I’m a big fan of the actor Nick Offerman. I haven’t watched a ton of episodes of the TV show Parks and Rec, but his character is my favorite on that show. I also enjoyed his relatively small, but memorable, role in season two of The Last of Us, and his much larger role in last year’s Death by Lightning mini-series.
I recently read his memoir, Paddle Your Own Canoe, which was the monthly selection of a book club I’m in. Among other things, Offerman shared some of his favorite sayings, including these, which I like:
- It is hard to fail but it is worse never to have tried to succeed – Teddy Roosevelt.
- If you’re gonna do a job, do it right – Ric Offerman (Nick’s dad)
- Just always do the best you can, and then nobody can fault your effort – Ric Offerman (Nick’s dad)
- Figure out what you love to do, then figure out how to get paid to do it – Nick Offerman
- Luck is when opportunity meets preparation – a saying I’ve been a fan of since reading about it in a book about Roman philosopher Seneca the Younger
Those got me thinking about some of my favorite sayings, or mantras, all of which have helped me during challenging times, often at work:
This, too, shall pass – which has its roots in medieval Persian and Jewish folklore. It’s been particularly helpful when I have faced a deadline for a huge undertaking. Reminding myself that the situation will be in the past when that deadline hits, has helped me on many occasions.
If it was easy, anyone could do it – I credit myself with this. (I googled it, and in the movie, A League of Their Own, there is a similar line, “If it was easy, everyone would do it.”) Similar to “This, too, shall pass,” this saying is a helpful reminder that there is a reason I am facing a particular challenge at work, because I am up to the task.
I can do anything, as long as I don’t have to do everything – Dan Sullivan of the Strategic Coach. Working with teammates over the past 30+ years has been the reason for my success, and partnering with my wife in raising our kids, is the reason they are all awesome adults.
What are some sayings or mantras you have found helpful?
All my best,
David