By: Og Mandino
Since the beginning of time, never has there been another with my mind, my heart, my eyes, my ears, my hands, my hair, my mouth. None that came before, none that live today and none that come tomorrow can walk, and talk, and move, and think exactly like me. All men are my brothers, yet I am different from each. I am a unique creature.
Although I am of the animal kingdom, animal rewards alone will not satisfy me. Within me burns a flame which has been passed from generations uncounted, and its beat is a constant irritation to my spirit to become better than I am and I will. I will fan this flame of dissatisfaction and proclaim my uniqueness to the world.
I am a unique creature of nature. I am rare, and there is a value in all rarity. Therefore, I am valuable. I am the end product of thousands of years of evolution, therefore, I am better and equipped in both mind and body than all the emperors and wise men who preceeded me.
But my skills, my mind, my heart and my body will stagnate, rot, and die, lest I put them to good use. I have unlimited intentions.
Never more will I be satisfied with yesterday’s accomplishments nor will I indulge anymore in self-praise for deeds which in reality is too small to ever acknowledge.
I can accomplish for more than I have and I will. For why should the miracle that produced me end with my word?
Why can I not extend that miracle to my deeds of today?
I am not on this earth by chance. I am here for a purpose, and that purpose is to grow into a mountain, and not to shrink to a grain of sand.
Hereforth will I apply all my effort to become the highest mountain of all, and I will strain any potential until it cries for mercy.
I have been given eyes to see, a mind to think, and now I know a great secret of life, for I perceive at last that all my problems, discouragements, and heartaches are in truth great opportunities in disguise.
I will no longer be