--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: If you want small changes in your life…" description: "\"If you want small changes in your life, work on your attitude. But if you want big and primary changes, work on your paradigm.\" — Stephen Covey" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/018/stephen-covey-339_attitude_if-you-want-small-changes-in-your-life-w_2741820.png" --- # If you want small changes in your life, work on your… ![“If you want small changes in your life, work on your attitude. But if you want big and primary changes, work on your paradigm.” quote by Stephen Covey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/018/stephen-covey-339_attitude_if-you-want-small-changes-in-your-life-w_2741820.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/018/stephen-covey-339_attitude_if-you-want-small-changes-in-your-life-w_2741820.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/018/stephen-covey-339_attitude_if-you-want-small-changes-in-your-life-w_2741820.png) > “If you want small changes in your life, work on your attitude. But if you want big and primary changes, work on your paradigm.” [Stephen Covey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-covey/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Changing attitudes yields small changes; altering underlying paradigms creates major transformation. **In simple terms:** Attitude changes minor; paradigm changes major. Key Takeaway Shift your core paradigm. Themes growth mindset change Mood motivational strategic Type inspirational analytical When to use this quote - business strategy - life coaching - education - policy reform Key Concepts systems thinking personal development Questions to Reflect On - What core beliefs limit you? - How can you reframe them? A Different Perspective Paradigm shifts can be resisted or slow. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Attitude](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/attitude/) [Change](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/change/) [Changes In Your Life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/changes-in-your-life/) [Life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/life/) [Life changing](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/life-changing/) [Paradigm](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/paradigm/) [Small changes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/small-changes/) [Work](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/work/) ## Related quotes > [“The trouble is, the modern work paradigm gives us so little sense of completion or clear space that it feels like we’re constantly straining…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/graham-allcott/the-trouble-is-the-modern-work-paradigm-gives-us-so-little-sense-of/) [Graham Allcott](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/graham-allcott/) > [“Give yourself small goals to achieve on a daily basis. Make small changes in your life that would make you more productive, and make…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/avijeet-das/give-yourself-small-goals-to-achieve-on-a-daily-basis-make-small/) [Avijeet Das](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/avijeet-das/) > [Making a few small changes in your life can make a big difference.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sonya-parker/making-a-few-small-changes-in-your-life-can-make-a-big-difference/) [Sonya Parker](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sonya-parker/) > [Sometimes good things fall apart so better things could fall together.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marilyn-monroe/sometimes-good-things-fall-apart-so-better-things-could-fall-together/) [Marilyn Monroe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marilyn-monroe/) > [cross that person off your invitation list.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-eliot/cross-that-person-off-your-invitation-list/) [John Eliot](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-eliot/) > [My attitude If you want to say bad things about me Behind my back Come in front of Me I'll tell you more :D](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/my-attitude-if-you-want-to-say-bad-things-about-me-behind-my-back/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [I have my own stubborn attitude about how I want to play and where I want to go.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rory-gallagher/i-have-my-own-stubborn-attitude-about-how-i-want-to-play-and-where-i/) [Rory Gallagher](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rory-gallagher/) > [Our attitude is that we want to cross over. You can't go on making records just for your own hometown.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cheryl-james/our-attitude-is-that-we-want-to-cross-over-you-can-t-go-on-making/) [Cheryl James](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cheryl-james/) > [With a positive attitude, you can be anything you want to be.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/selena/with-a-positive-attitude-you-can-be-anything-you-want-to-be/) [Selena](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/selena/) > [When you're going out with the attitude that you want to win, you can't get caught up in the style of play.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/b-j-armstrong/when-you-re-going-out-with-the-attitude-that-you-want-to-win-you-can/) [B. J. Armstrong](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/b-j-armstrong/) > [Miss, what happens in life isnt determined by us. What we can determine is how we want to live and what attitude we want…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/miss-what-happens-in-life-isnt-determined-by-us-what-we-can-determine/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [I love the way America is so aspirational. I really like the attitude that you can be anything you want to be as long…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tom-payne/i-love-the-way-america-is-so-aspirational-i-really-like-the-attitude/) [Tom Payne](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tom-payne/) > [One of the things I'm most proud of about myself is my ability to fail in front of the world. You have to have…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/solange-knowles/one-of-the-things-i-m-most-proud-of-about-myself-is-my-ability-to/) [Solange Knowles](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/solange-knowles/) > [By centering our lives on timeless, unchanging principles, we create a fundamental paradigm of effective living. It is the center that puts all other…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-covey/by-centering-our-lives-on-timeless-unchanging-principles-we-create-a/) [Stephen Covey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-covey/) > [We see the world, not as it is, but as we are -- or, as we are conditioned to see it. When we open…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-covey/we-see-the-world-not-as-it-is-but-as-we-are-or-as-we-are-conditioned/) [Stephen Covey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-covey/) ## More by Stephen Covey > [You can't have the fruits without the roots. It's the principle of sequencing: Private Victories proceed Public Victories. Self-mastery and self-discipline are the foundation…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-covey/you-can-t-have-the-fruits-without-the-roots-it-s-the-principle-of/) [Stephen Covey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-covey/) > [Empathic listening takes time, but it doesn't take anywhere near as much time as it takes to back up and correct misunderstandings when you're…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-covey/empathic-listening-takes-time-but-it-doesn-t-take-anywhere-near-as/) [Stephen Covey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-covey/) > [The fire inside people is like a match; the way to ignite that flame is initially through friction, then other matches are lit through…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-covey/the-fire-inside-people-is-like-a-match-the-way-to-ignite-that-flame/) [Stephen Covey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-covey/) > [In a very real sense, there are only two roles in organisations: customers and suppliers. Everybody functions simultaneously in both roles, whether inside or…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-covey/in-a-very-real-sense-there-are-only-two-roles-in-organisations/) [Stephen Covey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-covey/) > [To blame and accuse other people, is to choose to empower them, to control us.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-covey/to-blame-and-accuse-other-people-is-to-choose-to-empower-them-to/) [Stephen Covey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-covey/) > [Be part of the solution, not part of the problem.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-covey/be-part-of-the-solution-not-part-of-the-problem/) [Stephen Covey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-covey/) > [If you are an effective manager of your self, your discipline comes from within; it is a function of your independent will.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-covey/if-you-are-an-effective-manager-of-your-self-your-discipline-comes/) [Stephen Covey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-covey/) > [I believe in Coach Louis Wong. He is so much more than just a football coach.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-covey/i-believe-in-coach-louis-wong-he-is-so-much-more-than-just-a-football/) [Stephen Covey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-covey/) > [Most people struggle with life balance simply because they haven't paid the price to decide what is really important to them.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-covey/most-people-struggle-with-life-balance-simply-because-they-haven-t/) [Stephen Covey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-covey/) > [Highly proactive people don't blame circumstances, conditions, or conditioning for their behavior. Their behavior is a product of their own conscious choice.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-covey/highly-proactive-people-don-t-blame-circumstances-conditions-or/) [Stephen Covey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-covey/) > [When it comes to developing character strength, inner security and unique personal and interpersonal talents and skills in a child, no institution can or…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-covey/when-it-comes-to-developing-character-strength-inner-security-and/) [Stephen Covey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-covey/) > [Most people define greatness through wealth and popularity and position in the corner office. But what I call everyday greatness comes from character and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-covey/most-people-define-greatness-through-wealth-and-popularity-and/) [Stephen Covey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-covey/) > [Contrary to what most people believe, trust is not some soft, illusive quality that you either have or you don't; rather, trust is a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-covey/contrary-to-what-most-people-believe-trust-is-not-some-soft-illusive/) [Stephen Covey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-covey/) > [We are limited but we can push back the borders of our limitations](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-covey/we-are-limited-but-we-can-push-back-the-borders-of-our-limitations/) [Stephen Covey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-covey/) > [Many people seem to think that success in one area can compensate for failure in other areas. But can it really?... True effectiveness requires…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-covey/many-people-seem-to-think-that-success-in-one-area-can-compensate-for/) [Stephen Covey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-covey/) [Explore all 663 Stephen Covey quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-covey/) ## More Attitude quotes > [“WE CAN'T ALWAYS CONTROL OUR CIRCUMSTANCES BUT WE CAN CONTROL OUR ATTITUDE. WE MUST BE MORE CONCERNED WITH WHAT WE DO WITH WHAT HAPPENS…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marvin-j-ashton/we-can-t-always-control-our-circumstances-but-we-can-control-our/) [MARVIN J. ASHTON](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marvin-j-ashton/) > [It's not the method, it's the mindset.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/andy-gilbert/it-s-not-the-method-it-s-the-mindset/) [Andy Gilbert](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/andy-gilbert/) > [The vision of the left, full of envy and resentment, takes its worst toll on those at the bottom - whether black or white…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-sowell/the-vision-of-the-left-full-of-envy-and-resentment-takes-its-worst/) [Thomas Sowell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-sowell/) > [Changes before your eyes, things you can do and things you can't. My attitude is always let it keep rolling.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/terrence-malick/changes-before-your-eyes-things-you-can-do-and-things-you-can-t-my/) [Terrence Malick](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/terrence-malick/) > [Vow to be valiant. Resolve to be radiant. Determine to be dynamic. Strive to be sincere. Aspire to be attuned.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-arthur-ward/vow-to-be-valiant-resolve-to-be-radiant-determine-to-be-dynamic/) [William Arthur Ward](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-arthur-ward/) > [Don't judge me because I'm stupid. Don't judge me because I'm, mean. Don't judge me because I'm weird. Don't judge me for mistakes. Because…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/isaiah-harden-me/don-t-judge-me-because-i-m-stupid-don-t-judge-me-because-i-m-mean-don/) Isaiah Harden (Me > [Your feelings (mood) dictate your thought, your thought determines your attitude (reactions) and your attitude describes your lifestyle, so: be careful how you feel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sheye-hassan/your-feelings-mood-dictate-your-thought-your-thought-determines-your/) Sheye Hassan > [Success will come when the societal attitude changes and not a single woman in America asks herself the question 'What did I do?'.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joe-biden/success-will-come-when-the-societal-attitude-changes-and-not-a-single/) [Joe Biden](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joe-biden/) > [“Good Seeds! Gratitude is the Greatest Attitude that has no Substitute.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bernard-kelvin-clive/good-seeds-gratitude-is-the-greatest-attitude-that-has-no-substitute/) [Bernard Kelvin Clive](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bernard-kelvin-clive/) > [Jeff Chu's pilgrimage across America to discover his own place as a gay man in the Christian church as well as attitudes about being…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/donna-freitas/jeff-chu-s-pilgrimage-across-america-to-discover-his-own-place-as-a/) [Donna Freitas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/donna-freitas/) > [One genuine reason to feel jealous of my parents:-) I will never ever have a kid as awesome as their's...](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/one-genuine-reason-to-feel-jealous-of-my-parents-i-will-never-ever/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [I'm optimistic Hong Kong will achieve universal suffrage - no matter the attitude of Beijing.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joshua-wong/i-m-optimistic-hong-kong-will-achieve-universal-suffrage-no-matter/) [Joshua Wong](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joshua-wong/) > [My attitude it that you don't give in.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/phil-taylor/my-attitude-it-that-you-don-t-give-in/) [Phil Taylor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/phil-taylor/) > [Transparency pertains to impartial behavior, implies openness, communication, and accountability. Inculcate transparency in attitude and experience a life free of controversy and blame](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dr-anil-kr-sinha/transparency-pertains-to-impartial-behavior-implies-openness/) [Dr Anil Kr Sinha](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dr-anil-kr-sinha/) > [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/) [Browse all 9,543 Attitude quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/attitude/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "If you want small changes in your life, work on your attitude. But if you want big and primary changes, work on your paradigm.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Stephen Covey" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-covey/if-you-want-small-changes-in-your-life-work-on-your-attitude-but-if/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Attitude" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-covey/if-you-want-small-changes-in-your-life-work-on-your-attitude-but-if/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/018/stephen-covey-339_attitude_if-you-want-small-changes-in-your-life-w_2741820.png", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/018/stephen-covey-339_attitude_if-you-want-small-changes-in-your-life-w_2741820.png", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/018/stephen-covey-339_attitude_if-you-want-small-changes-in-your-life-w_2741820.png", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“If you want small changes in your life, work on your attitude. But if you want big and primary changes, work…” — Stephen Covey", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Quotes", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Stephen Covey", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-covey/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "If you want small changes in...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-covey/if-you-want-small-changes-in-your-life-work-on-your-attitude-but-if/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-covey/if-you-want-small-changes-in-your-life-work-on-your-attitude-but-if/#breadcrumb" }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "publisher": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png", "width": 512, "height": 512 } } ] } ```