Notable Quotes #56

November 11, 2008
Notable Quotes #56

Good Afternoon!

I hope that this set of Notable Quotes finds everyone doing well…I know I missed last week which happened to be Nov. 4th…(Election day)  Without any delay here are the quotes:

“Men are anxious to improve their circumstances, but are unwilling to improve themselves; they therefore remain bound. The man who does not shrink from self-crucifixion can never fail to accomplish the object upon which his heart is set. This is true of earthly as of heavenly things. Even the man whose object is to acquire wealth must be prepared to make great personal sacrifices before he can accomplish his object; and how much more so he who would realize a strong and well-poised life.”
James Allen 

“Beware of endeavoring to become a great man in a hurry. One such attempt in ten thousand may succeed. These are fearful odds.”
Benjamin Disraeli

I have been thinking a lot recently…that may come as a surprise to a few of you!  I have been thinking and re-reading some of the past Notable Quotes and it has dawned on me that much of what I am writing and conveying are things that are meant to bring instant or at least short term results.  I believe that these items are good and I believe that there is a place and a time for these items to be shared, but I also believe that changing one’s direction in life cannot be an over-night change.  It is more of a journey, which by definition is “a traveling from one place to another, usually taking a rather long time.” 

These two quotes have made a real impact on me.  While it is possible to become a “great man in a hurry”, the odds are against us, and while I firmly believe we need to stretch ourselves and beat the odds, we must not lose focus of what our ultimate goals are.  While we may want things to happen in 3, 6 or 9 months, the truth is, some things take notable longer to obtain and much more work than can ever be done in a short period of time.  Sacrifices will most likely have to be made and hard work will most definitely need to take place.  I think know I would be doing a great disservice not only to the readers of Notable Quotes but to myself if I give the impression that life change can happen in the blink of an eye.  I believe that there are foundational aspects that we must possess and continually work on in order to facilitate the change we desire.  I have written that our attitude is key…and I continue to believe that, however what goes into our attitude, how is our attitude shaped?  What else besides attitude is foundational?  These “foundational” aspects are what I am going to be working on over the next few weeks.  I will be sharing these thoughts with you in the coming months and I encourage your feedback.  If you have any ideas for Notable Quotes I would love to hear them. 

Here are some points to ponder…Are you looking at making any life altering change big or small?  What time frame have you set for yourself?  If you do not reach your goal(s) by the set date do you consider that a failure? (I hope not!)  Realize that change is a journey and not a destination and that while you are on the road of change things WILL come up, there WILL be bumps along the way and things WON’T always go as planned.  That’s OKAY!!!  Take solace and refuge in knowing that life itself is a journey and you are not traveling alone.  Also remember that there needs to be time set aside to recharge and rejuvenate yourself.  Even in my 5k race there was a water station at 1.5 miles.  Take advantage of those areas.  Don’t lose focus and most importantly have fun!

Until Next Time,
Heath