No Retreat, Baby, No Surrender

Too many people allow life to lead them instead of them leading their life. Life does not always hand you what you want. It's a constant struggle to achieve what you want. This is not meant to be demoralizing. Quite the opposite actually, my young padawans. You can achieve ANYTHING you want in this world. Not always easily, but always achievable. In this country we are privileged to have unlimited opportunity. Never take this opportunity for granted because in many parts of the world opportunity does not exist. All the desire and determination can still leave you wondering where your next meal is coming from.

I've been told I set my bar too high. That means I set goals that are difficult to achieve. So? Who wants to bend down for a low bar anyway? Set your goals high my sons but allow yourselves to fall short sometimes. Without sometimes falling short, how can you know where to set your next bar? A quote I'll always remember is that if you don't fail sometimes, you aren't trying hard enough. There is nothing wrong with failing. Failing is a part of succeeding.

You boys have been given a huge gift. The gift of opportunity. Make the most of it in everything you do. You can achieve whatever it is you set your minds to. Just strive to be the best at whatever that is. I don't care if it's to be the best librarian or the best bowler or the best father...simply be the best you can. And you'll never regret a moment of your lives.

Headline from "No Surrender" by Bruce Springsteen, 1984