Favorite Inspirational Quotes

When nothing seems to help, I look at a stonecutter hammering away at his rock, perhaps 100 times without as much as a crack showing in it. Yet, at the 101st blow it will split in two, and I know it was not that last blow that did it, but all that had gone before.

Jacob A. Riis

I believe this inspirational quote has much to tell us about persistence. It is not usually a single act that gives us success, but all the planning, preparation and action steps that lead up to that last act. It takes constant effort and persistence to keep driving to the success we want much as it takes concentrated, continuous effort for a stonecutter to split a rock in the right place in the right way.

This quote also shows a focus on obtaining a goal. The stonecutter does not strike here, then strike there, then go off and do something else. He keeps his goal in sight and continually, consistently hammers away at it till he achieves success. He also knows what his goal is - splitting the rock.

Have each of us chosen at least one goal for this year? Remember, in Zen To Done, the author suggests only one big goal each year. This allows you to focus steadily on it without being distracted. I have actually chosen two major goals as one is in health and one in business. But any more would most likely distract me too much to focus.

Do we know why we want this goal? Is our why strong enough to keep us focusing on it and taking the actions we need to reach it? What do you do to keep your eye constantly on your goal and your why? I write mine down every week day.

And do we take steps consistently, like the hammer blows, to work toward our goal? It is persistence in reaching our goal that will indeed finally split the rock. I have to admit I do not take consistent action, although any actions I do take are persistently in one direction toward my goals.

Tags: Jacob A. Riis