I’m drawn to today’s quotation, because I believe it is profoundly true. There might be a more elegant way to say it, but hey, I’m sure little I say in English would be elegant once translated into French. Read the quotation a couple of times; let it sink in a bit, then read on here . . .
Questions to Ponder
– What do I think is impossible?
– What is my excuse?
Action Steps
1. Affirm your ability.
2. Assume you can if you up your discipline and willpower.
3. Ask yourself – what great thing would I attempt if I knew I would not fail?
4. Get started.
My Thoughts
The science proves we have far more capacity and ability than we harness. We read stories of people who achieve much when little was expected, or all the odds were against them. And we have personal experience that says in certain situations, we achieved more than we thought we could. We overcame obstacles and made progress in the face of great odds.
The reality is that we have more than enough ability – and even if we didn’t, we can learn and grow our skills. What we need more of is the willingness to start and the discipline to continue. The next time you make an excuse – in your mind or out loud – stop yourself and consider the lesson here.
If you choose not to attempt or continue, at least do yourself a favor and place reason rightly. It likely isn’t ability; it is something else. When you stop looking at your shortcomings and look to what you can control, you will likely move forward.
Here’s to achieving great things; things perhaps we didn’t think we could.
One of my favorite quotes is from Pierre Teihard de Chardin (French philosopher and Jesuit priest): “It is our duty as men and women to proceed as though the limits of our abilities do not exist.”