How many on their deathbeds wished they'd spent more time at the office - or watching TV? The answer is, No one.
Stephen CoveyRead
During the first few minutes in lift-off, the astronauts were strictly controlled and were powerfully buffeted by the forces of nature struggling to keep them on earth. This is somewhat comparable to the pull of the flesh when our alarm goes off early in the morning. Unless we put "mind over mattress" and carry out the resolves made the night before, we will experience our first defeat that day. Not sufficient to finish. Mission aborted.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of overcoming initial resistance to achieve daily goals.
Stephen Covey uses the analogy of astronauts battling the forces of nature during their lift-off to illustrate how people often face inner struggles when waking up or starting their day. Just as astronauts must exert control to break free from gravity, individuals must employ willpower—referred to as 'mind over mattress'—to rise early and follow through on their intentions. Failing to do so can lead to a sense of defeat that can affect one's entire day.
Themes
MotivationWillpowerSuccessGoalsDiscipline
In practice
Example use cases
A motivational speaker could use this quote to inspire an audience during a morning seminar.
More from Stephen Covey
All quotes →If you want to have a more pleasant, cooperative teenager, be a more understanding, empathic, consistent, loving parent. If you want to have more freedom, more latitude in your job, be a more responsible, a more helpful, a more contributing employee.
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If we live out of our memory, we're tied to the past and to that which is finite. When we live out of our imagination, _x000D_ we're tied to that which is infinite.
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Synergy is the highest activity of life; it creates new untapped alternatives; it values and exploits the mental, emotional, and psychological differences between people.
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Keep in mind that you are always saying "no" to something. If it isn't to the apparent and urgent things in your life, it is probably to the most fundamental, highly important things.
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