Greatness is not found in possessions, power, position, or prestige. It is discovered in goodness, humility, service, and character.
William Arthur WardRead
'If only' is the excuse of the loser; 'I can' is the affirmation of the winner.
Interpretation
'If only' signifies regret and defeat, while 'I can' represents determination and success.
This quote contrasts two attitudes towards life; it emphasizes that those who dwell on missed opportunities or limitations ('If only') are likely to see themselves as losers, while those who adopt a proactive and positive mindset ('I can') are more likely to succeed. It encourages a focus on self-empowerment and the belief that with effort and determination, one can achieve their goals.
In practice
In a motivational speech to encourage young athletes to believe in their abilities.
Greatness is not found in possessions, power, position, or prestige. It is discovered in goodness, humility, service, and character.
The optimist lives on the peninsula of infinite possibilities; the pessimist is stranded on the island of perpetual indecision.
Four steps to achievement: Plan purposefully. Prepare prayerfully. Proceed positively. Pursue persistently.
A warm smile is the universal language of kindness.
Change, like sunshine, can be a friend or a foe, a blessing or a curse, a dawn or a dusk.
Do more than be fair: be kind.
We have also come to this hallowed spot to remind America of the fierce urgency of Now. This is no time to engage in the luxury of cooling off or to take the tranquilizing drug of gradualism. Now is the time to make real the promises of democracy
Hesitation is often like procrastination. One may have vague doubts and feel a need to mull things over; meanwhile, other issues intrude on thought, and no decision is taken. Ask people why they procrastinate, and you probably won't get a crisp answer.
It's easy to give up, and that's the one thing we cannot do. That's what gives me a reason for working: to leave people with a little more courage, with a little hope that has been nourished. Even if, of course, it's going to disappear, whatever touches one isn't lost forever.
If you wait until you are ready, it is almost certainly too late.
No matter what business you're in, you can't run in place or someone will pass you by. It doesn't matter how many games you've won.
Just start. You will learn so many lessons just by doing.
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