Mark Goulston, MD, is a corporate consultant and author of the book “Get Out of Your Own Way: Overcoming Self-Defeating Behavior”.
This book provides practical and proven self-help steps to help readers transform 40 common self-defeating behaviors such as procrastination, envy, anger, obsession, and self-pity.
Here are some handpicked quotes from Get Out Of Your Own Way book for you.
Table of Contents
Get Out of Your Own Way Quotes by Mark Goulston
“Self-involvement is usually at the root of self-defeating behavior in relationships.” ~ Mark Goulston (Get Out of Your Own Way).
“Making excuses for chronic promise-breakers is invariably self-defeating.” ~ Mark Goulston (Get Out of Your Own Way).
“But if you always play it safe, it’s a safe bet you’ll end up sorry.” ~ Mark Goulston (Get Out of Your Own Way).
“A know-it-all who doesn’t know what he is talking about is a jerk. A know-it-all who does know what he is talking about is just an ass.” ~ Mark Goulston (Get Out of Your Own Way).
“In the end we regret not what we have done but what we have not done.” ~ Mark Goulston (Get Out of Your Own Way).
“Move on in your life. If you create a more fulfilling future, you will find it easier to forget the past.” ~ Mark Goulston (Get Out of Your Own Way).
“We forgive when we no longer need to blame; we forget when we no longer need to remember.” ~ Mark Goulston (Get Out of Your Own Way).
“You know the old saying, “If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.” Well, if you always get out as soon as the kitchen gets hot, your life will end up half-baked.” ~ Mark Goulston (Get Out of Your Own Way).
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Best Get Out of Your Own Way Quotes by Mark Goulston
“This proves I’m totally worthless” leads to despair and loss of confidence, while “I can’t stand when I act that way” can lead to wisdom and determination.” ~ Mark Goulston (Get Out of Your Own Way).
“Both partners describe one of their own character flaws. Humility resolves self-righteousness.” ~ Mark Goulston (Get Out of Your Own Way).
“If you can’t find an actual partner or monitor, try conjuring the image of a loving parent, grandparent, friend or teacher—someone you would not want to disappoint, and whom you can imagine saying, “Good work, you’re doing great!” when you finally do what you’ve been avoiding. Even if only imagined, the support of another person can be the key to getting done what you would otherwise put off.” ~ Mark Goulston (Get Out of Your Own Way).
“That is what learning is. You suddenly understand something you’ve understood all your life, but in a new way.” —DORIS LESSING Ordinary” ~ Mark Goulston (Get Out of Your Own Way).
“Those who are comfortable taking chances know that the best way to grow is to reach beyond their grasp. Their sense of direction comes from the heart. They don’t shy away from surprise; they might even seek it out. And they seldom die with regrets. In the end we regret not what we have done but what we have not done.” ~ Mark Goulston (Get Out of Your Own Way).
“Sometimes the easy way out is the right way in.” ~ Mark Goulston (Get Out of Your Own Way).
“There’s no such thing as a free lunch.” Consciously or unconsciously, nearly everyone keeps score of favors and gestures, and everyone is sensitive to being shortchanged.” ~ Mark Goulston (Get Out of Your Own Way).
Famous Get Out of Your Own Way Quotes
“Self-defeating behavior occurs when we fail to learn the lessons that life tries to teach us. It represents the victory of impulse over awareness, immediate gratification over lasting satisfaction, relief over resolution. Self-defeating behavior invariably begins as an attempt to make ourselves feel better. It is a coping mechanism.” ~ Mark Goulston (Get Out of Your Own Way).
“You don’t have to go along when others act unfairly or unreasonably. If you do go along, make it clear that you are doing them a favor—and that you expect something in return.” ~ Mark Goulston (Get Out of Your Own Way).
“Then, when you find yourself starting down the rocky road to self-defeat, pause, reflect.” ~ Mark Goulston (Get Out of Your Own Way).
“People who were abused as children tend to get angry and strike out at the world. People who were neglected tend to feel defeated and withdraw from the world. People who were not given guidance tend to lack confidence and self-reliance. Each pathway leads to different forms of self-defeat.” ~ Mark Goulston (Get Out of Your Own Way).
“Emotions are built on layers. Beneath hatred is usually anger; beneath anger is frustration; beneath frustration is hurt; beneath hurt is fear. If you keep expressing your feelings, you will generally move through them in that order. What begins with “I hate you” culminates in “I’m scared. I don’t want to lose you, and I don’t know what to do about it.” ~ Mark Goulston (Get Out of Your Own Way).
Quotes from Get Out of Your Own Way
“If you have a setback, instead of beating yourself to death for making a mistake, convert your self-contempt into self-determination. Ask yourself what you would do if you could do it over again. Develop a plan of action for the next time the situation arises.” ~ Mark Goulston (Get Out of Your Own Way).
“You can’t fix something until you admit it’s broken.” ~ Mark Goulston (Get Out of Your Own Way).
“People who live with substance abusers know that refusing to cooperate with the addiction can trigger an explosive outburst or a childish accusation.” ~ Mark Goulston (Get Out of Your Own Way).
“The more anxious and alone or inadequate and incompetent they feel, the more tenaciously they hold to whatever thoughts, attitudes and behaviors bring relief. If they do not develop more effective coping mechanisms, the ones that bring relief solidify into self-defeating behaviors.” ~ Mark Goulston (Get Out of Your Own Way).
“All the beautiful sentiments in the world weigh less than a simple lonely action.” ~ Mark Goulston (Get Out of Your Own Way).
“But the goal is not to replace what cannot be replaced, or duplicate what cannot be duplicated, but simply to create opportunities for new memories.” ~ Mark Goulston (Get Out of Your Own Way).
“Picturing the good things that will happen if you act more constructively can serve as an incentive to change.” ~ Mark Goulston (Get Out of Your Own Way).
“A communications expert once made this distinction: “A know-it-all who doesn’t know what he is talking about is a jerk. A know-it-all who does know what he is talking about is just an ass.” ~ Mark Goulston (Get Out of Your Own Way).
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