Message to a Great American

It's the end of a long 4th of July weekend, folks, so I thought I would cap it off with a quote I run every 4th of July, from that great American patriot, Teddy Roosevelt:

"It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled, or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by the dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions and spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best, knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who, at worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly; so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory or defeat."

The Bull Moose delivered these words at the Sorbonne 99 years ago, but, boy, it sure seems like he could have said them yesterday.

The year that has passed since last July 4th has been fraught with care. We've seen terrible things happening in the economy and in our professional lives.

But Roosevelt calls us to better things – to "know the great enthusiasm, the great devotions" – for each of us to be "the man in the arena."

What do you think he meant in these words, for you? Imagine Teddy sitting down in your office this Monday morning, with his round glasses and bushy mustache, and giving you the pep talk. Would he advise you to be overwhelmed, to be depressed, to be pushed under by the events of today?

Or would he read your resume, look you straight in the eye, and tell you that you, too, are a great American?

Wouldn't he recount all of your achievements and accomplishments and capabilities and ask ... no, demand ... that you live up to your full potential?

Wouldn't he tell you to not listen to all the "No"s and the critics and the doubts in your head, and reassure you that you *will* find your next great role in life?

Wouldn't he rekindle your enthusiasm for this great American life, and the endless possibilities it presents?

I'm pretty sure he would, and, from my experience meeting with, talking to and emailing all of you subscribers, I can tell you something else.

He'd be right.

Now, this weekend you've just celebrated the freedoms and liberties we all share together in this wonderful country. Go out there this week and make something out of it.

I'm rooting for you.

Strive valiantly this week, Readers!

Warmest regards,

Marc Cenedella
Founder & CEO
TheLadders.com, Inc.