You learn things in adversity that you would never have discovered without trouble. There is always a seed of hope.
Og MandinoRead
For the rest of my life there are two days that will never again trouble me. The first day is yesterday with all its blunders and tears, follies and defeats. Yesterday has passed away, beyond my control forever. The other day is tomorrow with all its pitfalls and threats, its dangers and mystery. Until the sun rises again I have no stake in tomorrow, for it is still unborn.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of living in the present by letting go of the past and not worrying about the future.
In this quote, Og Mandino reflects on the significance of the present moment by distinguishing between two days: yesterday and tomorrow. He suggests that yesterday, filled with its mistakes and sorrows, is beyond our reach and should not burden us, while tomorrow is shrouded in uncertainty and risks. Thus, he encourages us to focus on the here and now, as it is the only time truly within our control, reminding us to live fully in the present.
Themes
PresentYesterdayTomorrowControlLifeMindfulness
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech, one might say this quote to inspire the audience to focus on their current goals rather than past failures.
More from Og Mandino
All quotes βWhy do we continue to breed little minds who can find no recompense for their own failures other than to belittle and mock the talents, even the dress, of others? When will everyone realize that we are all equal in the eyes of God?
Og MandinoRead
The only certain means of success is to render more and better service than is expected of you, no matter what the task may be. This is a habit followed by all successful people since the beginning of time. Therefore I saith the surest way to doom yourself to mediocrity is to perform only the work for which you are paid.
Og MandinoRead
Only God can shape a flower, but any foolish child can pull it to pieces.
Og MandinoRead
Each day is a special gift from God, and while life may not always be fair, you must never allow the pains, hurdles, and handicaps of the moment to poison your attitude and plans for yourself and your future.
Og MandinoRead
Obstacles are necessary for success because in selling, as in all careers of importance, victory comes only after many struggles and countless defeats. Yet each struggle, each defeat, sharpens your skills and strengths, your courage and your endurance, your ability and your confidence and thus each obstacle is a comrade-in-arms forcing you to become better... or quit. Each rebuff is an opportunity to move forward; turn away from them, avoid them, and you throw away your future.
Og MandinoRead
Similar quotes
You have to start over. That's what they say. But life is not a board game, and losing a loved one is never really "starting over." More like "continuing without.
Mitch AlbomRead
Just when you begin thinking of yourself as memorable, you run into someone who can't even remember having met you
John IrvingRead
One of the hardest things in life to accept is a called third strike.
Robert FrostRead
At night, the house thick with sleep, she would peer out her bedroom window at the trees and sky and feel the presence of a mystery. Some possibility that included her--separate from her present life and without its limitations. A secret. Riding in the car with her father, she would look out at other cars full of people she'd never seen, any one of whom she might someday meet and love, and would feel the world holding her making its secret plans.
Jennifer EganRead
About the time we can make the ends meet, somebody moves the ends.
Herbert HooverRead
I knew a phoenix in my youth, so let them have their day.
William Butler YeatsRead