Smart Quote of the Week

It’s not the size of the dog in the fight, it’s the size of the fight in the dog.

I’ve seen this quote attributed to the rodeo circuit, Mark Twain, and Dwight D. Eisenhower. The earliest I can verify the quote is a 1911 publication by the Baltimore and Ohio railroad for its passengers. The author was one Arthur G. Lewis.

The quote is a quaint way of saying determination often outguns physical attributes. Success isn’t always about who is the biggest, strongest, richest. Often it’s about who displays the most courage and tenacity. Do I keep fighting, even when the chips are down?

Life can be brutal at times, a rough and rugged journey with wreckage strewn along the way. (That certainly describes my life). Inner strength creates resilience. Resilience–our willingness to pick ourselves up and fight for our goals–shapes who we are and ultimately, our lives. It's the fight in the dog.