) into what you want to accomplish. People are defeated in life not because of lack of ability, but for lack of wholeheartedness. They do not wholeheartedly expect to succeed. Their heart isn't in…” quote by Norman Vincent Peale
Download Open image
“Expecting the best means that you put your whole heart (i.e. the central essence of your personality) into what you want to accomplish. People are defeated in life not because of lack of ability, but for lack of wholeheartedness. They do not wholeheartedly expect to succeed. Their heart isn't in it, which is to say, they themselves are not fully given.”

Norman Vincent Peale

About This Quote

Source Book: The Power of Positive Thinking, 1952

Success requires full emotional commitment; half‑hearted effort leads to defeat despite ability.

In simple terms: Give your whole heart to goals.

Key Takeaway

Commit fully to your aspirations.

Themes

commitment mindset effort success motivation

Mood

determined optimistic

Type

motivational practical

When to use this quote

  • career planning
  • personal projects
  • sports training
  • creative pursuits

Key Concepts

psychology self‑efficacy wholeheartedness

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does wholeheartedness look like for you?
  • How can you maintain it over time?
A Different Perspective

Not everyone can sustain total enthusiasm; burnout may follow.

3.9 out of 5 (4 ratings)

More by Norman Vincent Peale

Explore all 487 Norman Vincent Peale quotes

More Ability quotes

Browse all 9,990 Ability quotes