We are a few weeks into the new year, which means your resolutions are still fresh in your mind and you have high hopes for the next 12 months ahead. And no matter what your resolutions are, we wish you luck on keeping them to make you into the best version of yourself. But in addition to whatever goals you have set for yourself this year, we want to challenge you to dig a little deeper this year. Push yourself a little harder to make 2018 the best year for you yet!
And how exactly do we propose you do this? We suggest choosing a quote that resonates with you that pushes you every day to take the extra step and go the extra mile in the direction of your dreams. And what better person to look to for insight than one of the greatest American authors of all time? Henry David Thoreau stated years and generations ago that one of the best ways to make sure you get the most out of life is to “Aim above morality. Be not simply good, be good for something.” And no matter what you have going on during this season of your life, living by this quote has the power to improve yourself in every aspect of life. Here are three reasons why you should let this quote define your 2018.
It reminds you to maintain a selfless mentality
Thoreau, like us all, was no stranger to the selfish nature of humanity. However, as he states in this quote, he saw the power in overcoming our selfish desires. In just two sentences, Thoreau captures the guidelines that should define all of our actions. So this year make every effort to not just do something because you know you should––because you know it’s good. Challenge yourself to follow your dreams in a way that makes the world a better place. Be good for something––not just yourself.
It challenges you to never be satisfied with your accomplishments
Likewise, this quote tells us to “aim above morality.” So while your life may be a record of impressive achievements, Thoreau reminds to continually improve ourselves––to aim higher than the standard. In doing so, we are constantly learning and becoming better versions of ourselves despite what our past achievements may say.
It stresses the importance of following your dreams
If you repeat this quote every morning, it becomes a nice daily reminder of the importance of following your dreams. The work you do has an impact on your community. So get out there this year, and do what moves you. Make every effort to make your life meaningful every single day.
Clearly, Thoreau was on to something when he made this claim years and years ago, but this quote can definitely make us all into better versions of ourselves in 2018. And that right there is proof of the timelessness of wisdom.
