I am not bound to win, but I am bound to be true. I am not bound to succeed, but I am bound to live up to what light I have. – Abraham Lincoln
The success/motivation industry probably has trouble with this quote. “OK, everybody on your feet and shout it out after me – I AM NOT BOUND TO SUCCEED!”
Lincoln’s quote reminds me of Larry Brilliant’s: “You’re entitled to the joy of work, you’re just not entitled to the results” which has been really helpful if I catch myself thinking “…if only… then I’ll be happy.”
It also incorporates the notion of a mission, a calling, while also calling into question any sense of entitlement about results that I might have.
It helps me to reflect on both quotes this week, as I struggle with figuring out how to bring in more income after my contract runs out in April. I found myself feeling a little blue after my dad’s memorial mass on Wednesday, and when I sat down to write, it seemed like it was more due to goofy thinking about my financial situation than anything to do with my dad.
I’ve got some contract negotiations later on this morning. This will hopefully help keep things in perspective.