“Do the very best you can, then put it from your mind.” It’s a simple, powerful two-step formula for crushing anxiety and actually getting things done.
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Meaning
It’s a two-part command: first, give a task your absolute maximum effort, and second, completely detach from the outcome once your part is done.
Explanation
Look, here’s the thing I’ve learned applying this for years. The first part, “do the very best you can,” is about agency. It’s your one job—to control the effort, the focus, the work ethic. You pour everything you’ve got into it. But the real magic, the part most people miss, is the second part. “Put it from your mind.” That’s about surrender. It’s the conscious decision to stop the mental loop of “what if it fails?” or “did I do enough?” You’ve done your part. The rest is out of your hands. Clinging to it just creates mental static that kills your ability to perform on the *next* thing. It’s the ultimate productivity hack because it frees up your CPU.
Quote Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Original Language | English (3668) |
| Category | Career (192) |
| Topics | effort (77), release (3) |
| Literary Style | directive (29) |
| Emotion / Mood | assuring (30) |
| Overall Quote Score | 63 (28) |
Origin & Factcheck
This is correctly attributed to Dale Carnegie from his 1948 classic, How to Stop Worrying and Start Living. You’ll sometimes see similar sentiments floating around misattributed to stoic philosophers, but this specific phrasing is pure Carnegie, born from his work in American self-help and business training.
Attribution Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Author | Dale Carnegie (408) |
| Source Type | Book (4032) |
| Source/Book Name | How to Stop Worrying and Start Living (31) |
| Origin Timeperiod | Modern (530) |
| Original Language | English (3668) |
| Authenticity | Verified (4032) |
Author Bio
Dale Carnegie(1888), an American writer received worldwide recognition for his influential books on relationship, leadership, and public speaking. His books and courses focus on human relations, and self confidence as the foundation for success. Among his timeless classics, the Dale Carnegie book list includes How to Win Friends and Influence People is the most influential which inspires millions even today for professional growth.
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Where is this quotation located?
| Quotation | Do the very best you can, then put it from your mind |
| Book Details | Publication Year/Date: 1948 (first edition) ISBN/Unique Identifier: 9780671035976 (widely available reprint) Last edition. Number of pages: Common Pocket/Simon & Schuster reprints ~352–464 pages (varies by printing) |
| Where is it? | Chapter How to Keep from Worrying about Criticism, Unverified – Edition 1948, page range ~198–206 |