Just Do It, Or Something Like That

Dec. 14, 2012

They say a journey of 1,000 miles begins with just one step.

Sort of makes you wonder which step you're on by the time you get to mile 1,000? Personally, I'm not anywhere near mile 1,000 on my journey of life -- at least I'd like to think my journey had just started.

For many of us it takes a lifetime of learning to go from being glass-half-empty people to glass-half-full. For many, the light of epiphany that takes us from leading with a sharp tongue to leading with a kind word never seems to come on.

"If you always do what you always did, you will always get what you always got."

Albert Einstein

I'd like to think somewhere along this journey of 1,000 miles that I would be able to come up with something as concise and accurate as this quote from Einstein. In one simple line he captures a universal feeling that we've all had at one point or another. Perhaps that's why he was Einstein.

I found this list of quotes about innovation today on my LinkedIn account. I'd like to share a few with you as points to ponder as you go out and turn over the miles walking, jogging or riding your way to happiness and a healthier life.

"Nothing is stronger than habit," said the Roman poet Ovid, who was born in 43 B.C.

Sort of makes you think about the quote from Eddie Merckx who was asked how to be a better bicycle racer. "Ride lots." Or maybe it's as simple as the Nike logo, "Just do it." Amazing, in 2,000 years the advice is as valid in the social media world as it was way back when.

OK, ask yourself, which one of these guys sits in the cubicle next to you? And which one would you prefer to be sitting next to?

"The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore all progress depends on the unreasonable man." George Bernard Shaw

Or maybe your cubicle mate is more of a linear thinker: " Innovation is the ability to convert ideas into invoices." L. Duncan

You ever wonder why all the really good stuff usually comes from people who are long dead? Seems like we can all wax philosophical when we don't have much of a personal stake on the line; no skin in the game, as they say.

"The key to success is for you to make a habit throughout your life of doing the things you fear." Vincent Van Gogh. You have to wonder if this little zinger came before or after he cut off his left ear.

One of my favorite quotes -- I'm not sure how inspirational -- comes from poet and historian Friedrich von Schiller. "Against stupidity the gods themselves contend in vain." Maybe it's because it reminds me of a younger time when we all railed against the machine and the hope for a better way. Or maybe it's the kind of snide thing a glass-half-empty person would say.

Recently, however, I've become more fond of a quote that I stumbled upon from Walt Disney. It inspires me and reminds us all how simple all of our beginnings truly are regardless of how high our careers fly.

"If you can dream it, you can do it. Always remember, this whole thing was started by a mouse.”  

Walt Disney

Good luck out there as you click over the miles. And be sure to add your favorite quote to the comments on this post.