QuoteProject
Don't be afraid to challenge the pros, even in their own backyard. Learn from the pros, observe them, seek them out as mentors and partners. But remember that even the pros may have leveled out in terms of their learning and skills. Sometimes even the pros can become complacent and lazy.
Colin Powell
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

Don't hesitate to compete with experts and learn from them, as they too can become complacent.

This quote emphasizes the importance of challenging experts in their fields while also learning from them. Colin Powell suggests that while it's valuable to seek mentorship from professionals, one should also be aware that even those at the top of their game can stagnate. It encourages a proactive approach to personal growth, fostering a mindset that values learning, observing, and constructive challenge.

Themes

ChallengeLearningMentorshipProfessionalsGrowthComplacency

In practice

Example use cases

In a motivational speech, to inspire young entrepreneurs to seek out mentors and push boundaries.

More from Colin Powell

Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier. I am talking about a gung-ho attitude that says 'we can change things here, we can achieve awesome goals, we can be the best. 'Spare me the grim litany of the 'realist;' give me the unrealistic aspirations of the optimist any day.
Colin PowellRead
One of the fondest expressions around is that we can't be the world's policeman. But guess who gets called when suddenly someone needs a cop.
Colin PowellRead
Success is the result of perfection, hard work, learning from failure, loyalty, and persistence.
Colin PowellRead
If you get the dirty end of the stick, sharpen it and turn it into a useful tool.
Colin PowellRead
High-quality early-childhood programs and health coverage have expanded, and the number of mentoring relationships for at-risk youth has risen dramatically. That progress is encouraging, but it's not evenly distributed.
Colin PowellRead
As I've thought about gay marriage, I don't see any reason not to say that [couples] should be able to get married.
Colin PowellRead

Similar quotes

Every day you spend drifting away from your goals is a waste not only of that day, but also of the additional day it takes to regain lost ground.
Ralph MarstonRead
It's my responsibility to walk around the hotel with a big smile on my face and not worry about what's happened in the last game.
David BeckhamRead
The block of granite which was an obstacle in the pathway of the weak, became a stepping-stone in the pathway of the strong.
Thomas CarlyleRead
Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional. Say you’re running and you think, ‘Man, this hurts, I can’t take it anymore. The ‘hurt’ part is an unavoidable reality, but whether or not you can stand anymore is up to the runner himself.
Haruki MurakamiRead
People can do more than they ever believe they can do. Physically, mentally, academically. You have to be pushed. It hurts. But it's worth it, and it's a great thing.
Sugar Ray LeonardRead
I can't say 'no' to an interesting role. I always tell my husband, 'That's it, I quit, I've done all I wanted,' and he's just like, 'Yeah, yeah. Sure.'
Helen MirrenRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.