’Tis not too late to seek a newer world.
Push off, and sitting well in order smite
The sounding furrows; for my purpose holds
To sail beyond the sunset, and the baths
Of all the western stars, until I die.
It may be that the gulfs will wash us down:
It may be we shall touch the Happy Isles,
And see the great Achilles, whom we knew.
Tho’ much is taken, much abides; and tho’
We are not now that strength which in old days
Moved earth and heaven, that which we are, we are;
One equal temper of heroic hearts,
Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will
To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.

– Ulysses by Tennyson

“Apathy is the enemy. Invest enough that the penalty for looking the other way compels you to care. Potential loss usually motivates more than potential gain (though that may be the lens I see through).

The key to progress – whether discussing physical training or spiritual growth – is simple: you must want who or what you might become more than who you are or what you have right now. You must want what you can become enough to work and think your way out of being who you are right now.

The Buddha suggested that desire is the root of suffering. Krishnamurti figured it is man’s most precious possession, the flame of life. I say use it but don’t be enslaved by it. When you look in the mirror, recognizing who and what you are, and say, “I want to change” you are expressing desire. Do something with it. Fulfill it. ”

– Mark Twight