Repetition of the same thought or physical action develops into a habit which, repeated frequently enough, becomes an automatic reflex.

Meaning of the quote

When you do the same thing over and over again, it becomes a habit. And if you keep doing that habit again and again, it becomes automatic, like a reflex that just happens without you even thinking about it. So the more you repeat a thought or action, the more it becomes a natural part of who you are.

About Norman Vincent Peale

Norman Vincent Peale was an American Protestant clergyman and author best known for popularizing the concept of positive thinking. He served as the pastor of Marble Collegiate Church in New York for over 50 years and had a prolific career in writing, broadcasting, and engaging with national political figures.

More about the author

More quotes from Norman Vincent Peale

Promises are like crying babies in a theater, they should be carried out at once.

Norman Vincent Peale

American writer and minister (1898-1993)

The Gateway to Christianity is not through an intricate labyrinth of dogma, but by a simple belief in the person of Christ.

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Part of the happiness of life consists not in fighting battles, but in avoiding them. A masterly retreat is in itself a victory.

Norman Vincent Peale

American writer and minister (1898-1993)

Getting people to like you is merely the other side of liking them.

Norman Vincent Peale

American writer and minister (1898-1993)

The more you lose yourself in something bigger than yourself, the more energy you will have.

Norman Vincent Peale

American writer and minister (1898-1993)

The life of inner peace, being harmonious and without stress, is the easiest type of existence.

Norman Vincent Peale

American writer and minister (1898-1993)

There is a real magic in enthusiasm. It spells the difference between mediocrity and accomplishment.

Norman Vincent Peale

American writer and minister (1898-1993)

If you paint in your mind a picture of bright and happy expectations, you put yourself into a condition conducive to your goal.

Norman Vincent Peale

American writer and minister (1898-1993)

Be interesting, be enthusiastic… and don’t talk too much.

Norman Vincent Peale

American writer and minister (1898-1993)

It’s always too early to quit.

Norman Vincent Peale

American writer and minister (1898-1993)

Imagination is the true magic carpet.

Norman Vincent Peale

American writer and minister (1898-1993)

Change yourself and your work will seem different.

Norman Vincent Peale

American writer and minister (1898-1993)

Don’t take tomorrow to bed with you.

Norman Vincent Peale

American writer and minister (1898-1993)

Any fact facing us is not as important as our attitude toward it, for that determines our success or failure. The way you think about a fact may defeat you before you ever do anything about it. You are overcome by the fact because you think you are.

Norman Vincent Peale

American writer and minister (1898-1993)

The trouble with most of us is that we would rather be ruined by praise than saved by criticism.

Norman Vincent Peale

American writer and minister (1898-1993)

One of the greatest moments in anybody’s developing experience is when he no longer tries to hide from himself but determines to get acquainted with himself as he really is.

Norman Vincent Peale

American writer and minister (1898-1993)

Four things for success: work and pray, think and believe.

Norman Vincent Peale

American writer and minister (1898-1993)

Stand up to your obstacles and do something about them. You will find that they haven’t half the strength you think they have.

Norman Vincent Peale

American writer and minister (1898-1993)

You will soon break the bow if you keep it always stretched.

Norman Vincent Peale

American writer and minister (1898-1993)

We struggle with the complexities and avoid the simplicities.

Norman Vincent Peale

American writer and minister (1898-1993)

Action is a great restorer and builder of confidence. Inaction is not only the result, but the cause, of fear. Perhaps the action you take will be successful; perhaps different action or adjustments will have to follow. But any action is better than no action at all.

Norman Vincent Peale

American writer and minister (1898-1993)

When every physical and mental resources is focused, one’s power to solve a problem multiplies tremendously.

Norman Vincent Peale

American writer and minister (1898-1993)

Every problem has in it the seeds of its own solution. If you don’t have any problems, you don’t get any seeds.

Norman Vincent Peale

American writer and minister (1898-1993)

Watch your manner of speech if you wish to develop a peaceful state of mind. Start each day by affirming peaceful, contented and happy attitudes and your days will tend to be pleasant and successful.

Norman Vincent Peale

American writer and minister (1898-1993)

Change your thoughts and you change your world.

Norman Vincent Peale

American writer and minister (1898-1993)

Empty pockets never held anyone back. Only empty heads and empty hearts can do that.

Norman Vincent Peale

American writer and minister (1898-1993)

Understanding can overcome any situation, however mysterious or insurmountable it may appear to be.

Norman Vincent Peale

American writer and minister (1898-1993)

We tend to get what we expect.

Norman Vincent Peale

American writer and minister (1898-1993)

Repetition of the same thought or physical action develops into a habit which, repeated frequently enough, becomes an automatic reflex.

Norman Vincent Peale

American writer and minister (1898-1993)

Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful.

Norman Vincent Peale

American writer and minister (1898-1993)

It is of practical value to learn to like yourself. Since you must spend so much time with yourself you might as well get some satisfaction out of the relationship.

Norman Vincent Peale

American writer and minister (1898-1993)

When you pray for anyone you tend to modify your personal attitude toward him.

Norman Vincent Peale

American writer and minister (1898-1993)

Drop the idea that you are Atlas carrying the world on your shoulders. The world would go on even without you. Don’t take yourself so seriously.

Norman Vincent Peale

American writer and minister (1898-1993)

Believe in yourself! Have faith in your abilities! Without a humble but reasonable confidence in your own powers you cannot be successful or happy.

Norman Vincent Peale

American writer and minister (1898-1993)

If you put off everything till you’re sure of it, you’ll never get anything done.

Norman Vincent Peale

American writer and minister (1898-1993)

Formulate and stamp indelibly on your mind a mental picture of yourself as succeeding. Hold this picture tenaciously. Never permit it to fade. Your mind will seek to develop the picture… Do not build up obstacles in your imagination.

Norman Vincent Peale

American writer and minister (1898-1993)

If you have zest and enthusiasm you attract zest and enthusiasm. Life does give back in kind.

Norman Vincent Peale

American writer and minister (1898-1993)

We’ve all heard that we have to learn from our mistakes, but I think it’s more important to learn from successes. If you learn only from your mistakes, you are inclined to learn only errors.

Norman Vincent Peale

American writer and minister (1898-1993)