Strive to be Better

By Joe

"I can not but wish I was better qualified for the job." - John Adams

The above quote by John Adams was in response to being asked to initiate an alliance with France during the Revolutionary War. Without going into the politics of the time, or deeper into the story than I would like, John Adams was one of, if not the most respected member of Congress around this time.

Thomas Jefferson said of John Adams, "Every member of Congress in 1776 acknowledged him to be the first man of the house...he was our colossus on the floor." And yet, even while his colleagues held him in the highest regard, Adams still felt, and knew, he could be better. It is men like this, I believe, who are truly successful in life.

Whatever success might mean to you, the way to achieve it is to never be satisfied. Be grateful for what you have, and be happy with the life you lead, but never stop striving to be better. Can you honestly say there isn't an area in your life that can't be improved upon, however slight the improvement may be?

Learn as much as you can. Pay attention to every detail. Study the area of life you want to conquer as often as possible. Whether it be sports, your career, or being a great father, always strive to be better. And I guarantee, you always will be.