Don't undertake a project unless it is manifestly important and nearly impossible.
Edwin LandRead
My motto is very personal and may not fit anyone else or any other company. It is: Don't do anything that someone else can do. Don't undertake a project unless it is manifestly important and nearly impossible.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Focus on unique and significant endeavors that challenge your capabilities.
This quote emphasizes the importance of pursuing tasks that are not only challenging but also uniquely suited to your individual strengths and passions. It suggests that one should avoid engaging in projects that lack personal significance or can easily be done by others, thereby encouraging individuals to strive for meaningful and impactful contributions.
Themes
MotivationImportanceUniqueChallengeImpossible
In practice
Example use cases
During a team meeting, you could use this quote to inspire your colleagues to pursue only the most impactful projects.
More from Edwin Land
All quotes →Industry is best at the intersection of science and art.
Edwin LandRead
I believe quite simply that the small company of the future will be as much a research organization as it is a manufacturing company.
Edwin LandRead
It is a curious property of research activity that after the problem has been solved the solution seems obvious. This is true not only for those who have not previously been acquainted with the problem, but also for those who have worked over it for years.
Edwin LandRead
Work only on problems that are manifestly important and seem to be nearly impossible to solve. That way you will have a natural market for your product and no competition.
Edwin LandRead
Intense concentration for hour after hour can bring out resources in people that they didn't know they had.
Edwin LandRead
Similar quotes
Unless commitment is made, there are only promises and hopes... but no plans.
Peter DruckerRead
There are those who advocate, and those who do. I'm not trying to slight my peers, but there is a difference between using a soapbox and actually getting your hands dirty. I've spent not only years and millions of dollars but hours and hours and hours of my time doing what I do, and that's very different from what anyone else is doing.
Jon Bon JoviRead
I'm a firm believer that in the theory that people only do their best at things they truly enjoy. It is difficult to excel at something you don't enjoy.
Jack NicklausRead
Whatever you're meant to do, do it now. The conditions are always impossible.
Doris LessingRead
I will become the greatest, because all travellers have to be able to adapt. That quality, adaptability, is essential to that way of life. Not many boxers have it but I can adapt before a fight to the opponent, during the fight if necessary.
Tyson FuryRead
Pessimism doesn't grow your business or even maintain the status quo. The pessimists on your staff make the job harder for everyone around them. They make difficulties out of opportunities.
Harvey MackayRead