motivation

Persistence

If you're not ready to climb a mountain, then see if you can walk up a gentle hill.
If you're not ready to walk up a hill, then set out to take a leisurely stroll.
If you're not able to walk that far, then you can take a single step.
After taking that step you'll likely find that you're ready to take another.
If you have trouble imagining yourself reaching your goal, t
hen imagine yourself taking one small, simple action in the direction of that goal.
Imagine it, and then do it.

After that first step, there will be another one you can take,
something that's a little bit more challenging and yet not overwhelming.
Keep it up, and soon the ultimate goal begins to come into view.
Anything can be accomplished if you are willing to keep taking the next step when it is time to do so.

What you lack in brute strength, or resources,
or knowledge, or skills, you can make up for with persistence.
You absolutely can get where you choose to go,
step after step after persistent step.
And now is the perfect time to begin.

-- Ralph Marston


Truly great

Life is not always easy.
And that is a major reason why it is so precious.
Many of life's best rewards are possible
only because you must work your way through difficult challenges to get to them.
If everything in life were easy,
there would be no opportunity for real fulfillment.
If the only things you experienced were pleasure and comfort,
it would be impossible for you to fully appreciate them.
A life of total ease and a complete lack of challenge would be unbearably tedious.
When the next challenge comes your way,
when the next obstacle blocks your progress,
find it in yourself to be thankful.
For the difficulties provide you with truly magnificent opportunities to create value,
to find meaning and fulfillment in living.
The challenges enable you to give of yourself and to make a real difference.
And that's something you desire at the deepest level.
Life is not always easy.
And because of that, you have the opportunity to make it truly great.
-- Ralph Marston

this poem i dedicated to all of my friends...