When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
When the road you’re trudging seems all uphill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high,
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit–
Rest if you must, but don’t you quit.
Life is queer with its twists and turns,
As every one of us sometimes learns,
And many a fellow turns about
When he might have won had he stuck it out.
Don’t give up though the pace seems slow -
You may succeed with another blow.
Often the goal is nearer than
It seems to a faint and faltering man;
Often the struggler has given up
When he might have captured the victor’s cup;
And he learned too late when the night came down,
How close he was to the golden crown.
Success is failure turned inside out -
The silver tint in the clouds of doubt,
And you never can tell how close you are,
It might be near when it seems afar;
So stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit -
It’s when things seem worst that you must not quit.
~ Unknown
This is a beautiful poem on not to quit just yet. I am reminded by the story that is told in Napolean Hill’s book Think and Grow Rich on “Three Feet from the Gold”. Success may be very very near and we may just miss the gold if we give up too soon!
Evelyn Lim´s last blog post..Raising Kids, Removing Fear
Lance, this was something good for me to read this weekend. Sometimes it’s a struggle to keep a blog going, both in terms of writing content and figuring out a friendly design. As you know I’ve been ebbing a bit, so your reminder is timely. Thank you so much!
Daphne´s last blog post..Just Keep Showing Up
Hi Lance
Very appropriate for a number of people in my life. I’ll point them to it. Thank you
Juliet
LifeMadeGreat | Juliet´s last blog post..Overcoming The Barriers Of Introversion: Starting The Process
I always come here after grabbing my coffee sunday mornings. Id seen this poem and somehow forgotten it.
Im going to print it & tuck in my desk as you KNOW I have a the word quit w/a circle and a slash through it on my vision boards.
Miz.
Miz´s last blog post..RandomTwitterTriggered Facetime.
Lance,
Guess life and the basketball experience did not beat you up all that much after all. Great lesson, great poem (where do you find these?).
Sometimes you have to step beside yourself and look at it from outside. Often when in situations or your own life, you tend to loose focus.
Great lesson Lance. Thanks.
Mimi
Mindful Mimi´s last blog post..Are you a starter or a finisher?
Hi Lance,
Great poem Lance, thanks for sharing it. Like Miz, I may have to print it out for a reminder!!
Thanks for posting this poem. It made me smile. I feel like hubby and I have been doing exactly what this poem suggests. Don’t Quit! Life handed us some lemons recently and we are making lemonade, it’s a bit tart, but not too bad.
Enjoy your Sunday.
Natalia
Natalia Burleson´s last blog post..Love thy self!
Hi Lance,
SUCH an important quote. James Ray talks in “The Secret” about planting seeds and how some people JUST as the seed is about to burst through the surface — give up and the plant never comes through but withdraws. I keep that image in my head a lot so that when I even THINK that something is “too hard” or I have “spent too much time”… I keep going forward.
I love that the quote mentions rest as well. Rest and leaving something for a while can give you a fresh perspective when you come back at it. I tell my kids that… if a problem is stumping you — look at possible solutions but sometimes it is best to go do something else and look at it anew when you return.
Thanks Lance — beautiful way to start my day!
Love,
Jenny
Jenny Mannion´s last blog post..Interview with James Sinclair, Director of “What If?” Part II
“Success is Failure turned inside out”- That really resonates with me this morning. We all have our setbacks but we need to use those setbacks to create our successes. Evelyn pointed out a great example from Mr. Hill about the guy who dug and dug for gold and gave up three feet before he would have struck gold. Thank you Lance for giving me something to meditate on today! Happy Sunday everyone!
Jay´s last blog post..The Sunday Ponder
@Evelyn — This does relate very well to the story you’ve shared from “Think and Grow Rich”. And another example to the fact that we can be so close to what we’re shooting for sometimes, and if we just give a bit more of a push — we’re there! Our gold is waiting!
@Daphne — And that’s okay Daphne. It happens to everyone. And some things are worth giving up, if they are no longer of interest to us. If it is however, something that is meaningful, like I’m pretty sure your blog is to you, then it’s worth the fight. You’ll be flowing again before you know it!
@Juliet — Yes, pass this on! If these words help one person, they have been worth posting. Thanks for stopping by Juliet!
@Miz — Which reminds me…I need another cup of coffee! And you’re “don’t quit” picture — that’s like the shorted version of this!
@Mimi — I survived! Thanks Mimi. Do I dare give out my secret on how I find these quotes? Oh, wait — there is no secret! This one — I just happened to stumble upon it — and it felt right. So, maybe that’s the secret — it has to “feel right”. Not too profound… Great point too — we can get caught up in our own lives — and if we’re able to step outside of that — and look objectively — this can give us a clearer picture of where we’re headed, and what it’s going to take.
@Natalia — Keep on making lemonade Natalia. You’re doing great — and no matter what life throws at you — this may be a moment you can look back on and say “see, we’ve handled lemons before — no problem!”. “Don’t quit” — that’s a great attitude! Enjoy your Sunday as well…
@Jenny Mannion — Hi Jenny, it’s great to see you here TODAY! I love the see analogy. When I read it I think about how, for a seed underground, it can be dark and unknown, and yet, it could be right at the surace, ready to pop through. Much like moments in our lives…it may seem dark and unknown — yet we could be at the cusp of breaking through — and seeing the light! Wonderful example Jenny! And yes, sometimes stepping away is just what we need to re-focus. Have a great Sunday Jenny!
@Jay — That jumped out at me too — “Success is Failure turned inside out”. It gets me thinking about turning what seem like failures into success — by looking at things differently, by trying new ideas, by looking at “it” through a different lens, etc. The Napoleon Hill example is a perfect addition to this quote. And a very happy Sunday to you as well Jay!
Lance, when I was starting out in college and struggling with my mom to make ends meet and pay tuition (we were college roommates) I found this same exact poem somewhere and put this in my scrapbook. I found these words uplifting then, and now.
Thanks for sharing it!!
Jewel/Pink Ink´s last blog post..A Dream Visualized
Hi Lance
This is such an important message. I feel like I have been reading on several people’s blogs (including yours) recently about some of life’s struggles and here you have brought out the most important point — quitting should not and need not be an option — no matter what.
I love the line that says “success is failure turned inside out” May we always remember that and focus on the fact that every struggle, every so called failure is the success of our blessed being in the making of the divine and perfect plan.
Evita´s last blog post..The Quote Effect E-Book — What Effect Will It Have On You?
Lance — Mmm…good one. I think if we allow failure just as we allow success into our lives, we would come out where we want to be. A lot of people see failure as an end, but it’s really just a change of direction — you can keep walking afterwards (and you should!)
Amanda Linehan´s last blog post..How To Conquer Self Doubt
Wonderful poem Lance and especially considering the times we’re in. It reminds me of a story I love to tell to my students. Once there was a man who came upon a butterfly struggling to emerge from its chrysalis. The man felt sorry for the struggle the butterfly was going through and decided to give it a helping hand. The man carefully broke open the chrysalis and freed the butterfly from its prison. Later the man noticed that the butterfly never took off in flight. He later asked an entomologist friend of his why the butterfly didn’t fly. The friend said, “By helping the butterfly in its struggle to emerge from its chrysalis, it was not able to fly. The butterfly must struggle because it is in the struggle that it gains the strength to fly.”
None of like to struggle, but it is in the struggle we gain the strength to fly.
So true. When it hurts the most we want to give up, but that’s when we either need to keep going or pause and re-assess. Giving up, though an option, is usually not the satisfying choice.
@Jewel — How interesting Jewel, being college roommates with your mother! Please tell more sometime about this. So, these are old familiar words for you…I’m glad I could give them to you once again…
@Evita — Quitting is giving up. Maybe quitting is okay if we’re moving in a direction we no longer desire to go. Yet, maybe that’s not quitting either, maybe it’s just a change in direction.… I, too, love that line about “success is failure turned inside out”. And, you’ve really helped to give new meaning to this for me — I’m now looking at that phrase and seeing it in the light of what’s inside of us — when we truly let that out — that is where we find true success. Wonderful thoughts Evita.
@Amanda — Yes, very true Amanda. What are we allowing in? Do we accept failure? We don’t have to. We can see what might be perceived as failure, as really a stepping stone toward our success. And let’s keep on walking through these stepping stones!
@Laurie — Thank you, Laurie, for sharing that story of the butterfly. What a true example and reminder that struggle isn’t necessarily a bad thing — it can be what we need for what lies ahead for us. …to help us to fly!
@Stacey Shipman — And I think when I read this — in giving up, will I regret that choice later? A pause can be good, and an opportunity to objectively evaluate what matters. And if the choice is that this “thing” doesn’t anymore, then maybe it is time to move on. If it does though, it’s worth fighting for!
Hi Lance…
Your heart shines a golden glow where many come to bask! I like basking around here on Sunday mornings…thank you!:~)
What came up for me after reading this is…
When one first awakes, one must listen to the beat of one’s heart and soul, for this is the voice of God and Self.
“Failure is simply the yin for the yang of success!” ~Henie~
Henie´s last blog post..Sempiternal Glow
“Life is queer with its twists and turns.” Lance, you have no idea! My life’s about to take a really big turn, a turn for the better I hope, but the turn itself is a little squeaky (where did I leave my oil can?). Today, I’m feeling the struggle to see it through. This poem is the reminder I needed — as it says, the end just might be closer than I realize!
I’ve got a little shiver running down my spine. Great poem.
Sagan´s last blog post..Cheesy Chicken Quesadilla with Hummus and Red Pepper
Lance–
Once again, the start of another GREAT week begins right here.
These are TRULY words of wisdom!!!
THANK YOU for sharing this!!!
Kathy | Virtual Impax´s last blog post..Social Media is Simply Communication on Steroids
Lance,
This is timely. I just talked a mom out of feuding with her 25 year old son. I asked if she could hold a more positive vision for him. We all need to be reminded not to quit no matter the difficulty.
Tess The Bold Life´s last blog post..5 Great Reasons To Be Bold & Go Out On A Limb
Success is constant and perpetual. Nothing ever goes “wrong” as right and wrong do not exist. They are human inventions to postpone aligning with your core truth. Life does indeed have twists and turns. Each person creates them as part of a learning curve. The graphic you have chosen is fresh and rejuvenating.
Liara Covert´s last blog post..What happens through grace?
Hi Lance
This is one of my favorite poem. In fact I posted this on my blog not too long ago, and everytime I read this is just keep getting better and better.
My favorite is: “So stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit -
It’s when things seem worst that you must not quit.“
Thank you leaning me to read this today. It is a gift and I thank you.
Giovanna Garcia
Imperfect Action is better than No Action
Giovanna Garcia´s last blog post..How to make a decision in 2 second?
Powerfully inspiring! I’ll bet it has raised you up just posting it.
Tom Volkar / Delightful Work´s last blog post..How To Get On The Right Track
Lance, what a great poem to never give up! Are you sure Napoleon Hill didn’t write this? I know he sure would have approved it. I felt as though I was reading his words. They are so true. We just never know when the break through will come and if we just stick with it we will see our goals come true.
Jennifer´s last blog post..Should I or Should I not?
Incredible!
I love “Rest if you must, but don’t you quit.” I love that the author goves us permission to slow down when things are tough — but he does not give us permission to quit.
That’s one of the longer and eloquent quotations attributed to Unknown. Nice find. Getting hit hard is never a good experience, but getting up off the mat to fight another day certainly is.
Gennaro´s last blog post..8 Great Movies For Paris Travelers
wow, small world. I have that printed out and taped to my wall! it goes next to Abe, “whatever you are, be a good one”
Andy Bailey´s last blog post..Please, don’t do this on twitter.
So inspiring Lance. The world needs to be picked up instead of being kicked down.
Thank You
Tabitha´s last blog post..Day 22: Giving Love To Our Soldiers
Success is failure turned inside out — how true!
actorswhoblog´s last blog post..Aamir Khan
A perfect message for this economy. So many of us have lost our jobs or we are in fear of it.
We have to keep being creative because like the poem says, you can never tell how close you are. It could be one more blog post or one more resume that finally breaks failure’s back.
Every day I work on my website I know that it will pay off. I’m too passionate about work happiness to give up. Sure there are times I feel like I’m just flapping in the wind, but then there are those beautiful days that show me all the good that I can do if I try really hard.
Karl Staib — Work Happy Now´s last blog post..Work in the Now
I love this!
Mama Zen´s last blog post..Two Birds, One Stone
Lance! I almost don’t know what to say. This is MAGIC translated into words. I was already feeling like a winner today and now you’ve made me feel like an even bigger winner — thank you! You are a winner
Davina´s last blog post..The Morning Muse — Inspiring Hands
@Henie — I like having you here on Sunday mornings, Henie. Your words always add so much to the conversation. And I do see this — as I do see God as within us.
@Monica– I’ll be thinking about you, Monica, that all goes well through all the twists and turns coming up. Keep at it…the end MAY indeed be nearer than you think.
@Sagan — Thanks Sagan.
@Kathy | Virtual Impax — It’s great to have you here today Kathy. Yes, much wisdom within these words…
@Tess — Especially when it involves people — that’s when not quitting really is important — it sends a message that says “I care”. And that always a great message to hear.
@Liara — Thank, I liked this picture. I was looking for something showing an uphill. This got beyond that for me — going up the hill, and see the beauty along the way. And now, I’m going to question how I’m aligned.
@Giovana — Wow, we’re on the same wavelength! That is an awesome reminder you bring up — often when it is the hardest, that is when we are the closest. Thank you for stopping by today, and for adding your insight.
@Tom — You are right on the money Tom! This was uplifting just posting it. Reading through the comments makes it come alive even more!
@Jennifer — This sure fits with Napoleon Hill’s work, doesn’t it! I think persistence when I read this — how, if it really matters, it’s worth fighting for… Now, I will get back to reading Mr. Hill’s classic “Think and Grow Rich”.
@Vered — Rest…important. And something I can work on doing better at. And there’s more to it — rest and then get back to “it”. that really does say to keep at it, even if you have to take a break from time to time.
@Gennaro — “Unknown” wrote quite a lot of stuff didn’t he/she! And here’s another. Yep, when we get knocked down, get back up. And this applies as much mentally as it does physically.
@Andy — This is a great one to have printed out — and in front of you. It’s a great reminder to keep at it, and that’s a message worth spreading.
@Tabitha — And this is a pick-me-up, for sure! Thanks much Tabitha.
@actorwhoblog — Thanks!
@Karl — That’s it, when we have something we’re passionate about — this is where it’s worth always continuing on — of not giving up. Your post is really resonating with me tonight — thank you Karl.
@Mama Zen — Thanks much!
@Davina — These words, if we take them to heart — are like magic come to life! Success is there — and it might just be the next thing we pull out of our hat of tricks. Know that you are a winner in my book, too!!
I really enjoyed the poem. I am always amazed by the number of comments
Happiness Is Better´s last blog post..Interview: Professional Blogger
wow I am speechless!!!!
bobbi´s last blog post..Weekend Wrap Up+ Baking Fun
Beautiful poem and photo! I like seeing people promote poetry. This one has a good sentiment.
Elizabeth Barrette´s last blog post..Household Living
Definitely my favourite line:
I can see myself using that in the future! Thanks for sharing…
Cheers,
Glen
Glen Allsopp´s last blog post..Be the Light that Gives Others Permission to Shine
Hi Lance — This is a poem I’ve held dear for many years. I love that you’re posting it for your “Sunday Thought For The Day”. What a great way to start the week.
P.S. I know I’ve told you before that I love this Sunday series of yours, but I’ll tell you again. It’s fabulous.
Barbara Swafford´s last blog post..Is Blogging A Hobby, A Time Suck, Or…
Great poem, and awesome picture. Just looking at that picture makes me want to sit down and catch a breather.
I wish I knew who wrote that poem, because I’d like to read more material from that writer. A+ work!
Trey — Swollen Thumb Entertainment´s last blog post..The Definition of “Artist”
I so needed this today! Thanks Lance. Beautiful piece.
I love this poem and haven’t read it for awhile. It really offers inspiration for everyone. I’ve always found the last lines: “So stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit — It’s when things seem worst that you must not quit” especially true. After all, rainbows come after thunder storms.
Kelly
@Happiness Is Better — Thanks! I find that the comments really bring meaning to these quotes/poems — for both myself and my readers.
@Bobbi — Isn’t this great Bobbi! So uplifting for those moments when we feel like quitting.
@Elizabeth — I haven’t used a lot of poems, and that’s an area I can probably explore much more. So, Elizabeth, thanks for the push!
@Glen — I love that line too — “Success is failure turned inside out”. I’ve been looking at it a couple of different ways. One, that if we look within ourselves, we can find what is truly success for us. And, when we fail — that’s the times for keep trying new things, and that failing isn’t failure at all — but just one way that doesn’t work — as long as we keep trying…
@Barbara — It’s comments like this that continue to remind me why I enjoy doing these Sunday posts so much. It’s simple, yet can be profound. And, sometimes, that’s all we need. This was a new poem to me — and I loved it as soon as I read it. That it’s been one you’ve held dear for a long time — that doesn’t surprise me Barbara — I think you live this poem out in real life…
@Trey — The picture, while meant to depict the uphill battles we face sometimes — I find that it also provides much tranquility. Coupled with the poem, it’s a pretty comforting combination for me. And, yes, I wish I knew who wrote this also — I tried a couple of searches and came up with nothing in regards to the author of it.
@Rupal — And then I’m really glad you’re here today Rupal. Sometimes, we just happen to find something that fits at the right time. Very awesome that this was that for you today. And it’s great to see you here today!
@Kelly — “Rainbows come after thunderstorms” — I love that Kelly! And it fits so well to the idea of sticking with it when we’re hardest hit — that rainbow probably isn’t far! Very inspirational, as are your additions here. Thanks much Kelly!
A very nice read Lance…thank you!
“To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in other; to leave the world a bit better, to know even one life has breathed easier because you lived. This is to be successful.“
Ralph Waldo. Emerson
rummuser´s last blog post..FPRI — A Tale Of Two Crises
Success is failure turned inside out is my favorite line.
It’s sticky and it reminds me that to know one thing really well, we need to know its opposite.
J.D. Meier´s last blog post..Avoid Mental Burnout
I haven’t seen that in such a long time, I’d forgotten how awesome it was. Thanks so much for sharing it and reminding me of the don’t quit message.
FatFighterTV´s last blog post..Gerber’s Start Healthy, Stay Healthy giveaway
Yep! This is all soo true. Sometimes the top of the mountain may be just a few steps away! I hope you day is swell, Lance and that your meditating will bring you peace, direction and clarity.
Jannie Funster´s last blog post..Trout-fishing hip waders!
Hi Friend.. Interesting post.. Do visit my blog and post your comments.. Take care mate.. Cheers!!!
Thanks for posting this, Lance. For me, trying to get a business of the ground leaves a lot of room for self-doubt and discouragement. Your blog always cheers me up though!
Bri´s last blog post..9 Reasons to Eat Local
That is one of the most beautiful and inspiring things I have ever read. Thank you for sharing that with us.
meleah rebeccah´s last blog post..My Plan. My Book. My Blog.
just recently, things started to fall apart around our home.….emotionally, financially.….……then just as I felt I was falling.….….everything just came together and got better
There is always hope if you try to remember.….….you are blessed no matter what!
Annette´s last blog post..Day Shift
Lance — I HAD to see your blog since we BOTH unknowingly posted the same thing — that is weird and cool all at the same time. Here’s more — I paint as well as write and I have done a painting VERY similar to the photo you have with this poem. Kinda freaked me out when I saw it. I think we need to keep in touch! I’m signing up to get your blog!
suZen
suZen´s last blog post..Hope, Love and Don’t Ever Quit
Aligning with your intention is easier than you have assumed. Allow a sense of balance to emerge within yourself and with regard to others. You do yourself a disservice if you designate anyone outside yourself as the authority of your own deeper sources of knowledge.
Liara Covert´s last blog post..10 common mistakes & how to avoid them
I really loved that poem and I’ve never heard that before. In fact, I liked it so much that I copied it–and perhaps at some point I will even blog about it. In particular, I really love that last verse:
Success is failure turned inside out -
The silver tint in the clouds of doubt,
And you never can tell how close you are,
It might be near when it seems afar;
So stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit -
It’s when things seem worst that you must not quit.
Great words to live by–and thank you for sharing it with us.
Melinda
Melinda´s last blog post..Life’s Challenges
My favorite line is “don’t give up though the pace seems slow”. Sometimes the pace has to be slow.
Stacey / Create a Balance´s last blog post..What Are Your Intentions?
Lance — I’m telling you.. it’s like you know when I need to hear certain things! This was wonderful to be reminded of. I have been really hopeful about the future lately, until I watched the news the other day (I usually avoid the news at all costs). It really bums me out and makes me wonder how we’ll ever survive. And whenever I start to feel FEAR, it’s like I just FREEZE up and don’t do anything productive. It’s a bad cycle to be in and this post reminded me to just keep moving forward… to do my best… and have faith that the rest will work itself out. Thank you again! You are so inspiring!
Liz Rosenbaum´s last blog post..FABULOUS Fitness Camp Results
@Mark Salinas — Thanks Mark!
@Rummuser — An all-time favorite of mine! Thanks for listing it here.
@J.D. Meier — I like that J.D. — and not a way I’d thought about this before. Thank you!
@FatFighterTV — It’s a classic. For me, it’s new — yet it’s also timeless. The principles contained in here form a message that is worth hearing over and over. Thanks for stopping by!
@Jannie — The top only a few steps away — yet the undergrowth keeps us from seeing the peak. Powerful thought. My day is swell — this week is starting off fabulously! I hope that yours is too, Jannie…
@Star — Thanks for stopping by.
@Bri — Keep at it, Bri! This post is for you, then!! We all have self-doubt come up, thank you for your honesty here today. It is refreshing.
@Meleah — This is beautiful, isn’t it! Many people here have read it before, yet it was new to me. And reading it was inspiring and reminded me to keep at it — always. Thanks Meleah.
@Annette — First off, I’m glad to hear that things have turned around for you and your family. You have persevered Annette — you have not given up. And that is a great testament to you — and it speaks volumes to what this poem is saying today. Keep at it — you have. Here’s to days ahead that are filled with mountain-top views of your world!
@SuZen — This is wild, how that worked out — same message, same day! And the picture is like something you’ve painted — this gets stranger yet. Strange in a very cool way! Let’s keep in touch, this is like a sign! And…I’ll be reading yours as well.
@Liara — Liara, your wisdom is always enlightening. Yes, another great point. we must be our own authority in really seeing our deeper selves. Thank you!
@Melinda — Do write about this, I’d love to hear more of your thoughts! It’s a new poem to me, as well — so reading all these comments has really helped to bring the point home — in a wonderful way! Thanks for stopping over here today Melinda!
@Stacey / Create A Balance — Sometimes when the pace is slow — that also gives us the opportunity to see things a little more clearly. And that can be a good thing. So sometimes it has to be slow, and sometimes it just is slow. Don’t stop, though. Even a snail’s pace is progress in the right direction!
@Liz — Liz, I’m so glad that you are here today! This message is for you! And it’s for me. And everyone. It can become easy to want to stop — when things seem dark. Yet, the light might be just ahead — even if it’s only a glimmer of light. Keep moving Liz. (and to myself — I say the same thing — keep moving Lance). A message I needed to hear also. Thanks so much Liz!
Lance, this is truly a wonderful poem. I have added it to my collection. Thank you for sharing this, Lance.
Arswino´s last blog post..I Want To Be Extraordinary !!
Thanks Lanec, for the quote and everyone’s responses are so peneatrating for me. At times its hard to keep going and this is a great example to keep going and not give up. It is especially a good time for all to hear this. Love, Diane
@Arswino — Thanks Arswino, for all your continued support!
@Diane — Diane, thank you for your words here today. These words really are wonderful reminders for us to keep going. I appreciate you, and the time you take to share your thought here, very much…