What’s NOT for sale in your life?
What WON’T you compromise on?
What values do you hold and will persist to never back down on?
Earlier this week, in a leadership course I facilitate, we discussed the importance of character in leadership – and discussed the quote below:
“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”
You may recognize this quote. It was famously delivered by former president Teddy Roosevelt to wild applause on April 23, 1910, in Paris, France.
Roosevelt’s words of wisdom intrigue me with his willingness to try at all costs. To not quit after criticisms, errors, or shortcomings.
Instead, Roosevelt points to a choice we can make to lead with purpose, enthusiasm, and devotion while forsaking the comforts of apathy or indifference at all costs.
And I was inspired as a group of aspiring leaders took this quote to heart.
Friends, we’ve made quitting too easy.
Far too many people throw in the towel at the first sign of resistance or criticism and never come to discover the powerful, formative forces of victory AND defeat.
Don’t give up too soon.
The leaders of tomorrow will be purposeful and principled if they are to withstand the opposition that comes when seeking the best for those they lead.
Will you be that kind of leader?
If so, you’re in good company.
May you approach today with the passion for daring greatly to live a life that makes a difference – and truly LIVE your legacy.
