Years ago, I acquired a small book of poetry called “Poems of Power”, published in 1903. It has some of the most inspired writings in it of any book I own.

Each piece of poetry has a specific positive focus. They talk about taking hold of your own power through improving ones’ attitude, building success, taking action, the passion and spirit inside, focus on winning, loving all you encounter, never ending learning, and much more.

One that I’ve shared with thousands who have attended my Leadership Program, is about choice of mental focus. I hope it helps you steer your course….

On Attitude

One ship drives east, and another west
with the self-same winds that blow.

‘Tis the set of the sails,
and not the gales,
that decides the way we go.

Like the winds of the sea are the ways of fate,
as they voyage along through life.

‘Tis the will of the soul,
that decides its goal,
and not the calm or the strife.

— Ella Wheeler Wilcox, American Poet (1850-1919)