Words to Live By
A few of my favorite quotes, sayings, phrases, etc... (Unknown source unless otherwise noted.)
The man who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.
—Confucius
I've had a lot of successes in my time by breaking things down into their smaller bits and taking them one step at a time.
If you don't sacrifice for what you want, what you want becomes the sacrifice.
I often must remind myself that my rewards are the result of my efforts, not the prize for trying. Related to this one:
If you really want something, you will find a way. If you don't, you will find an excuse.
—Jim John
Not only does this keep me motivated, but it allows me to prioritize without guilt.
Rock Out, Spock Out.
—Me
Sometimes I need a reminder to approach something logically but with the balance of a famous science officer...
Work so hard that people think the aliens did it.
A reminder to crush it. Related:
Hustle until the haters ask if you're hiring.
You wouldn't plant a seed and then dig it up every day to see how much it's grown.
Progress takes time; it's not always immediately apparent. Work at something, but give it the patience and the right environment to blossom.
Don't let yesterday take up too much of today.
—Will Rogers
I only partially agree with this one. I think there are lessons to be learned from past experiences, but I do agree that moving on is one of the greatest talents we can build.
Ten years from now, make sure you can say that you chose your life, you didn't settle for it.
—Mandy Hale
I want to decide what happens to me, not watch.
You can't go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.
—CS Lewis
This is inspirational to me all the time, if I apply it right. A lot of what I think goes towards moving forward, not looking back, and this quote rings in the idea that I can make things happen rather than dwelling on what already has.
New liver, same eagles.
A Greek-ified way of saying “same shit, different day.” Just tickles me.
If you chase two rabbits, you will lose them both.
I think I originally saw this attributed to “an old Native American saying” but I couldn't track it down. I like the notion of focus. I'm great at multi-tasking, but in the immortal words for Ron Swanson: “Don't half-ass two things: Whole-Ass One Thing.”
Viri praemium non quaerunt.
—Me
Some Latin I wrote, translated to: “Heroes seek not reward.” I try to remind myself to be proud of my motivation for doing something, my cause, my purpose, and focus less on what I'll achieve for it. A true hero does something because it is right to do so or needs to be done, not because he'll receive recognition or reward for it.