“If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.”                                          _Martin Luther King Jr.

The third Monday of every January is observed as a US federal holiday commemorating the birth of MLK.  Although many may take this day to relax, the opening quote advocates the need to keep moving.    Yes, rest is important, but here, King is admonishing everyone to be purposeful about making progress no matter what.

Many times, we get stuck in the rut of self-pity and complaining.  “If I had fewer students in my class I could do so much more.  If I had gotten more computers this year, my job would have been easier.  If the teachers on my staff would only submit those reports early, for a change, I could get a head start with planning for next term.”

Trust me, if we look for an excuse, we are sure to find one.  They are a dime a dozen.

The truth however, is that no matter the circumstance we find ourselves in, we can always do something to make our situation better.  Whiners will complain but winners will always find a way to make things happen.

Perhaps like me, you’ve set some big goals for this year.  Well, the best way to see these goals come into fruition is to begin taking action, and I mean consistent action too.

Martin Luther King Jr.’s quote is a simple but loaded statement that underscores the importance of work and enterprise.  No wonder God’s ratio of work to rest was 6 to 1.  It’s in our DNA to work so that we may be fruitful, productive and progressive.

Here are several other favorite quotes and sayings about taking action that might just give you the fuel you need to make 2015 your best year ever:

• “A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.” _Lao Tzu
• “Don’t wait until you are ready to take action.  Instead, take action to be ready.” _Jensen Siaw
• “Things may come to those who wait, but only the things left by those who hustle.”  _Abraham Lincoln
• “Take time to deliberate, but when the time for action arrives, stop thinking and go in.” _Napoleon Bonaparte
• “If you go to work on your goals, your goals will go to work on you. If you go to work on your plan, your plan will go to work on you.  Whatever good things we build end up building us.”  _Jim Rohn

May we always remember that the distance between our dreams and reality is that expanse called ACTION!  Action always improves our satisfaction!

Leave a comment: What quote or saying motivates you to keep moving toward your desired goals?