Walk that walk and go forward all the time. Don't just talk that talk, walk it and go forward. Also, the walk didn't have to be long strides; baby steps counted too. Go forward.
Chris GardnerRead
Probably the hardest question I get asked is, 'How do I choose between passion and practicality?' I can't answer that. I had to do both. I was passionate about pursuing a career in financial services. But I was also passionate about feeding my child.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Choosing between passion and practicality can be challenging, as they often coexist but may lead to conflicting decisions.
Chris Gardner highlights the complex reality of decision-making when it comes to pursuing one's passion while also addressing practical needs, such as providing for a family. The quote reflects the struggle many face when trying to balance their dreams with the responsibilities that come with life, suggesting that it is possible to find a way to integrate both aspects rather than choosing one over the other.
Themes
PassionPracticalityBalanceResponsibilityCareer
In practice
Example use cases
In a graduation speech emphasizing the importance of following one's dreams while also being practical.
More from Chris Gardner
All quotes →I've said that if you're not doing something that you're passionate about, you're compromising yourself every single day.
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I chose to embrace the spirit of my mother, who, though she had too many of her own dreams denied, deferred, and destroyed, she still instilled in me, her child, that I could have dreams and that I did have a responsibility and the power.
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The secret to success: find something you love to do so much, you can’t wait for the sun to rise to do it all over again.
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Passion is the thing that won't let you sleep at night because you want to get up in the morning and go do your thing.
Chris GardnerRead
You know how mountains get moved? Everyone who can move a couple, move a couple. Those who can move rocks, move rocks. Those who can move boulders, move boulders. That's how mountains get moved. If every one of us did everything we could, I believe we would be in a different world.
Chris GardnerRead
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