Did I get your attention?

On November 15, 2022, I posted “Make Your Bed” — a discussion of the bestseller of that title by Admiral William H. McRaven. Wonderful – inspiring – book. Fast forward. . . . .

I just finished Admiral McRaven’s new book – The Wisdom of the Bullfrog – which addresses the topic of leadership. Wow! I’m a sucker for inspiring narratives. And this book is one. Each of the 18 chapters begins with a quotation. Some of the more poignant:

“The most tragic thing in the world is a man of genius who is not a man of honor.” George Bernard Shaw

“It isn’t enough to believe in something; you have to have the stamina to meet the obstacles and overcome them.” Golda Meir

“Initiative is doing the right thing without being told.” Victor Hugo

“You have competition every day because you set such high standards for yourself that you have to go out every day and live up to that.” Michael Jordan

“If you make listening and observation your occupation, you will gain much more than you can by talk.” Robert Baden-Powell (Founder of the Boy Scouts)

“Nothing ever comes to one, that is worth having, except as a result of hard work.” Booker T. Washington

Sooooo. . . I think you will enjoy. . . . oh wait . . . . Taylor Swift. Would you believe that Admiral McRaven – a decorated Navy SEAL – began Chapter 10 with a quote of . . . Taylor Swift. And it is inspiring. And made me think. Her words – “Just because you made a good plan doesn’t mean that’s what’s gonna happen.” We all have plans. Intentions. Ideas. When they are of import, each one of us has to work – to make it happen.