Pablo Picasso, the great Spanish painter and sculptor, once said this about his ability:
"My mother said to me, 'If you become a soldier, you’ll be a general; if you
become a monk, you’ll end up as Pope.’ Instead, I became a painter and wound up
as Picasso." No lack of confidence here!
But he would have agreed with Abraham Lincoln. "Whatever you
are," said Lincoln, "be a good one." He demonstrated the wisdom of that
advice with his own life. And in this present age, which often seems to be contented with
mediocrity, his words summon a yearning for improvement and growth.
I think it helps to remember that excellence is not a place at which we
arrive so much as a way of traveling. To do and be our best is a habit among those who
hear and understand Lincoln’s admonition.
Viennese-born composer Frederick Loewe, whom we remember from his
musical scores that include "My Fair Lady," "Gigi" and
"Camelot," was not always famous. He studied piano with the great masters of
Europe and achieved huge success as a musician and composer in his early years. But when
he immigrated to the United States, he failed as a piano virtuoso. For a while he tried
other types of work including prospecting for gold and boxing. But he never gave up his
dream and continued to play piano and write music.
During those lean years, he could not always afford to make payments on
his piano. One day, bent over the keyboard, he heard nothing but the music that he played
with such rare inspiration. When he finished and looked up, he was startled to find that
he had an audience – three moving men who were seated on the floor.
They said nothing and made no movement toward the piano. Instead, they
dug into their pockets, pooled together enough money for the payment, placed it on the
piano and walked out, empty handed. Moved by the beauty of his music, these men recognized
excellence and responded to it.
Whatever you are, be a good one. If what you do is worth doing,
if you believe that who you are is of value, then you can’t afford to be content with
mediocrity. When you choose the path of excellence
through this life, you will bring to it your best and receive the best it can offer in
return. And you will know what it is to be satisfied.
Steve Goodier Publisher@LifeSupportSystem.com
is a professional speaker, consultant and author of numerous books. Visit his site for
more information, or to sign up for his FREE newsletter of Life, Love
and Laughter at http://LifeSupportSystem.com. |
|
|
|
|
