TERRE HAUTE, Ind. -- I have recently been trying to read more since I have finally reached a point in my life where I can "read for pleasure" versus "required reading" for a class, course, or the dreaded PME reading! What I have discovered is I am a fan of Winston S. Churchill who was Prime Minister of Great Britain during World War II. Depending on what you read he was either a great statesman with incredible wit or a cantankerous cigar smoker who struggled with drinking a little too much. I believe the latter helped shape the former. Regardless, his thoughts are well published, and for me, relevant to much of what life (family, friends, careers, etc.) requires of us.
As I approach yet another birthday, I am comforted in the belief that I am continuing to grow each day. No, unfortunately, I am not getting any taller but rather growing in my understanding of how to measure success and what is important in life. I can finally concede life is not a sprint. As Mr. Churchill is credited for saying, "Continuous effort - not strength or intelligence - is the key to unlocking our potential." I think for many of us guardsmen we can credit our careers to this philosophy. Those who are successful, however you choose to measure it, can probably attribute it to determination, perseverance, and giving themselves fully to the task at hand.
So what is the secret? What is the formula for success? "Success is stumbling from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm." (Winston S. Churchill). I think this one is perfect to describe most of our efforts. Whether it is sustained physical fitness, quitting smoking, completing a degree, or finally finishing that PME, success requires passion. Positive people surround themselves with positive people who have positive energy. Those that succeed in life and at whatever they set out to accomplish do so because they have a passion. They have such a belief in themselves that nobody and nothing gets in their way.
For those who can stay positive and optimistic when it is hardest are the ones who come out on the other side winners. "Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference." (Yes, Winston again). Sometimes when leading meetings remember; "Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen." Or, just as important, when you are attending meetings remember; "If you have an important point to make, don't try to be subtle or clever. Use a pile driver. Hit the point once. Then come back and hit it again. Then hit it a third time - a tremendous whack." (Winston S. Churchill)
My most favorite Churchill quote; "To each there comes in their lifetime a special moment when they are figuratively tapped on the shoulder and offered the chance to do a very special thing, unique to them and fitted to their talents. What a tragedy if that moment finds them unprepared or unqualified for that which could have been their finest hour."
We are using this in our squadron to explain why we mentor, why we aggressively pursue professional development opportunities, why we care about our readiness requirements, and why we serve. So back to my opening comment, maybe there is always something I should be pursuing to better myself. I better get started on some PME readings!
For me, other notable quotes from Mr. Churchill include...
-"You have enemies? Good. That means you've stood up for something, sometime in your life."
-"We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give."
-"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts."
-"Never, never, never give up."
-"My most brilliant achievement was my ability to be able to persuade my wife to marry me."