“Devote each day to the object then in time and every evening will find something done.”
- August 28, 1749 – March 22, 1832
- German
- Poet, playwright, novelist, philosopher, politician
- His literary works “Faust” and “The Sorrows of Young Werther” had a major impact on world literature.
Quote
“Devote each day to the object then in time and every evening will find something done.”
Explanation
Goethe advises that by focusing on one task or objective each day, we can steadily make progress and accomplish meaningful work over time. By dedicating our energy and attention to what is most important for that day, we avoid becoming overwhelmed by larger goals or scattered efforts. At the end of each day, we can feel a sense of achievement and satisfaction, knowing that we have made tangible progress. This approach encourages consistency, focus, and deliberate action, turning long-term goals into manageable, daily tasks.
Historically, this idea resonates with the philosophy of productivity and self-discipline that was valued during Goethe’s time, where achieving success was often seen as the result of steady, intentional effort over time. Goethe himself was a prolific writer and thinker, understanding that great works were the product of consistent and focused attention rather than haphazard or distracted effort.
In modern life, this approach is central to many time management and goal-setting strategies, such as the Pomodoro technique or breaking large projects into small, manageable tasks. By focusing on completing one task or making small progress each day, people can avoid procrastination and experience a greater sense of accomplishment. For example, someone writing a book might set aside time every day to write just a few pages, and over time, they will have completed the entire work.
Goethe’s words encourage us to approach tasks with focus and intentionality. By devoting our attention to one thing at a time, we make steady progress, and by the end of each day, we can feel the satisfaction of having accomplished something meaningful. This approach cultivates a sense of purpose and achievement, even in the midst of busy lives.
