Plans are nothing; planning is everything.
Interpretation
While having plans may be unimportant, the process of planning is crucial for success.
This quote emphasizes the importance of the planning process over the fixed plans themselves. It suggests that the act of planning prepares us for uncertainty and challenges, enabling us to adapt and respond effectively when situations change, demonstrating that flexibility and preparation are keys to achieving our goals.
In practice
During a team meeting to discuss project strategies, I used this quote to highlight the importance of our planning process.
If a man's associates find him guilty of being phony, if they find that he lacks forthright integrity, he will fail. His teachings and actions must square with each other. The first great need, therefore, is integrity and high purpose.
The libraries of America are and must ever remain the home of free and inquiring minds. To them, our citizens-of all ages and races, of all creeds and persuasions-must be able to turn with clear confidence that there they can freely seek the whole truth, unvarnished by fashion and uncompromised by expediency.
You don't lead by hitting people over the head - that's assault, not leadership.
When pressure mounts and strain increases everyone begins to show the weaknesses in his makeup. It is up to the Commander to conceal his: above all to conceal doubt, fear, and distrust.
Some years ago I became president of Columbia University and learned within 24 hours to be ready to speak at the drop of a hat, and I learned something more, the trustees were expected to be ready to speak at the passing of the hat.
I hate war as only a soldier who has lived it can, only as one who has seen its brutality, its futility, its stupidity.
I think track records are very important. If you start early trying to have a perfect one in some simple thing like honesty, you're well on your way to success in this world.
What's the point if you make something that's not you, and you're successful? You have to perform it the rest of your life.
Never once in my life did I ask God for success or wisdom or power or fame. I asked for wonder, and he gave it to me.
The future of America is not an entitlement. We have been given a treasure chest of gifts and opportunities, but some people are being left behind, and success is not sustainable unless it is shared.
All my successes have been built on my failures.
Don't take 'no' for an answer, never submit to failure. Do not be fobbed off with mere personal success or acceptance. You will make all kinds of mistakes, but as long as you are generous and true, and also fierce, you cannot hurt the world or events.
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