“There are massive returns to doggedness” (Great Work quote)
You’ll know Dan Pink through his cool books Free Agent Nation and A Whole New Mind.
Here he is giving a commencement speech (and drawing on his most recent book, the manga style The Adventures of Johnny Bunko: The Last Career Guide You’ll Ever Need). It’s advice to new graduates – and rings equally true for anyone at any level in any organization.
Out of many, my favourite quote is:
“There are massive returns to doggedness.”
It’s so true. Hard work trumps time and time again persistence. My friend Andrea Lee asked me a similar question the other day as to why I’d succeeded to the extent I had. And I said: Mainly, persistence.
Here are the two parts of Dan’s speech:
- “timidity will do a thousand times more damage…” (Great Work quote)
- “A voice is a human gift; it should be…” (Great Work quote)
- “Allow the gods of f*@k-up to bless us” (Great Work quote)
- “Wisdom never kicks at the iron walls it can’t bring down” (Great Work quote)
- “care like hell and not give a damn at the same time” [Great Work Quote]
Posted in productivity, self-management
Tagged Andrea Lee, commencement speech, Dan Pink, doggedness, persistence, quotes, resilience
