You know, I’ve seen it a hundred times. Most people fail not because they lack ability… it’s almost always a story of fading willpower. It’s the one thing that separates the pros from the amateurs in any field.
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Meaning
At its core, this quote flips the script on failure. It argues that the primary bottleneck to success isn’t a lack of talent or skill, but a shortage of sheer, stubborn determination.
Explanation
Let me break this down for you. I’ve coached so many talented people who had all the tools. They were smart, they had the skills, but they’d hit a wall—a few rejections, a slow month—and they’d just… deflate. Their ability was a 10 out of 10, but their determination was running on fumes. And that’s the killer. Determination is the engine. Ability is just the body of the car. You can have a Ferrari, but without an engine, you’re going nowhere. It’s that gritty, day-in-day-out commitment to push through the discomfort and the doubt that actually gets you across the finish line. Every single time.
Quote Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Original Language | English (3668) |
| Category | Success (341) |
| Topics | determination (14), failure (52), mindset (133) |
| Literary Style | direct (414), motivational (245) |
| Emotion / Mood | encouraging (304), serious (155) |
| Overall Quote Score | 82 (297) |
Origin & Factcheck
This one comes straight from Brian Tracy’s classic, The Psychology of Selling. First published back in the 80s. You’ll sometimes see it attributed vaguely to “motivational speakers” or other gurus, but it’s pure Tracy. He built his entire career on this principle.
Attribution Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Author | Brian Tracy (375) |
| Source Type | Book (4032) |
| Source/Book Name | The Psychology of Selling (65) |
| Origin Timeperiod | Contemporary (1615) |
| Original Language | English (3668) |
| Authenticity | Verified (4032) |
Author Bio
Brian Tracy, a prolific author gained global reputation because of his best seller book list such as Eat That Frog!, Goals!, and The Psychology of Selling, and created influential audio programs like The Psychology of Achievement. He is sought after guru for personal development and business performance. Brian Tracy International, coaches millions of professionals and corporates on sales, goal setting, leadership, and productivity.
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Where is this quotation located?
| Quotation | Most people fail not because they lack ability but because they lack determination |
| Book Details | Publication Year/Date: 1988; ISBN: 978-0785288060; Last Edition: HarperCollins, Revised Edition 2006; Number of Pages: 240 |
| Where is it? | Chapter 47: Persistence, Page 75 / 240 |