By Winifred Holtby
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
"The things that one most wants to do are the things that are probably most worth doing." This Winifred Holtby quote about purpose resonates for anyone wrestling with choices in pursuit of a meaningful life. When you allow yourself to dream, your true desires often point the way toward significance and fulfillment. This quote’s directness makes it quietly powerful—whether you’re at a crossroads or simply pausing to reflect. So what does it really mean, and how can you live by its message? Let’s explore.
What Does This Quote Mean?
In plain terms, this Winifred Holtby quote about purpose reminds us that what you deeply long for isn’t just impulse or wishful thinking—it’s a clue to what actually matters in your life. On the surface, Holtby tells us that our strongest desires signal the activities and paths that deserve the most attention. She isn’t giving permission for selfishness or promoting every fleeting craving. Instead, she’s talking about the things that tug persistently at your mind—the goals, projects, or changes you truly yearn for.
Looking deeper, this is a call to trust your intuition over outside pressures or practical worries. Too often we brush aside what we most want, thinking it’s too risky, impractical, or selfish compared to what others expect. The quote challenges that thinking: it suggests that those intense desires might actually be a signpost pointing to your most authentic, valuable contributions. Instead of asking whether you’re allowed to want something, Holtby prompts you to ask why you want it—what it reveals about your values, talents, or calling.
This idea doesn’t ignore real limits and responsibilities, but it helps filter distractions. When everyone seems to have an opinion about what you "should" be doing, your genuine longings can serve as a compass. The "things most worth doing" are not always the easiest or safest—they are often the things that scare you a little, but also spark excitement or meaning. Holtby’s message is that real purpose often sits on the far side of courage, waiting for you to claim it.
How Can You Use This Quote in Life?
1. Naming Your True Desires
Start by writing down the activities, dreams, or life changes that keep resurfacing in your thoughts. Be honest—even if some seem out of reach or outside your comfort zone. This exercise isn’t just wish-making; it’s about listening to yourself and identifying what truly moves you.
2. Making Choices with Heart
When you face big decisions, recall the Winifred Holtby quote about purpose. Ask which option aligns with what you most want—not just what feels safest or pleases others. The answer isn’t always obvious, but giving your desires a real voice in your decision-making can transform how you set goals and overcome hesitation.
3. Overcoming Fear with Curiosity
The things you most want may seem intimidating. Instead of dismissing them, approach your fear with curiosity. What, exactly, feels risky? Are you worried about failure, judgment, or wasted effort? Often, the act of naming your fears reduces their power—and shows that your desire is stronger than your anxiety.
4. Building Small Steps Toward Big Goals
You don’t have to overhaul your life overnight. Sometimes "the things most worth doing" are daunting because they require patience or learning. Break your biggest ambitions into smaller, actionable steps—researching a new career, signing up for a course, or talking with someone who inspires you. Each small action builds momentum and confidence.
5. Embracing Purpose in Ordinary Moments
Not every meaningful pursuit is dramatic. Sometimes, what you most want is a healthier routine, connecting more deeply with a friend, or finishing a creative project. Apply Holtby’s wisdom on a daily scale, and look for ways to bring your deepest wants into even routine choices.
Living by this quote doesn’t mean you will disregard obligations or act selfishly. It simply means you’ll treat your real desires as worthy of attention and effort. Over time, this mindset shifts how you approach both challenges and opportunities, guiding you toward a more fulfilling life.
✨ The Motivation Message
You have something inside you—hopes, ambitions, passions—that is worth listening to! Every time you feel drawn to something, no matter how daring or unlikely, it’s your inner guide lighting the way toward a richer, more authentic life. 🌱 It takes guts to honor what you want, especially if the world tells you to play it safe or quiet down your dreams. But you’re more resilient than you imagine. When you give yourself permission to want—and to act—you become unstoppable!
Take a moment today to check in with your true desires, even if all you do is acknowledge them. You might be surprised at how that simple step can change your perspective. You don’t have to do everything at once, but you do have to begin somewhere. The real adventure starts when you trust those persistent wants and make room for them to grow. The world needs what only you can bring—are you ready to start? Go for it! 💪
About Winifred Holtby
Winifred Holtby, who was born in 1898 and died in 1935, was a British novelist, journalist, and social reformer. Raised in Yorkshire, she became known both for her incisive writing and her advocacy for women’s rights, peace, and social equality. Her most famous novel, "South Riding," was published posthumously, but throughout her life, Holtby used her voice to highlight the importance of hope and individual agency in a world of obstacles and limitations.
She believed in the power of personal conviction and the moral responsibility to pursue meaningful work, ideas echoed in this quote. For Holtby, paying attention to your deepest wants was not about selfishness—it was a courageous stand against conformity and complacency. Her life and writing encourage us all to live with intention, confront fear, and take seriously the quiet voice within that urges us toward our most worthwhile contributions. In carrying forward her message, we honor her legacy of purpose-driven living.
