Speak the truth, do not yield to anger; give, if thou art asked for little; by these three steps thou wilt go near the gods.
ConfuciusRead
When it is obvious that the goals cannot be reached, don't adjust the goals, adjust the action steps.
Interpretation
Instead of changing your objectives when facing obstacles, change your approach to achieving them.
This quote by Confucius emphasizes the importance of adaptability in the face of challenges. When you find that your goals seem unattainable, rather than abandoning them or lowering your expectations, you should focus on reevaluating and modifying the steps you take towards reaching those goals. This mindset encourages persistence and the understanding that achieving success often requires flexibility in oneβs methods.
In practice
In a business meeting discussing project timelines, you might use this quote to encourage the team to adapt their strategies.
Speak the truth, do not yield to anger; give, if thou art asked for little; by these three steps thou wilt go near the gods.
Earnest in practicing the ordinary virtues, and careful in speaking about them, if, in his practice, he has anything defective, the superior man dares not but exert himself; and if, in his words, he has any excess, he dares not allow himself such license.
When you see a good person, think of becoming like her/him. When you see someone not so good, reflect on your own weak points.
Never give a sword to a man who can't dance.
The superior man is distressed by the limitations of his ability; he is not distressed by the fact that men do not recognize the ability that he has.
Success depends upon previous preparation, and without such preparation there is sure to be failure.
One of the great movements in my lifetime among educated people is the need to commit themselves to action. Most people are not satisfied with giving money; we also feel we need to work.
When you are asked if you can do a job, tell 'em, 'Certainly I can!' Then get busy and find out how to do it.
Some injuries heal more quickly if you keep moving.
Immigrants have been coming to our shores for generations to live the dream that is America. They wanted better for their children than for themselves. That remains the dream of all of us, and in this country, we have seen time and again that that dream is achievable.
We are not here to curse the darkness, but to light the candle that can guide us through that darkness to a safe and sane future.
Most of us go through life as failures, because we are waiting for the 'time to be right' to start doing something worthwhile. Do not wait. The time will never be 'just right.' Start where you stand, and work with whatever tools you may have at your command, and better tools will be found as you go along.
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