The Arte of Motivation

March 15th, 2010

“Once you say you're going to settle for second, that's what happens to you in life.”

- John F. Kennedy

Watching the athletes compete in the Winter Olympics brings new meaning to this 50 year-old quote. President Kennedy and his family were all very competitive and never settled for second place in anything. This young president inspired a generation of Americans to always strive to be their best.

What will you strive for today? It’s easy to do the average or only what’s expected. Look around at the service you get today – at stores, banks, drive-ins, cashiers, phone operators or any of the other people you meet and work and play with – do you think those people adopted an attitude that says they want to be the best at whatever they’re doing or have they lowered their expectations and efforts? Remember: once anyone begins to lower their sights or standards, it’s reflected in everything they do and how people see them. Companies have brands that need to be supported, people have reputations that need to be upheld, communities have a status that needs to be maintained, products have quality standards that need to be met and the world has expectations that need to be met. If any of these slip into second place or if those who work on or produce these allow them to be something less than the best they could be, then life itself is diminished. Don’t let any of your actions today start out to be second – always strive to be at your best. You should approach everything you do with the heart of an Olympian!

Arte Nathan