(originally posted on May 22, 2015)
In the last issue of THE ENCOURAGING LEADER, we highlighted some of the best books to help you become a better leader. This issue’s theme centers around quotes. We asked a number of leaders to write about their favorite quote and what it means to them.
Just as I am obsessed with reading books, I love quotes. The first motivational quote that I ever learned was “Obstacles are what you see when you take your eyes off the goal”. When I was an aspiring junior high basketball player in Michigan, the state’s Mr. Basketball was a player out of Saginaw by the name of Mark Macon. He went on to have a great career at Temple University. I saw him featured on a CBS special. In the segment, he mentioned that quote. I wrote it out on a piece of paper and taped it to the wall next to my bed. Every morning when I’d wake up, that was the first thing that I saw.
That quote still resonates with me. Through the years, I have worked with many athletes and that quote is still a go-to for me. The Kentucky Derby was held last week. Every time I think of horse racing, I am reminded of this quote. Horses have blinders on that keep them from seeing what is beside them. All they do is look straight ahead. They focus on where they need to go. We’d do well to remember this concept. Why get caught up in drama, distractions, detours or disillusionment? Set your eyes on the prize and focus on the goal.
See the entire newsletter of favorite quotes from top leaders across the nation.