Some people have greatness thrust upon them. Very few have excellence thrust upon them. Imagine you only have one year to live. What important things would you be doing? How would you be allotting your time to accomplish the most you could? This exercise is one method of going after your priorities.

I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something I can do. Learning is finding out what you already know. Doing is demonstrating that you know it. Teaching is reminding others that they know just as well as you. You are all learners, doers, teachers. In times of stress, be bold and valiant. The grass is not, in fact, always greener on the other side of the fence. No, not at all. Fences have nothing to do with it. The grass is greenest where it is watered. When crossing over fences, carry water with you and tend the grass wherever you may be. Instead of seeing the rug being pulled from under us, we can learn to dance on a shifting carpet.

If you cannot do great things, do small things in a great way. Make the most of today. Translate your good intentions into actual deeds. That which does not kill us makes us stronger. You cannot pick cherries with your back to the tree. Your self-beliefs either support or undermine you. Better get a stiff neck from aiming too high than a hunch from aiming too low. One cannot govern with buts. The wisest men follow their own direction.