Arthur Ashe once said, “
Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” Three short sentences that pack a punch! Three short sentences that challenge us to act purposefully. Three short sentences that fly in the face of our typical approach on most days. Now I know that some of you will bristle at that last statement. I know that some of you believe otherwise. I know that for some of you, you do exactly what those three sentences urge. Good for you! However, a great number of us act in ways that are counter to those statements most of the time.
One question I often ask folks during conversations is, “What do you want (to do or be or have or accomplish)?” In more instances than I care to count, the responses I get go something like, “Well, what I DON’T want is . . .” And there is the problem. Do you see what I mean? Folks tend to answer a question I did not ask. My question is “What do you want?”
Arthur Ashe may have asked himself that question many times. Now, I can’t verify that. It is only conjecture; however, I believe that he may have done so. What makes me say that? My answer lies in the three statements credited to Mr. Ashe. Let’s look at them more closely.
- “Start where you are.” Listen to folks when they speak about accomplishing a task or meeting a goal or tackling a project. Very often we say something like, “When I get that job then I’ll start . . .” or “I’ll begin saving next week.” or “I plan to start working out next week, on Monday.” Do you see the problem here? We are where we are. We aren’t in tomorrow or next week or next month or in another city or state. We are where we are. Arthur Ashe says that in order to really accomplish, we must start where are. Where are you now? What’s keeping you from starting . . . right here . . . right now . . . where you are?
- “Use what you have.” How often do you hear yourself saying something like, “If I only had more time, then I could take care of that situation?” or “If we had more money, then we could travel.” or “I had more talent, I would start that project.” Wow! I’m guilty of this one for sure! I often wonder how many opportunities I allow to pass me by when I overlook what I have available to me in the moment. I’m working very hard to make sure I take stock of what I have in any give situation so that I can make the most of the moment.
- “Do what you can.” Oh, my! How many times do we all say, “I can’t do that!”? When we are asked to take a position of leadership – “I can’t dot that!” When we are asked to complete a task – “I can’t do that!” When we are presented with a chance to chair a committee for an important community project – “I can’t do that!” I wonder what might happen if we began to focus more on what we CAN do in a give situation? What can you do in the moment . . . in THIS moment? What CAN you do?
Arthur Ashe had it right. “Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can!” I don’t know about you, but I plan of paying closer attention to this three part admonition. I truly believe that as I practice this in my own life, I will experience success in ways I never have. What about you? Care to join me?
Peace!
Please visit my Amazon Author Page for more information about my books and short fiction. Thanks!
