What keeps me going here at work? Admist the anger, stupidity, and pure insanity of my callers, how do I keep things in perspective? Well, I have two quotes on my desk I'd like to share with you. . .

It is not the critic who counts. Not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood. Who strives valiantly. . . who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself in a worthy cause. Who at best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who have never known either victory nor defeat.

--Teddy Roosevelt

The other one is from an excellent book I read called The Traveler's Gift It's seven decisions for being successful:

1. The buck stops here. I am responsible for my past and my future.

2. I will seek wisdom. I will be a servant to others.

3. I am a person of action. I seize this moment. I choose now.

4. I have a decided heart. My destiny is assured.

5. (Most important!!) Today I will CHOOSE to be happy. I am the possessor of a grateful spirit.

6. I will greet this day with a forgiving spirit. I will forgive myself.

7 I will persist without exception. I am a person of great faith.

If you get discouraged in your life, these are excellent motivators!

C-Dubbs