wholeheartedness

Wholeheartedness is the quality of being wholehearted: the state of being deeply committed, sincere, and fully engaged in a person, task, or relationship. It connotes emotional openness, genuineness, and a readiness to invest energy and vulnerability without pretense.

Etymology and usage: The phrase derives from the combination of “whole” and “heart,” a literal image of acting with one’s entire emotional center. In everyday English it describes someone who offers complete commitment or regard, without reserve. In psychology and self-help discourse, wholeheartedness often denotes an attitude oriented toward authenticity, resilience, and meaningful engagement with life.

In contemporary self-help and positive psychology, the term has been associated with concepts such as authenticity, courage, and compassion. Brené Brown popularized the related idea of “wholehearted living,” which she describes as choosing to live with courage, connection, and a sense of worthiness.

Applications and implications: In personal relationships, wholeheartedness can refer to honesty, emotional availability, and reliability. In work or education, it can manifest as sustained focus, intrinsic motivation, and principled engagement. The concept is often framed as a desirable quality that supports wellbeing and cooperation across domains.

Critique and limits: Some authors warn that chasing wholeheartedness without boundaries can lead to burnout, overinvestment, or neglect of self-care. A balanced approach emphasizes that wholeheartedness should be practiced with discernment and attention to context and limits.

See also: authenticity, sincerity, commitment, engagement.