A very wise man (my grandfather) told me that the secret to success was setting goals that are beyond what we think are reach is and then working our asses off to attain those goals. And then to repeat that process over and over throughout our lives.
"There are two types of people who will tell you that you cannot make a difference in this world: those who are afraid to try and those who are afraid you will succeed." Ray Goforth
This may be contrary to what your grandfather told you, but when I was hospitalized for clinical depression, a psychiatrist told our group that we should only reach for achievable goals. I think she was concerned about the effect that failing a goal that was too far beyond our reach would have on us.
But it was Robert Browning who wrote that "A man's reach should exceed his grasp, or what's a heaven for?" I guess that is what your grandfather was speaking of.
I was amused by the note in the picture that says "Watch me." It reminded me of when Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau was walking into the meeting of Parliament with the intention of declaring (putting into immediate effect) the War Measures Act (military control of the country) at the time of the French Canadian insurrection and the murder of lawmaker Pierre LaPorte. A journalist asked him as he was walking in the door to Parliament "Are you really going to declare The War Measures Act?" Trudeau's 3-word response was: "Just watch me." And he did it.
I doubt my papa knew who Browning was, but yes that was his idea I think. Later in life, one of the commanders I most respected while in the military summed it up nicely talking about goals and ambition, when he told the assembled non-commissioned officers "If you set your sights on what is required (mediocrity) rather than excellence (the best you can do) all you will ever be is average.
A very wise man (my grandfather) told me that the secret to success was setting goals that are beyond what we think are reach is and then working our asses off to attain those goals. And then to repeat that process over and over throughout our lives.
"There are two types of people who will tell you that you cannot make a difference in this world: those who are afraid to try and those who are afraid you will succeed." Ray Goforth
This may be contrary to what your grandfather told you, but when I was hospitalized for clinical depression, a psychiatrist told our group that we should only reach for achievable goals. I think she was concerned about the effect that failing a goal that was too far beyond our reach would have on us.
But it was Robert Browning who wrote that "A man's reach should exceed his grasp, or what's a heaven for?" I guess that is what your grandfather was speaking of.
I was amused by the note in the picture that says "Watch me." It reminded me of when Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau was walking into the meeting of Parliament with the intention of declaring (putting into immediate effect) the War Measures Act (military control of the country) at the time of the French Canadian insurrection and the murder of lawmaker Pierre LaPorte. A journalist asked him as he was walking in the door to Parliament "Are you really going to declare The War Measures Act?" Trudeau's 3-word response was: "Just watch me." And he did it.
Buzz
I doubt my papa knew who Browning was, but yes that was his idea I think. Later in life, one of the commanders I most respected while in the military summed it up nicely talking about goals and ambition, when he told the assembled non-commissioned officers "If you set your sights on what is required (mediocrity) rather than excellence (the best you can do) all you will ever be is average.