NEED A LITTLE MOTIVATION?
Todd Dewett, PhD
Author, Keynote Speaker, Best-selling Educator at LinkedIn Learning, Leadership Guru, 5xTEDx speaker
I want to do something different with this edition of the newsletter.? Instead of one main message, I thought it would be fun to share several tiny messages.? Who doesn’t love a good motivational quote?? I saw one the other day from the late great motivator Zig Ziglar that inspired this post:
“People often say that motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing. That’s why we recommend it daily.” –?Zig Ziglar
He’s correct of course.? This one reminds me to take just a minute each day to seek motivation. Don’t just wait for it to happen randomly. You might think about something for which you are grateful, listen to that song that always gets you going, look to your family for inspiration, or just call an old friend who always lifts your spirits.? It might happen randomly, but why risk it?
So, here are a few more from me and from a few classic superstars who inspire me…
“Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds.” –?Albert Einstein
This is definitely one of my favorites.? The more you stand out and the more you excel, the more you draw attention.? Some will praise you and will be drawn to your originality.? Others will criticize you for questioning the status quo, for taking unnecessary risks, and for questioning them and their abilities.? The innovators and change makers always have both admirers and detractors. ?What determines your ultimate success is how you feel about that reality.
“And when the Devil saw them making progress, he grinned and created committees.” – Todd Dewett
One thing we know for sure about innovation and change in organizations is that bureaucracy often helps a little and hurts a lot.? Yes, it’s a necessary evil, but it must be discussed and managed.? For innovation to thrive, someone must stand up and insist on cutting red tape now and again.? Committees, rules, special project teams and the like will always exist, but they are tools to support innovation, not built in limits to innovation.? Don’t let the Devil win!
“Success is not final; failure is not fatal:? It is the courage to continue that counts.” – Winston Churchill
That’s profound.? I’ll rephrase, “Success is not a destination, it’s a mindset.? In failure we find the seeds of our next success.”? Typically, success is not easy and does not happen quickly.? It’s a process of learning, trying, falling short, and then trying again.? From this perspective, failure is one of the most important ingredients for success because that is what drives learning.
“Think with reckless abandon.? Act with measured bravery.” – Todd Dewett
It’s important to dream about possibilities, to imagine what could be.? Constraints be damned!? It’s a fun – and necessary – mental exercise.? Then, when you open your eyes and get back to reality, you’re ready to attempt something in-between the dream and the status quo.? To you, the innovator, it might feel like a compromise but be ready – many others will see your idea as a leap off a cliff.? ?
“It always seems impossible until it’s done.” – Nelson Mandela
Realizing that what seemed impossible is in fact not is one of the greatest feelings in life. All of us feel like we’re facing an immovable object from time to time. ?Of course, perspective is everything.? Think back in time and remember other times you faced adversity and survived and thrived.? Watch that video in your mind a few times and then know it’s possible to succeed once more.? Everything in life is a choice so choose to see opportunities not obstacles.
“Everybody is a genius.? But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.” – Albert Einstein (the origin of this one is murky, but most often it is attributed to Einstein)
Success is about knowing who you are and finding that place where you clearly fit.? Okay, maybe we’re not all geniuses, but the point is important.? ?You could fight hard to be a decent accountant, but if you’re really supposed to be a writer, you’d be wasting immense energy trying to put your round self into a square hole.?Sure, there are risks involved in trying to find or increase your fit.? Take them.? What’s the alternative?? Be a fish trying to climb a tree?
“Each goal you achieve should make you realize you do not yet understand your true potential.? More is always possible.” – Todd Dewett
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I find human achievement fascinating.? The obstacle to success isn’t IQ, though that certainly helps.? The real issue is confidence and belief in oneself.? When you can truly see yourself succeeding, beautiful things manifest:? bravery, the ability to persevere, the willingness to sacrifice, and the desire to learn and grow.? IQ is great, but it doesn’t lead to a lot of achievement all by itself.
And last but not least:
“To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all.” ―?Oscar Wilde
This one has been imitated many times – for good reason.? It’s one of the greatest ironies of human existence.? We are so fortunate to be sentient and, relative to other species, capable.? But we’re also packed with tendencies that hold us back, make us hesitate, and far too often lead us to simply play it safe.? We assume the worst might happen.? We refrain from taking even smart risks.? We don’t want to fail or upset others.? Thus, the one species truly capable of self-actualizing usually does not.? What about you – living or existing?
Do you have a favorite quote?? Please post it in the comments and maybe a few of us will catch a little inspiration.? Know someone who needs a little pick me up?? Share this with them.
For more from the superstars – jump on the net and search!? For more from me, see the inspiration page on my website for more quotes expressed in graphical form (drdewett.com).?
WHAT’S UP WITH DR. D?
I just got back from Orlando where I was speaking to the Florida Realtors Leadership Academy.? We talked about Dancing with Monsters (facing fears, learning to persevere, owning mistakes, humility, empathy, perspective – you name it!).? Huge fun.? Find a few pictures here:? https://www.dhirubhai.net/posts/drdewett_speaking-leadership-activity-7291114355591413760-8C2Z?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop.
I have finally begun my AI journey!? I’ve watched friends and strangers find ways to adopt ChatGPT and other tools.? I find it fascinating and scary.? I’m working with a new online platform for an upcoming course and my contact there told me about other authors with whom he has worked and how they are using AI to save time in scripting courses.? Save time you say?? Well, I’m in!? I’ll let you know how it goes.?
Isn’t aging fun?? LOL. ?A touch of normal old guy arthritis has limited my walking which was once substantial.?So, I bought a bicycle, and after a little time spent getting used to it, I’m ready for a goal.? I’m going to ride for twenty to thirty miles (the distance often covered in easier group rides sponsored by local bicycle clubs) and prove I can do that a few times, then… I will consider joining one of the local groups.? I’m excited.? What are you excited about?
Until next time – go learn something, maybe help someone, or at least do something interesting!
My books:? https://tinyurl.com/yvwuvmaw
Me on stage:? https://bit.ly/3EfcDSb
Book me:? https://bit.ly/3WHeRB0?
All links in one place:? https://linktr.ee/drdewett.
Team Manager, Financial Analyst @ Financial Sector, Banks | Master's in Economics, Banking Strategy, M&A, Cross-Border Transactions, Corporate Banking, Risk Assessment Expert
3 周Thank you Todd Dewett, PhD. It is hard to deny Zig Ziglar's motivational quote about bathing, it is hard not to support Albert Einstein's quotes in the context of personality in modern society and business environment. My favorite quote was Winston Churchill's "Success is not final; failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts." This quote is always modern, relevant, and will never become obsolete as long as the world exists. I also liked Todd Dewett's quote "And when the Devil saw them making progress, he grinned and created committees." This is also a certain pattern with a projection on people. One cannot but agree that the real obstacle to success is a lack of confidence and self-belief, and only then do we talk about the lack or imperfection of IQ.
Business Development Representative | Lead Gen Expert | Building Systems for Consistent, High-Quality Leads
3 周Growth is a journey, not a destination! Every step forward, no matter how small, brings progress. Keep pushing, keep evolving, and watch yourself grow!
OCT, Language Instructor, Interpreter and Translator
3 周My favorite saying: "Don't spit into the well, you may have to (need to) drink from it one day (someday)". = "Bad penny always comes back (lust)". Or "Do not cut the bough you are sitting on."