Expect the best; convert problems into opportunities; be dissatisfied with the status quo; focus on where you want to go, instead of where you're coming from; and most importantly, decide to be happy, knowing it's an attitude, a habit gained from daily practice, and not a result or payoff.
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive attitude and turning challenges into opportunities.
Denis Waitley's quote encourages individuals to adopt a proactive and optimistic mindset. By expecting the best and viewing problems as opportunities for growth, one can foster dissatisfaction with mediocrity and maintain focus on future goals rather than past setbacks. Happiness, as described, is portrayed as an attitude and a habit that is cultivated over time through consistent practice rather than a fleeting result or payoff.
In practice
Use this quote during a motivational speech to inspire attendees to pursue their goals despite challenges.
Procrastination is the fear of success. People procrastinate because they are afraid of the success that they know will result if they move ahead now. Because success is heavy, carries a responsibility with it, it is much easier to procrastinate and live on the "someday I'll" philosophy.
Winners have the ability to step back from the canvas of their lives like an artist gaining perspective. They make their lives a work of art - an individual masterpiece.
Losers live in the past. Winners learn from the past and enjoy working in the present toward the future.
The easiest thing to do in the world is to neglect the important and give in to the urgent.
You are an uncut gemstone of priceless value. Cut and polish your potential with knowledge, skills and service and you will be in great demand throughout your life.
Positive self-expectancy is the first, most outwardly identifiable quality of a top-achieving, winning human being. Positive self-expectancy is pure and simple optimism: real enthusiasm for everything you do... [while] expecting the most favorable result from your own actions. There never was a winner who didn't expect to win in advance. Winners understand that life is a self-fulfilling prophecy. And they know that you usually get what you expect in the long run.
The people who get on in this world are the people who get up and look for the circumstances they want and if they can't find them, make them.
Running taught me valuable lessons. In cross-country competition, training counted more than intrinsic ability, and I could compensate for a lack of natural aptitude with diligence and discipline. I applied this in everything I did.
People who get comfortable in their spirit miss what they were created for. They were created to magnify the glory of the world.
If you would hit the mark, you must aim a little above it.
I am grateful for all my victories, but I am especially grateful for my losses, because they only made me work harder.
If you start something, you shouldn't quit; that is what we were taught. If you're going to play, you might as well play to be your best.
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