You are an uncut gemstone of priceless value. Cut and polish your potential with knowledge, skills and service and you will be in great demand throughout your life.
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes the inherent value within each person and the importance of developing one's abilities through learning and service.
Denis Waitley uses the metaphor of an uncut gemstone to illustrate that every individual possesses unique and invaluable potential. By actively seeking knowledge, honing skills, and serving others, one can enhance their inherent qualities and become highly sought after in life, thus fulfilling their true potential and contributing positively to society.
In practice
This quote can be used in a motivational speech at a graduation ceremony.
Procrastination is the fear of success. People procrastinate because they are afraid of the success that they know will result if they move ahead now. Because success is heavy, carries a responsibility with it, it is much easier to procrastinate and live on the "someday I'll" philosophy.
Winners have the ability to step back from the canvas of their lives like an artist gaining perspective. They make their lives a work of art - an individual masterpiece.
Losers live in the past. Winners learn from the past and enjoy working in the present toward the future.
The easiest thing to do in the world is to neglect the important and give in to the urgent.
Expect the best; convert problems into opportunities; be dissatisfied with the status quo; focus on where you want to go, instead of where you're coming from; and most importantly, decide to be happy, knowing it's an attitude, a habit gained from daily practice, and not a result or payoff.
Positive self-expectancy is the first, most outwardly identifiable quality of a top-achieving, winning human being. Positive self-expectancy is pure and simple optimism: real enthusiasm for everything you do... [while] expecting the most favorable result from your own actions. There never was a winner who didn't expect to win in advance. Winners understand that life is a self-fulfilling prophecy. And they know that you usually get what you expect in the long run.
Unclose your mind. You are not a prisoner. You are a bird in flight, searching the skies for dreams.
"Seek ye first the kingdom of God and all good things will be added unto you." Follow God and you shall have whatever you desire.
Nelson Mandela represents an enduring example of the human spirit and he proved for eternity that the ideals of democracy and human rights can overcome even the direst of circumstances.
And when it rains on your parade, look up rather than down. Without the rain, there would be no rainbow.
Be yourself on stage. Nobody else can be you and you have the law of supply and demand covered.
It's always inspiring to me to meet people who feel that they can make a difference in the world. That's their motive, that's their passion... I think that's what makes your life meaningful, that's what fills your own heart and that's what gives you purpose.
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