If you want to run a mile fast, you do not merely jog. You try
every day to run the mile faster than you did the day before. If
you want to learn to jump high, you strain your muscles and try
over and over to do what you can't do. Ultimately you achieve
it.
Keep that in mind when you work. Remember that you must wind
yourself up. The most watchful employer may discharge you. But
he cannot wind you up.
Be a self-winding machine, and keep yourself wound up.
Your hardest effort may fail to achieve greatness. But honest
work will at least make it impossible for you to be a failure.
Train your brain, nerves and muscles to regular, steady,
conscientious effort. Make up your mind that FOR YOUR OWN
SAKE you will make every effort your best effort.
You will soon find yourself a more successful, more
self-respecting, abler man or woman.
And here is an argument that should be more powerful with you
than self-interest:
Remember that the world needs honest, conscientious men and
women, able to do good work themselves and to people the earth
with children born of honest parents.
Make up your mind to be one of the world's HONEST citizens.
To improve the world begin by improving yourself.