You learn things in adversity that you would never have discovered without trouble. There is always a seed of hope.
Og MandinoRead
There are two kinds of discontented in this world, the discontented that works and the discontented that wrings its hands. The first gets what it wants and the second loses what it has. There is no cure for the first but success and there is no cure at all for the second. The very worst of my vices and bad habits will abate of themselves if they are brought to an accounting every day.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote distinguishes between proactive and passive forms of discontent, highlighting that only the proactive can lead to success.
Og Mandino's quote elaborates on the nature of discontent, suggesting that there are two types of individuals: those who actively strive for change and those who simply lament their situation without taking action. The former group finds a way to achieve their desires, while the latter tends to miss out on opportunities and loses what little they may have. Mandino emphasizes that the active pursuit of goals, even driven by dissatisfaction, leads to success, whereas passivity does not offer any resolution to one's unhappiness. He also points out the importance of self-accountability in overcoming personal challenges and vices.
Themes
DiscontentSuccessActionPassivityEffort
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about striving for success in the face of adversity.
More from Og Mandino
All quotes →Why 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?
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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.
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Only God can shape a flower, but any foolish child can pull it to pieces.
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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.
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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
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