"It is important for us consciously to say, or claim, only the things we want rather than what we do not want"
About this Quote
The subtext is about attention as a scarce resource. Language isn’t just description here; it’s a steering mechanism. Negatives smuggle in the very thing you’re trying to escape, forcing you to rehearse it. “Don’t panic” still makes you picture panic. “I don’t want drama” keeps drama on the whiteboard. Johnson’s claim is that the mind treats what you repeat as what you prioritize, regardless of the “not.”
Contextually, this sits in the tradition of affirmation-based writing and coaching, where personal agency is rebuilt through small changes in self-talk. It also carries a quiet warning: complaint can become identity. By urging people to “claim” what they want, Johnson isn’t just recommending positive phrasing; he’s asking for ownership. Desire stated plainly becomes a commitment, and commitments are harder to hide from than dislikes.
Quote Details
| Topic | Self-Improvement |
|---|---|
| Source | Help us find the source |
| Cite | Cite this Quote |
Citation Formats
APA Style (7th ed.)
Johnson, Darren L. (n.d.). It is important for us consciously to say, or claim, only the things we want rather than what we do not want. FixQuotes. https://fixquotes.com/quotes/it-is-important-for-us-consciously-to-say-or-155157/
Chicago Style
Johnson, Darren L. "It is important for us consciously to say, or claim, only the things we want rather than what we do not want." FixQuotes. Accessed February 2, 2026. https://fixquotes.com/quotes/it-is-important-for-us-consciously-to-say-or-155157/.
MLA Style (9th ed.)
"It is important for us consciously to say, or claim, only the things we want rather than what we do not want." FixQuotes, https://fixquotes.com/quotes/it-is-important-for-us-consciously-to-say-or-155157/. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.
