Do What you Can, With What you Have, Where you Are
"Do what you can, with what you have, where you are"
The quote by Theodore Roosevelt, "Do what you can, with what you have, where you are" is a powerful message that reminds us not to wait for perfect conditions before acting.
Often, we hold ourselves back from achieving our goals because we think we lack something essential, whether it's time, money, or resources. But the truth is, there is always something we can do, even with limited resources.
Do what you can
The first part of the quote, "Do what you can," reminds us to focus on the tasks that are within our control. Instead of worrying about what we can't do, we should concentrate on what we can.
By doing so, we start to build momentum, and our accomplishments create a positive feedback loop that motivates us to keep going.
With what you have
The second part of the quote, "with what you have," emphasizes the importance of making the most of what we already have. We might not have the best tools or resources, but we can use what we do have to get started.
As we progress, we will find that more resources become available, and we can gradually upgrade our tools.
Where you are
The last part of the quote, "where you are," reminds us to start from where we are at that moment. There will never be an ideal time or place to start, so the best thing we can do is to begin where we are.
By doing so, we take the first step towards our goals, and we can build from there.
Summary
So, the quote by Theodore Roosevelt is a reminder to stop making excuses and take action.
By focusing on what we can do, making the most of what we have, and starting where we are, we can overcome the inertia of procrastination and achieve our goals.
Goal Setting Training
Goal setting is just one of the valuable topics covered in our popular Leadership and Management Training Course.
Definition: goal setting
Goal setting is the process of choosing a clear aim, marking a date to reach it, stating how you will measure success, and letting that aim guide your daily steps. If any part is missing, it is not true goal setting because the aim becomes unclear, the time slips, progress is hard to see, and action loses focus.
Show CG4D Definition
- names a single, specific aim
- sets a fixed time limit
- includes measurable success signs
- directs daily plans and actions
Article Summary
Real progress starts when you take action where you are, use the resources you have and set clear goals; wait for perfect times and delay will steal your success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions that frequently get asked about this topic during our training sessions.
What does Roosevelt mean by "do what you can"?
How can I focus on tasks within my control?
How do I use limited resources to start a goal?
Why is starting where I am better than waiting?
How does small progress build momentum?
What simple steps help beat procrastination?
How can goal setting aid personal development?
Thought of something that's not been answered? Ask Us Today!
Did You Know: Key Statistics
The 2024 LinkedIn Workplace Learning Report shows that 94% of employees say they would stay longer at a company that invests in their learning and growth. The CIPD Learning at Work 2024 survey found teams with clear, written goals are 30% more likely to exceed their performance targets than teams without documented goals.About the Author: Chris Farmer
Chris Farmer is the founder of the Corporate Coach Group and has many years' experience in training leaders and managers, in both the public and private sectors, to achieve their organisational goals, especially during tough economic times. He is also well aware of the disciplines and problems associated with running a business.
Over the years, Chris has designed and delivered thousands of training programmes and has coached and motivated many management teams, groups and individuals. His training programmes are both structured and clear, designed to help delegates organise their thinking and, wherever necessary, to improve their techniques and skills.
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