Change is never a matter of ability… it’s a truth I’ve seen play out time and again. It all boils down to how badly you want it. Let’s break down why Robbins hit the nail on the head with this one.
Share Image Quote:
Table of Contents
Meaning
The core message here is brutally simple: Your capability isn’t the barrier. The real engine for any transformation, big or small, is your internal drive.
Explanation
Look, we’ve all been there. We know what we *should* do. We have the ability, the basic skills. But we don’t do it. Why? The motivation isn’t there. It’s not hot enough. It’s not immediate. Robbins is saying that the “how-to” is the easy part; the marketplace is flooded with that. The real work, the real magic, happens when you connect a change to a deep, emotional, compelling reason. When the pain of staying the same becomes greater than the pain of changing. That’s when ability suddenly shows up. That’s when you find a way.
Quote Summary
Reading Level68
Aesthetic Score80
Origin & Factcheck
This quote comes straight from Tony Robbins’ 1991 classic, “Awaken the Giant Within.” It’s a cornerstone of his philosophy. You sometimes see this sentiment floating around unattributed, but its true origin is right there in that book, which really laid the foundation for the modern personal development industry.
Attribution Summary
Author Bio
Born Anthony J. Mahavoric in 1960, Tony Robbins rose from a challenging childhood to become a leading voice in personal development. He started as Jim Rohn’s assistant, then built Robbins Research International and created globally attended seminars such as Unleash the Power Within and Date With Destiny. The Tony Robbins book list spans self-help, business, finance, and health, with several No. 1 bestsellers. He co-authored finance works with Peter Mallouk and a longevity guide with Peter H. Diamandis and Robert Hariri. Robbins’ foundation supports youth, prison, and hunger-relief programs.
| Official Website | Facebook | X| Instagram | YouTube
Where is this quotation located?
| Quotation | Change is never a matter of ability, it’s always a matter of motivation |
| Book Details | Publication Year: 1991; ISBN: 978-0-671-79154-8; Last edition: Simon & Schuster, 2013; Number of pages: 544. |
| Where is it? | Chapter: The Science of Motivation, Approximate page from 2013 edition: 201 |
Context
In the book, this isn’t just a throwaway line. It’s part of a larger framework about what he calls “The Ultimate Success Formula.” He argues that to create lasting change, you must first raise your standard (what you’ll no longer accept), then change your limiting beliefs, and then—critically—build a hunger, a motivation so strong that failure is not an option. The quote is the bridge between knowing and doing.
Usage Examples
So how do you actually use this? Let’s get practical.
- For the Procrastinator: Instead of beating yourself up for not having the “discipline” to go to the gym, ask a better question: “What would getting fit really give me? More energy to play with my kids? More confidence?” Link the action to a deep value. The motivation will follow.
- For a Team Leader: Don’t just assign a task. Frame it. Explain why it matters. How does it contribute to the bigger picture? When your team is motivated by a shared purpose, their collective ability skyrockets.
- For Someone Stuck in a Rut: The ability to change jobs, learn a new skill, or leave a bad relationship is almost always there. The real work is in building the motivation—visualizing the future self so vividly that staying put becomes unbearable.
To whom it appeals?
Share This Quote Image & Motivate
Motivation Score88
Popularity Score82
Shareability Score84
Common Questions
Question: But what about people with genuine limitations or disabilities?
Answer: That’s a great question, and it’s where the nuance is. The quote speaks to the primary barrier for most people, which is psychological. For those with physical or systemic limitations, the equation changes. It becomes about finding the motivation to navigate, adapt, and overcome within a different set of constraints. The core principle—that motivation unlocks potential—still very much applies.
Question: Isn’t this just blaming people for being unmotivated?
Answer: I see how it could sound that way, but I think it’s the opposite. It’s empowering. If change is about ability, then you’re either born with it or you’re not. That’s fixed. If it’s about motivation, that’s something entirely within your control. You can cultivate it. You can build it. You can find it. It puts you back in the driver’s seat.
Question: How do you find motivation when you have none?
Answer: You start small. You don’t try to find motivation to run a marathon on day one. You find the motivation to put on your running shoes and walk to the end of the street. You use what Robbins calls “Leverage.” Associate massive pain with not changing and massive pleasure with making the change. Ask yourself, “What will this cost me in one year, five years, if I don’t start?” And “How will my life improve if I do?” Make the future feel real and urgent.
Similar Quotes
If you want things to change for you, you must change. It’s a simple but brutal truth I’ve seen play out again and again. The world doesn’t owe you a…
You know, “The WHY never changes, only the methods” is such a powerful insight. It’s the secret to building brands and teams that last, because it reminds us to stay…
Change feels personal; lead it with clarity, empathy, and example. It’s a simple truth that separates leaders who build trust from those who just issue orders. Let’s break down why…
To change anything, go within and emit a new signal… it sounds mystical, but honestly, it’s one of the most practical frameworks for personal transformation I’ve ever worked with. It’s…
Inspiration leads to action that endures… and honestly, that’s the secret sauce most people miss. We chase motivation, that quick hit of energy, when what we really need is a…
