Tag Archives: mark twain

Monday Motivation: Choose Positive People

 

“Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great.” -Mark Twain

 

There might be people in our life who dissuade us from chasing our dreams and accomplishing our goals, because they are simply too scared to attempt their own. Sometimes we can choose who we surround ourselves with, such as our friends. Others, such as family and coworkers, are more stationary, but we can decide who we will listen to.

Choosing to spend time with those who lift us up and encourage us to pursue achievement is essential to our growth and success. If we allow discouraging nay-sayers to plant seeds of doubt into our minds, we will not be motivated to take even the smallest step toward attaining our aspirations.

It would be nice to surround ourselves with talented entrepreneurs, inventors, writers, actors, and business people, but it’s not necessary. What is crucial is to choose friends who will encourage our endeavors. Even when we encounter setbacks and difficulties, they are the ones who will cheer us on. Even when our motivation is lacking, they are the ones who will keep us going. So, remember to ignore the doubters and amplify the believers!

 

Monday Motivation: Just Get Started

the-secret-of-getting-ahead-is-getting-started.

“The secret of getting ahead is getting started.” -Mark Twain

 

I hate getting out of bed most mornings. I hate cleaning. I even hate the thought of writing on some rare occasions. Once I actually start a task, it’s not as bad as I thought it would be. As a serial perfectionist and an avid procrastinator, sometimes it’s hard for me to get started on any work that I have to do for the day. I avoid whatever I have to do, because I think I won’t do a job well enough. Or I might get overwhelmed by all the projects I need to finish that I end up surrendering before I start. Instead of the focusing on the grain of sand, I see an entire mound; maybe even a steep mountain that I feel I must scale before my day is done.

As Mark Twain stated, it truly is easier to get a head start on work by simply beginning. As you start to conquer this week, whether you’re heading off to work or school, don’t let your duties and responsibilities overwhelm you. Take one day at a time or even one moment at a time, putting one step in front of the other as you follow your dreams and aspirations. If you’re writing a book, take on one chapter or one page at a time. If you’re trying to get promoted at work, do what you can for today, but don’t worry about tomorrow. If you’re trying to ace a final, study hard and do your best, but do not linger over one wrong answer. God has provided you with the energy, talent, and resources that you need for today. Make use of these, but do not labor ahead into the future. Simply begin today’s work, and you’ll be one step ahead of those who don’t take that first step.