I keep reading these quotes over an over again….for some reason, they just don’t get old. I can’t say there’s anything in particular that “links” these quotes together, but I like the fact that this collection of quotes sends my thoughts/brain into so many different directions. The first two are rather playful and light, and the last three are a little more serious and thought-provoking.

Although I usually tend to favor the thought-provoking kind (of everything….), I must say that the quote about having too many ideas for time is a feeling that I am constantly experiencing. I’m one of those “sporadic” thinkers; I have a mind and a way-about-doing-things that the modern-day populace would dub as (extremely) “ADD.” So as you might imagine, seldom do I ever start and finish a particular task in one sitting. In fact, I’m pretty sure the only tasks I am able to start and finish without interruption are limited to those that allow little-to-NO “wiggle room.” (e.g., brushing my teeth, taking exams, showering, and the like.)

Obviously, there are a select number of things I can’t start and stop whenever I want. But, in pretty much every other area of life where I do have such a liberty, I take full advantage of it. So naturally, I am one of those spastic people (if there is such a group) who usually has multiple projects going on simultaneously. I like to think of this tactic as diversification of risk. Yep. I just went there. In order for me to keep the ideas coming and creative juices flowing, I try to often switch gears in order to invite inspiration and alternative perspectives, rather than channeling all my energy and focus into one project.

When considering the last three quotes, it is clear to me that they all more or less relate to integrity and our values. You know, the deep stuff that governs our behavior, gut feelings, and aspirations.

I’ve always thought it was really important to take the time to periodically evaluate ourselves and how we are living up to the values we claim to possess or exhibit. I try to hold myself accountable and challenge myself to take the path less traveled…to fight the tendency to take the easy road. Because without such deliberate objectives and intentions, we are more prone to succumb to the pressures of “the-right-now,” rather than standing confident and firm in what we know to be right and true. As my business law professor would say, “remember that even the best intentioned people are prone to ethical missteps.” What did I take away from this? So much! But in a nutshell, If we don’t make the deliberate decision to do the right thing when no one is looking (even if we can get away with it!), we are enabling ourselves to be more susceptible to our own rationalizations for why it’s okay to skirt the rules just this time. But, as the quote above states, “little by little, a little becomes a lot” and before we know it, we (who consider ourselves “good people”) are capable or guilty of doing “bad things.”

I’d love to hear your thoughts on these quote and which one(s) stick(s) out to you the most!

PS: I wrote about similar concepts a few Tuesdays ago if you missed it!