Childhood obesity isn't some simple, discrete issue. There's no one cause we can pinpoint. There's no one program we can fund to make it go away. Rather, it's an issue that touches on every aspect of how we live and how we work.
Michelle ObamaRead
When you're really trying to make serious change, you don't want people to get caught up in emotion because change isn't emotion. Because change isn't emotion. Its real work and organization and strategy - that's just the truth of it. I mean, you pull people in with inspiration, but then you have to roll up your sleeves and you've got to make sacrifices and you have got to have structure.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Change requires practical effort and strategic planning, not just emotional appeal.
Michelle Obama's quote emphasizes that making significant changes involves much more than just inspiring people; it requires concrete actions, organization, and sacrifices. While inspiration can rally people, the real work of change lies in careful planning and execution to ensure that those changes are effective and lasting.
Themes
ChangeWorkStrategyInspirationSacrifice
In practice
Example use cases
Use this quote when discussing the challenges of initiating social change in a community meeting.
More from Michelle Obama
All quotes →What I admire most about Hillary is that she never buckles under pressure. She never takes the easy way out. And Hillary Clinton has never quit on anything in her life.
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We all need to start making some changes to how our families eat. Now, everyone loves a good Sunday dinner. Me included. And there's nothing wrong with that. The problem is when we eat Sunday dinner Monday through Saturday.
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Oh, I can't play soccer, and I'm not a great swimmer. I won't drown, but you won't see me doing laps in a pool.
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I worked with Congress on legislation, gave speeches to CEOs, military generals and Hollywood executives. But I also worked to ensure that my efforts would resonate with kids and families - and that meant doing things in a creative and unconventional way. So, yeah, I planted a garden and hula-hooped on the White House lawn with kids.
Michelle ObamaRead
Elections aren't just about who votes but who doesn't vote.
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