Last year I shared three MLK Jr quotes that have inspired me over the years. So, since I’m a quote collector from way back (and especially since this is MLK Jr Day 2016) I’m going to share three more of my favorite quotes.
(See other quotes here: 2015, 2018, 2019, 2020.)
“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands in times of challenge and controversy.”
Let’s say you feel like you must take a stand – have an opinion about an issue that offends your sense of right and wrong.
Do you take the stand, even if some of your colleagues, clients, contacts, friends may not agree? Or do you play it safe? Stay quiet and choose not to speak up and hope the storm blows over?
There comes a time when you have to stand up for what you claim to stand for. But keep in mind that taking a stand doesn’t have to mean being forceful or offensive. It can mean following your conscience and living (and speaking) with integrity. If you are a business owner, you have to be mindful that what you say, and how you promote yourself lines up with the truth of who you are.
“True peace is not merely the absence of tension: it is the presence of justice.”
Keeping the peace, in some situations, means keeping your mouth shut and pretending everything is fine.
This happens in the workplace, in homes and in personal relationships. Instead of dealing with the issues at hand, people try to avoid confronting them. This only perpetuates the problems and puts them on a slow boil. In the end, the pot will explode because the “peace” was an illusion.
“Everybody can be great because anyone can serve.”
You don’t have to be a household name or the richest person to make your mark in the world.
Some people think they must be a big celebrity to make an impact. But that’s not true and never has been. Share you gifts with the world. Be a provider of what people need.
This is something that is very true for entrepreneurs. You can fill a need, solve a problem, be of service simply by being your authentic self.