Procrastination is the fear of success. People procrastinate because they are afraid of the success that they know will result if they move ahead now. Because success is heavy, carries a responsibility with it, it is much easier to procrastinate and live on the "someday I'll" philosophy.
Learn from the past, set vivid, detailed goals for the future, and live in the only moment of time over which you have any control: now.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the importance of learning from past experiences, setting clear goals for the future, and focusing on the present moment.
Denis Waitley's quote encapsulates a powerful philosophy of personal growth and mindfulness. By urging us to learn from our past, he reminds us that our experiences can guide our future decisions. Setting vivid and detailed goals ensures we have a clear vision for what we want to achieve, while highlighting the necessity to live in the present moment emphasizes that the only true time we can influence is now. Collectively, this wisdom encourages a proactive and mindful approach to life.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech to inspire young professionals about goal-setting.
More from Denis Waitley
All quotes →Winners have the ability to step back from the canvas of their lives like an artist gaining perspective. They make their lives a work of art - an individual masterpiece.
Losers live in the past. Winners learn from the past and enjoy working in the present toward the future.
The easiest thing to do in the world is to neglect the important and give in to the urgent.
You are an uncut gemstone of priceless value. Cut and polish your potential with knowledge, skills and service and you will be in great demand throughout your life.
Expect the best; convert problems into opportunities; be dissatisfied with the status quo; focus on where you want to go, instead of where you're coming from; and most importantly, decide to be happy, knowing it's an attitude, a habit gained from daily practice, and not a result or payoff.
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You can't change the way people think, all you can do is give them a tool, the use of which will change their thinking.
It seems as though mankind has forgotten the laws of its divine Saviour, Who preached love and forgiveness of injuries—and that men attribute the greatest merit to skill in killing one another.
Wise men say, and not without reason, that whosoever wished to foresee the future might consult the past.
No one should be ashamed to admit they are wrong, which is but saying, in other words, that they are wiser today than they were yesterday.