Interpretation by Amanda Selm
(Author’s Note: This poem was inspired by “Do It Anyway” by Mother Teresa.)
There are days that you will feel awful.
Be a leader anyway.
Sometimes you receive angry and disgruntled emails which have a harsh tone.
Respond to it with kindness anyway.
There will be times you feel the need to share opinions and think twice about letting the world know your thoughts.
Share them anyway.
At times, you will have someone on your team who lacks the necessary skills to get the job done. No matter how long it takes, teach them anyway.
Sometimes you’ll find yourself questioning whether you’re good at the job or not.
Be a leader anyway.
You will dread meetings, especially the ones with the controversial topics.
Show up to them anyway.
There are people out there who are waiting for you to fail.
Succeed anyway.
People are often unreasonable and self-centered.
Sympathize and listen to them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives.
Be kind anyway.
If you are honest, people may cheat you.
Be honest anyway.
If you find happiness, people may be jealous.
Be happy anyway.
If you are scared,
Do it afraid anyway.
The good things you do today may be forgotten tomorrow, and it may feel like wasted energy in the end.
Give your best anyway.
For you see, in the end, the battle of your mind is only between you and yourself.
It was never between you and anyone else anyway.
Love yourself, show up for yourself, and give yourself grace.
And… be a leader anyway.