--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Expecting the best means that you put…" description: "\"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 defe..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2bd/norman-vincent-peale-539_ability_expecting-the-best-means-that-you-put-yo_3170341.jpg" --- # Expecting the best means that you put your whole heart… ![“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](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2bd/norman-vincent-peale-539_ability_expecting-the-best-means-that-you-put-yo_3170341.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2bd/norman-vincent-peale-539_ability_expecting-the-best-means-that-you-put-yo_3170341.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2bd/norman-vincent-peale-539_ability_expecting-the-best-means-that-you-put-yo_3170341.jpg) > “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](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/norman-vincent-peale/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. 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. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Ability](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ability/) [Essence](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/essence/) [Expecting the best](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/expecting-the-best/) [Heart](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/heart/) [Motivational](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/motivational/) [People](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/people/) [Personality](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/personality/) [Success](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/success/) [What you want](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/what-you-want/) [Wholeheartedness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/wholeheartedness/) ## Related quotes > [POSITIVE THINKING is not about expecting the BEST to HAPPEN. It's about expecting that whatever will happen it is for the best! :)](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jhoni-czhang/positive-thinking-is-not-about-expecting-the-best-to-happen-it-s/) [JHONI (Czhang](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jhoni-czhang/) > [Positive thinking is not about expecting the best to Happen ... It is about accepting that whatever will happen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ritu-ghatourey/positive-thinking-is-not-about-expecting-the-best-to-happen-it-is/) [Ritu Ghatourey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ritu-ghatourey/) > [Positive thinking is not about EXPECTING the BEST to happen it's about ACCEPTING that whatever happen,its for the BEST](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/isay/positive-thinking-is-not-about-expecting-the-best-to-happen-it-s-4/) Isay > [Positive thinking is not about, expecting the best to ever happen, every time. But accepting that whatever happens is the best for that MOMENT!'](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/andrew-guzaldo/positive-thinking-is-not-about-expecting-the-best-to-ever-happen/) [Andrew Guzaldo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/andrew-guzaldo/) > [Being optimistic doesn't mean waiting for things to happen by themselves. It means expecting the best, believing that the best will happen, but at…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/being-optimistic-doesn-t-mean-waiting-for-things-to-happen-by/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [“Expecting the best and demanding the best are two different things. The difference is our reaction. Our children need to know that they have…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/m-conley/expecting-the-best-and-demanding-the-best-are-two-different-things/) [M. Conley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/m-conley/) > [Put the power of your expectations to work ina positive and enriching way. Tell your life how you want it to be by expecting…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/senoraroy/put-the-power-of-your-expectations-to-work-ina-positive-and-enriching/) Senoraroy > [“We think we know them, but we really don’t. We let ourselves be deceived because we are always expecting the best out of those…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/terry-brooks/we-think-we-know-them-but-we-really-don-t-we-let-ourselves-be/) [Terry Brooks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/terry-brooks/) > [Positive thinking is not about expecting the best to happen. .It's about accepting that whatever will happen, it's for the best](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/katrin-o28/positive-thinking-is-not-about-expecting-the-best-to-happen-it-s-3/) Katrin\_o28 > [There's other people in life. Other options. Other opportunities. Why should you grasp into one human being expecting the best out of them when…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ash-sweeney/there-s-other-people-in-life-other-options-other-opportunities-why/) [Ash Sweeney](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ash-sweeney/) > [“If you expect the best of yourself, you’ll find yourself expecting the best of those around you, too. And you will find that people…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/del-suggs/if-you-expect-the-best-of-yourself-you-ll-find-yourself-expecting-the/) [Del Suggs](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/del-suggs/) > [Positive thinking is not about EXPECTING the BEST to happen. It's about ACCEPTING that whatever happens it's for the BEST,](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/positive-thinking-is-not-about-expecting-the-best-to-happen-it-s-2/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Thinking positive isn't about expecting the best to happen every time, but accepting that whatever happens is the best for this moment.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/thinking-positive-isn-t-about-expecting-the-best-to-happen-every-time/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [“It is so terrible to hear the worst when one has been expecting the best.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/hector-malot/it-is-so-terrible-to-hear-the-worst-when-one-has-been-expecting-the/) [Hector Malot](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/hector-malot/) > [Every man should make up his own mind that if he expect to succeed, he must give an honest return for the other man's…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/every-man-should-make-up-his-own-mind-that-if-he-expect-to-succeed-he/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) ## More by Norman Vincent Peale > [It is said that history turns on small hinges. A human career, too, results from an accumulating series of decisions about large and small…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/norman-vincent-peale/it-is-said-that-history-turns-on-small-hinges-a-human-career-too/) [Norman Vincent Peale](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/norman-vincent-peale/) > [And if the mind thinks with a believing attitude one can do amazing things.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/norman-vincent-peale/and-if-the-mind-thinks-with-a-believing-attitude-one-can-do-amazing/) [Norman Vincent Peale](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/norman-vincent-peale/) > [Always remember, there is more strength in you than you ever realized or even imagined. Certainly nothing can keep you down if you are…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/norman-vincent-peale/always-remember-there-is-more-strength-in-you-than-you-ever-realized/) [Norman Vincent Peale](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/norman-vincent-peale/) > [One of the most powerful concepts, one which is a sure cure for lack of confidence, is the thought that God is with you…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/norman-vincent-peale/one-of-the-most-powerful-concepts-one-which-is-a-sure-cure-for-lack/) [Norman Vincent Peale](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/norman-vincent-peale/) > [When we start focusing on things we can do and don't think so much about the things we can't do, things really start to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/norman-vincent-peale/when-we-start-focusing-on-things-we-can-do-and-don-t-think-so-much/) [Norman Vincent Peale](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/norman-vincent-peale/) > [The only figure in history who endures is Jesus.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/norman-vincent-peale/the-only-figure-in-history-who-endures-is-jesus/) [Norman Vincent Peale](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/norman-vincent-peale/) > [I believe absolutely and certainly that, when you die, you will meet your loved ones and know them and be reunited with them, never…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/norman-vincent-peale/i-believe-absolutely-and-certainly-that-when-you-die-you-will-meet/) [Norman Vincent Peale](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/norman-vincent-peale/) > [The cyclone derives its powers from a calm center. So does a person.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/norman-vincent-peale/the-cyclone-derives-its-powers-from-a-calm-center-so-does-a-person/) [Norman Vincent Peale](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/norman-vincent-peale/) > [Positive Thinkers get positive results because they appreciate the inestimable value of a day, this day, not the next day, but this day, and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/norman-vincent-peale/positive-thinkers-get-positive-results-because-they-appreciate-the/) [Norman Vincent Peale](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/norman-vincent-peale/) > [It takes struggle, a goal and enthusiasm to make a champion.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/norman-vincent-peale/it-takes-struggle-a-goal-and-enthusiasm-to-make-a-champion/) [Norman Vincent Peale](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/norman-vincent-peale/) > [“Submit to God and be at peace with him; in this way prosperity will come to you.” JOB 22:21”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/norman-vincent-peale/submit-to-god-and-be-at-peace-with-him-in-this-way-prosperity-will/) [Norman Vincent Peale](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/norman-vincent-peale/) > [Scatter good will and love and prayers all around, everywhere, and you will be astonished, not only by what it does for other people,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/norman-vincent-peale/scatter-good-will-and-love-and-prayers-all-around-everywhere-and-you/) [Norman Vincent Peale](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/norman-vincent-peale/) > [Stand up to an obstacle. Just stand up to it, that's all, and don't give way under it, and it will finally break. You…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/norman-vincent-peale/stand-up-to-an-obstacle-just-stand-up-to-it-that-s-all-and-don-t-give/) [Norman Vincent Peale](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/norman-vincent-peale/) > [Never allow sick attitudes to poison your thinking, nor let ill will make you ill. Avoid making your mind sore by that painful rehurting…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/norman-vincent-peale/never-allow-sick-attitudes-to-poison-your-thinking-nor-let-ill-will/) [Norman Vincent Peale](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/norman-vincent-peale/) > [“How you think about a problem is more important than the problem itself – so always think positively. Believe it is possible to solve…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/norman-vincent-peale/how-you-think-about-a-problem-is-more-important-than-the-problem/) [Norman Vincent Peale](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/norman-vincent-peale/) [Explore all 487 Norman Vincent Peale quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/norman-vincent-peale/) ## More Ability quotes > [I don't think there's a direct correlation between my sexuality and my skiing ability. But I think because I was so concerned about it…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gus-kenworthy/i-don-t-think-there-s-a-direct-correlation-between-my-sexuality-and/) [Gus Kenworthy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gus-kenworthy/) > [“the importance of ability. The things that make a great job great, I discovered, are rare and valuable. If you want them in your…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cal-newport/the-importance-of-ability-the-things-that-make-a-great-job-great-i/) [Cal Newport](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cal-newport/) > [Ambition drives you on, ability certainly helps, but the fickle finger of fate and luck are great things.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/fergus-henderson/ambition-drives-you-on-ability-certainly-helps-but-the-fickle-finger/) [Fergus Henderson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/fergus-henderson/) > [The ability of the gospel to unite us on common strengths and common truths is one of the great miracles . . . of the gospel.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jeffrey-r-holland/the-ability-of-the-gospel-to-unite-us-on-common-strengths-and-common/) [Jeffrey R. Holland](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jeffrey-r-holland/) > [Maybe law enforcement would like the ability to turn on the camera on your Mac.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tim-cook/maybe-law-enforcement-would-like-the-ability-to-turn-on-the-camera-on/) [Tim Cook](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tim-cook/) > [I've seen guys come along with more ability - they've been faster or bigger or stronger - but they never worked hard to develop…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/steve-largent/i-ve-seen-guys-come-along-with-more-ability-they-ve-been-faster-or/) [Steve Largent](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/steve-largent/) > [The youth of India has the strength to move the entire World with a click of a mouse, we have generated that ability!](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/narendra-modi/the-youth-of-india-has-the-strength-to-move-the-entire-world-with-a/) [Narendra Modi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/narendra-modi/) > [Time hath not yet so dried this blood of mine, Nor age so eat up my invention, Nor fortune made such havoc of my…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-shakespeare/time-hath-not-yet-so-dried-this-blood-of-mine-nor-age-so-eat-up-my/) [William Shakespeare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-shakespeare/) > [An absolutely necessary part of a writer's equipment, almost as necessary as talent, is the ability to stand up under punishment, both the punishment…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/irwin-shaw/an-absolutely-necessary-part-of-a-writer-s-equipment-almost-as/) [Irwin Shaw](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/irwin-shaw/) > [I'd be more frightened by not using whatever abilities I'd been given. I'd be more frightened by procrastination and laziness.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/denzel-washington/i-d-be-more-frightened-by-not-using-whatever-abilities-i-d-been-given/) [Denzel Washington](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/denzel-washington/) > [Bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. Take what I cannot give: my heart, body, thoughts, time, abilities, money, health, strength,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/elizabeth-prentiss/bring-into-captivity-every-thought-to-the-obedience-of-christ-take/) [Elizabeth Prentiss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/elizabeth-prentiss/) > [You can only do the work to the very best of your ability.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/christine-baranski/you-can-only-do-the-work-to-the-very-best-of-your-ability/) [Christine Baranski](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/christine-baranski/) > [Judge a person not by his ability to make money but by his ability to retain it.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/vikrant-parsai/judge-a-person-not-by-his-ability-to-make-money-but-by-his-ability-to/) [Vikrant Parsai](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/vikrant-parsai/) > [Balance is the ability to be happy in the midst of the most chaotic or even boring or transient circumstance.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/frederick-lenz/balance-is-the-ability-to-be-happy-in-the-midst-of-the-most-chaotic/) [Frederick Lenz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/frederick-lenz/) > [Bobby had faith in my ability as a singer.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/julie-london/bobby-had-faith-in-my-ability-as-a-singer/) [Julie London](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/julie-london/) [Browse all 9,990 Ability quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ability/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "Expecting the best means that you put your whole heart (i.e. the central essence of your personality) into what you want to accomplish. 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