Balls Quote by William James
“Never suffer an exception to occur till the new habit is securely rooted in your life. Each lapse is like the letting fall of a ball of string which one is carefully winding up; a single slip undoes more than a great many turns will wind again.”
About This Quote
Source Lecture: The Principles of Psychology, 1890
New habits must be firmly established before occasional lapses can be tolerated; a single mistake can undo much progress.
In simple terms: Consistent practice prevents setbacks.
Key Takeaway
Build strong, stable habits.
Themes
habit formation
consistency
resilience
Mood
thoughtful
pragmatic
Type
advice
psychological
When to use this quote
- learning a skill
- exercise routine
- dietary changes
- skill acquisition
Key Concepts
psychology
behavioral science
self‑control
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you recover after a slip?
- What supports help keep habits stable?
A Different Perspective
Habits can be fragile and require ongoing effort to maintain.
