Lincoln on Crossing The Line

 

“Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other one thing.”

– Abraham Lincoln (1809–1865)
16th president of the United States

Before he was elected president, Abraham Lincoln had a business go under, lost a local legislative race, three congressional races and two senatorial races, and lost a bid for the vice presidency (and throughout he lost three sons).

Now Lincoln is regarded as one of the most influential figures in American history for his role in saving the Union and freeing the slaves.

Shakespeare on Living It

“Cowards die many times before their deaths; the valiant never taste of death but once.”

–William Shakespeare (1564–1616)
English playwright and poet

 

With everything, there’s a line.

On one side of the line is a greater chance to make good things happen (better results, better relationships, more responsibility). This is where you’ll find all those people you admire.

On the other side, there’s less of a chance.

And with each line, there’s a choice. You want to cross the line or you don’t. You want the better chance at making good things happen (meaningful things) or you settle with the lesser chance.

Your choice.

It seems simple but…

Then there’ll be those times. Those times when in the short run it’ll seem like you can’t cross the line (no matter what you do).

___________________________

Eliot on Crossing The Line

“No great deed is done by falterers who ask for certainty.”

–George Eliot (Mary Ann Evans) (1819–1880)
English writer

Always seeking certainty before taking action can severely limit productivity. In some cases, the evaluation and search for certainty is more costly than a potential failure due to action.

Worst case scenario for a wrong move is generally nothing more than an education (1 of the 4 points to better resilience).

Consider getting in the game a bit earlier the next time an opportunity arises. Avoid the “paralysis of analysis” and risk the uncertainty.