Words to Live By

Do you collect quotes, or read with a pen? I do. Quotes turn into affirmations, then they turn into beliefs. That’s a big deal, I think. Here are three quotes, etched into my brain. They have truly turned into beliefs and perhaps they will resonate with you.

“Little by little a little becomes a lot.”

There is an accumulative effect when it comes to just about everything, especially wellness. The big inhalation of fresh air, the delicious organic apple, the really good night’s rest…it all matters and it all adds up. When someone cries on my shoulder about weight woes or fitness goals I always mention this quote. It’s the 1-2 punch of “keep going'“ and “your actions always make a difference.”

“How you do anything, is how you do everything.”

When I was junior tennis player, I had a coach tell me to always practice as hard as you’d play an important match. He was fond of saying, “Don’t half ass it.” I took this to heart and years later, when I read The Four Agreements where one of the agreements is “always try your best,” it reinforced the quote. Whether I’m folding laundry or working out, I give it my all.

“Where the eyes go the body follows.”

Right focus has always been a big theme of mine. It takes a lot of diligence to “keep your eye on the prize,” but it’s one of the biggest habits of successful people. First, you’ve got to know where you’re going, second, you’ve got to put your attention on it, and then third, you’ve got to put blinders on. This goes for immediate things and long term things.

Mottos.
Tenets.
Maxims.
Quotes.
What are yours? What are your words to live by?