My apologies and belated congratulations to Dr. Seuss. I missed your 100th anniversary on March 2. When I saw an article recently about Dr. Seuss, so many memories came back about those great books and all those characters that helped me learn to read. As I re-read some of Dr. Seuss’ inspirational prose, I realized in many ways, the principles taught then are just as valid in our business careers today.
So here are my top 10 inspirational Dr. Seuss quotes:
“You have brains in your head; you have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose.”
God gave you this magnificent engine in which to live out your life. He gave you a brain with the ability to make all kinds of decisions. He gave you feet to allow you to direct your path on life’s journey. You get to decide what direction your life will go!
“Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, so get on your way!”
There’s no time like the present to tackle that big task that lies before you. Get up and get going. Procrastination never got anything accomplished.
“Oh, the things you can find if you don’t stay behind!”
You cannot push a rope uphill, but you can pull it up a hill. Likewise, you can’t lead an organization from behind. Leaders need to get out front and lead! Besides, the view of the future is better from the front!
“Sometimes, the questions are complicated, and the answers are simple.”
There is a tendency to get weighed down in the details of a complex question when all we really need to do is look for the simplest solution. Often the simplest answer resolves the most complicated question.
“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.”
Leaders need to care. Leaders need to step into the breach. When someone’s world is crashing down upon them, the person who cares and reaches out is the one person who can help make the situation better. You may not be able to fix every bad situation in the world, but when God puts someone directly in your path who needs help, don’t walk to the other side of the road to avoid God’s call.
“Today you are you, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is you-er than you.”
God made exactly one of you, to be uniquely you. If He wanted you to be like someone else, He wouldn’t have bothered to make you. Be true to yourself and respect God for making you uniquely you!
“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”
I never stop learning. At the pace of discovery, the process, systems, and technology you learned just a few years ago are already obsolete. Keep learning. Keep discovering.
“A person’s a person, no matter how small.”
It doesn’t matter whether a person cleans the floors or sits behind the big executive desk; people should be respected for the unique gifts and skills they bring to the organization.
“So be sure when you step. Step with care and great tact and remember that life’s a Great Balancing Act.”
Building a successful career is a life-long endeavor that is built with great care, tact, and respect for others. You don’t have to agree with everyone or everything, but respect the individual—they are also one of God’s creatures.
“Will you succeed? Yes! You will, indeed! (98 and ¾ percent guaranteed.)”
So there is no 100% guarantee of success in this life, but having a confident attitude while approaching challenges with a vision of a successful outcome is far more productive than assuming “this to will fail.”
Join the Conversation
As always, questions and comments are welcome! What was your favorite Dr. Seuss book? What is your favorite Dr. Seuss quote? There are so many great ones to choose from!
Category: Personal Development | Wisdom
iLOVE Dr. Seuss!
Me too! Great wisdom for all ages!