that he had glaring Faults, Enemies, Vanities, and a lot of other things. Lincoln recognized the high qualities of Leadership that Hooker had and he was not blinded by his defects. He always saw the Big things in a man. He knew Grant even before he had met him. He felt men by their Deeds. Results to him reflected the man.
Lincolnize your Judgment.
Lincoln was Just. Lincoln was Generous. Lincoln was Square. Lincoln was Magnanimous. Lincoln was Modest. Lincoln was Gentle. Lincoln was Strong.
Lincolnize your Ideals.
System
Be Systematic.
The Thought, the Plan, the Energy, the Success of your day is measured in value by your application to each — of System.
Be Systematic.
First, it is the easiest way. And then, it is the only way. For without System, the most stupendous Task is sure to crack, crumble and fall into a wreck of waste and loss.
Be Systematic.
With System, a worthwhile Purpose, and an iron determination, progress is steady and smooth and sure. Difficulties fade away. Obstructions are pushed aside, and the Completed Task rises with precision and reality, like unto the rising shafts of steel that reach skyward, outlining and suggesting and making real the giant form of the completing Skyscraper. All through System!
Be Systematic.
Form the habit of undertaking even the smallest Task through System. Then the big things will be achieved with ease and with enjoyment.
Be Systematic.
But don’t be satisfied to apply System to yourself alone. Teach it to others. You who are a Stenographer, Clerk, Manager, Owner of a Business — no matter what your niche — see that System rules your Throne.
Be Systematic.
Sincerity
Be Sincere.
For it’s the mark that stamps and “Trademarks” your Character so that it stands at once as Genuine.
Be Sincere.
Nobody trusts the man who doesn’t trust himself. Be Sincere. Look the other fellow in the eye squarely and with confidence, and he will trust you.
Be Sincere.
Lacks in ability and knowledge are many times excused. But insincerity — never. Be Sincere. Teach the world once for all that you are square — Sincere — and the “order of business” for you will move smoothly and with satisfaction.
Be Sincere.
Sincerity is more than money. Even as the magnet attracts and clusters to itself particles of steel, so does the man who holds Sincerity as his asset, draw Men and Chances and great Works to his record.
Be Sincere.
Trouble yourself not that Yesterday was a failure. To-day faces you. Try a new instrument. Tighten new cords for a new Tune. Take hold on a new Force — be Sincere. Then will this day have been far from in vain.
Be Sincere.
Dig
Dig.
Dig right through every obstacle. Fight to uphold the dignity of your Purpose. Dig, bore, squeeze, sweat — but get through!
Dig.
The regular, persistent drop of water will wear away the hardest stone. Science says that the even, rhythmic step of an army has power to start the wreck of the strongest bridge. In like manner does determined effort win anything — anywhere. To believe so, start to-day to —
Dig.
Dig! You see the other fellow carrying away plenty of “Bacon?” Dig. You failed in many things yesterday? Dig. You want money, reputation, glory? Dig. Mental, moral, or financial Bankruptcy stares boldly at you? Pay no attention. Just —
Dig.
Success is not a thing inherited. To get it you must — Dig.
Dig.
Every man or woman who ever won at anything knew how to — Dig. It is the “A’’-word of the Alphabet of Doing. Dig. No matter WHAT you want or WHERE you want it, or WHEN you want it, you must first know how to Dig — or you won’t get it. Dig.
Dig.
Concentrate
Concentrate.
With steadiness, courage, dare-determinedness burn a hole into things. No matter what the thing at hand may be.
Concentrate.
The Wheel of Action and of Business moves by steady turns around one central hub. In Success, Rim, Spoke, Hub hold tight together, and as though human, Think, Plan, Move as one.
Concentrate.
Results come always to the persistent. Opportunity goes out of its way to get hold of the hand of the Sticker. The eye of the Boss is drawn irresistibly to the desk of the Doer. Concentrate.
Concentrate.
Draw the details together. Formulate your day’s Plan. Strike a pace. Make every minute and every move count. Concentrate. And the finished Job will be the day’s Goal — twenty-four hours of life well worthwhile.
Concentrate.
Learn
Be an Observer. Let nothing new appear without first clinching its value, studying its meaning, and absorbing its lesson. Learn.
Find Out.
Learn from Nature, People, Happenings. Read the thought of each day as far as you can fathom. Then apply your Knowledge. Learn all the time from everything you can — everywhere. Investigate the Mysteries, master the Difficulties.
Find Out.
Right now — a paragraph from History. John Milton — a word from you. “I am blind, past fifty, but I am completing my ‘Paradise Lost’.” Michael Angelo — your testimony. “Though seventy years of age, I am still learning.” John Kemble — what have you to say? “Since leaving the stage, I have written out Hamlet thirty times. I am now beginning to understand my art!” You who have eyes, and ears, and mouths to talk with — Learn.
Find Out.
Your work to-day may look useless. You may be “only a Clerk.” But you will always be one if you fail to Learn. For the Path of advancement marks the
