Monday Motivation - Ninety Percent

Ninety percent…

Ninety percent of the world swears they will start tomorrow, never understanding that there are only two relevant measures of time - now and not now.  One gets no credit for what may happen tomorrow, only for what is happening now.

Ninety percent does not understand that the effort itself, even a failed effort, is a noble act.  They do not understand that the effort itself is the difference between courage and cowardice. 

Ninety percent does not realize that even an inch of progress today is far better than the promise of miles of progress at some undetermined later date.  Inches, become feet, which become yards, which become miles when you string enough of them together.

Ninety percent of the world rests while they could be working.  Ninety percent are seeking an alibi, permission for delaying their quest for something better.  Other “ninety percenters” are happy to oblige as they seek the same alibi. 

The rest see it differently. 

The rest are all about "now" so they go get it right now. They understand that tomorrow is not promised.  They understand that one-hundred percent effort means zero percent regret.

The rest see intrinsic value in the effort, regardless of its outcome, and feel shame on the rare occasions when they fail to put forth that effort.  They hold themselves accountable, even when no one else sees their fleeting moment of weakness.

The rest understand the value of an inch, so they treasure every single one.  They may fall often, but they work to fall forward and always rise from a fall.  Their determination to collect inches leaves them miles ahead. 

The rest don't give themselves any room for excuses. Their consciences hold them to a higher standard than the world ever could.  Therefore, they would never give a "ninety percent" effort.

Every day, I seek to earn a spot among them, these other ten percent. 

So I work.