Any fact facing us is not as important as our attitude toward it, for that determines our success or failure. The way you think about a fact may defeat you before you ever do anything about it. You are overcome by the fact because you think you are.

Certainly! Here’s an explanation of the quote with bolded keywords:

This quote by Norman Vincent Peale highlights the profound influence of attitude in shaping our response to reality. He argues that any fact or challenge we face is less significant than our attitude toward it, because this mindset ultimately determines our success or failure. In other words, how we perceive and mentally process a situation has more power over the outcome than the situation itself.

Peale warns that negative thinking about a fact can lead to defeat before we even take action. The mental barrier created by doubt or fear can prevent us from effectively addressing problems, essentially causing us to be overcome by obstacles due to our own beliefs. This underscores the idea that self-defeating thoughts can be more damaging than external circumstances.

The origin of this quote stems from Peale’s work as a motivational speaker and author, particularly known for promoting the power of positive thinking. His teachings encourage people to cultivate a constructive and optimistic mindset to overcome difficulties and achieve their goals.

Overall, the quote reminds us that the key to overcoming challenges lies not in changing external facts immediately, but in adopting a strong, positive attitude that empowers us to face facts confidently and act decisively, paving the way to success.