“Satisfaction lies in the effort, not in the attainment. Full effort is full victory.”
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Probable attribution
This saying is widely associated with Mahatma Gandhi, but the attribution is not supported by a reliable primary source.
Likely origin: Widely credited to Gandhi and carried in reputable compilations, commonly tied to his Gita commentary/Young India. No confirmed dated primary line located (one source vaguely cites Young India 1919-22).
About this quote
Outcomes depend on luck, timing, and other people; effort is the part actually in your hands. Anchoring satisfaction to what you fully control frees you from being jerked around by results. Give something everything you have and the win is already banked, whatever the scoreboard finally says.
When to use it
- A student who prepares thoroughly and walks out of an exam at peace regardless of the grade.
- A salesperson who makes every honest call they can and sleeps fine whether or not the deal closes.
- A parent who shows up fully for a struggling teen without demanding the change happen on schedule.