Next, we look at three quotes from Teddy Roosevelt, the 26th President of the United States.  You may not know that President Roosevelt was a very well-rounded man (in more ways than one).  He was an active outdoorsman, author, soldier, explorer, historian, and conservationist.  He also had great things to say about management, personal responsibility, and life:

1. “In a moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.” –  We cannot always have 100% of the desired information to make a quality decision.  Often, we must make our decisions based on 75% of the needed information.  In these cases, we must simply understand what risks we might assume, how we can mitigate the risks, and move forward.
2. “If you could kick the person responsible for most of your trouble, you wouldn’t sit for a month.” – This one is pretty clear.  We need to consider our own role in addressing problems before we assume that the cause is others.
3. “Nobody cares how much you know, until they know how much you care.” – Hopefully, this quote is familiar to you.  We have probably all known individuals that are geared only to their own needs and concerns.  But, do you allow equal time to others?  Do you know the names of your coworkers’ spouses and kids?  Do you know the birthdates of your friends/coworkers?  Do you routinely ask about the lives of others before you dive into work issues?  Please do not underestimate the value of caring for others.  When you do, they are much more likely to trust you, to desire your success, and to go the extra mile to make things happen.

Does the wisdom of Teddy Roosevelt inspire you to do anything different today?  Why not start by deciding to do something… not something in the realm of finding who to blame for your trouble, but something that shows someone else that you do care for them?  Why not resolve today to learn something new about at least one person around you every day?  By the end of the month, you will have a new appreciation of those individuals.  By the end of the year, you may have developed a new set of relationships that makes a real change in your life and those around you.  Take the challenge!  And…

Have a great “best day yet!”