Will Rogers was a famous American philosopher, actor, humorist and author known for his simple, common sense approach to life. Today, we look at a few of his quotes and how they relate to where we are individually on our journey.

• To be successful, you cannot sit still and rest on your laurels

“Even if you are on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there.” – Will Rogers

Rogers correctly observed that we cannot stay where we are and expect to get ahead. We must continue working to enhance our skills, continue taking measured risks, and continue being competitive to stay ahead. This not only applies to our work life, but personal lives, as well. If we become complacent, we tend to become lazy and lose our edge no matter what activity we tackle.

• We learn more when we listen than we we talk

“Never miss a good chance to shut up.” – Will Rogers

Rogers was an astute observer of people. Many of his more famous quotes deal with the ways that people act in order to impress others. He found that many failed to stop talking long enough to actually hear what others are saying, thus, they miss the opportunity to learn. Too many people are more interested in what they will say next than what the other party is saying. We should take his advice and “shut up” long enough to allow others to add value.

• Take the time to stop and smell the roses – we may never walk this way again

“Half our life is spent trying to find something to do with the time we have rushed through life trying to save.” – Will Rogers

It is hard to believe that Will Rogers died in 1935, yet could understand how we live our lives in such a rush today! Life passes quickly enough without our efforts to push it even faster. And, in the process, we fail to enjoy the life we have before us today. I recently learned of a former colleague that died unexpectedly of a heart attack at age 53. This individual was highly dedicated and worked at work very hard. In fact, he had stretches of time that entailed traveling weeks at a time. This demonstrates to me again that life is fragile and we must never put work (or any other activity) ahead of those more important things in our lives… people! We should not allow work to push aside our friends, our families, or others that we love or hold dear. Don’t rush through life to the point of losing that which is of utmost importance! Rogers also said:

“Lord, let me live until I die.” – Will Rogers

Are you really living?

• Do something you believe in

“If you want to be successful in life, it’s just this simple. Know what you are doing. Love what you are doing. And believe in what you are doing.” – Will Rogers

Most people that aren’t successful or happy in life do not love or believe in what they are doing. Most unsuccessful or unhappy people either are on auto-pilot or they go from one thing to another hoping to find that thing they can love and believe in. Finding that one thing often takes intentionality. In other words, you may have to make a special effort to find “that one thing.” Or, you may have to stop doing what you can’t believe in to dedicate yourself fully to that pursuit of “that one thing.” Is Will Rogers nudging you today to look at your own lack of success or happiness differently?

Is today the day you begin doing something you’ve never done before? Think about what Will Rogers might be saying to you and how your life might be different, starting now.

Have a great day!