QuoteProject
Happiness can be defined, in part at least, as the fruit of the desire and ability to sacrifice what we want now for what we want eventually.
Stephen Covey
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

Happiness is achieved by sacrificing immediate desires for long-term goals.

This quote by Stephen Covey suggests that true happiness stems from the willingness to postpone immediate gratification in favor of more meaningful and fulfilling long-term achievements. It highlights the importance of sacrifice and discipline in the pursuit of lasting joy, indicating that happiness is not just a fleeting emotion but a product of our choices and actions over time.

Themes

HappinessSacrificeDesireLong-TermGratification

In practice

Example use cases

In a motivational speech on personal growth, one might use this quote to emphasize the importance of making sacrifices.

More from Stephen Covey

How many on their deathbeds wished they'd spent more time at the office - or watching TV? The answer is, No one.
Stephen CoveyRead
If you want to have a more pleasant, cooperative teenager, be a more understanding, empathic, consistent, loving parent. If you want to have more freedom, more latitude in your job, be a more responsible, a more helpful, a more contributing employee.
Stephen CoveyRead
Listen with your eyes for feelings.
Stephen CoveyRead
If we live out of our memory, we're tied to the past and to that which is finite. When we live out of our imagination, _x000D_ we're tied to that which is infinite.
Stephen CoveyRead
Synergy is the highest activity of life; it creates new untapped alternatives; it values and exploits the mental, emotional, and psychological differences between people.
Stephen CoveyRead
Keep in mind that you are always saying "no" to something. If it isn't to the apparent and urgent things in your life, it is probably to the most fundamental, highly important things.
Stephen CoveyRead

Similar quotes

Things and conditions can give you pleasure but they cannot give you joy- joy arises from within.
Eckhart TolleRead
My heart forgives and releases. Inner peace is my goal.
Louise HayRead
Happiness doesn't result from what we get, but from what we give.
Benjamin CarsonRead
Show me another pleasure like dinner which comes every day and lasts an hour.
Charles Maurice De TalleyrandRead
You will never be happier than you expect. To change your happiness, change your expectation.
Bette DavisRead
Account no man happy till he dies.
EuripidesRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.