Quality Blog

Jim L. Smith has more than 45 years of industry experience in operations, engineering, research and development and quality management. You can reach Jim at faceofquality@qualitymag.com.

Go Anywhere, As Long As It's Forward

August 15, 2011
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The magnitude of your next step does not matter nearly so much as you think so stop hesitating. What really matters is its direction.

To turn your life around, you must first turn your focus around. To move toward your goals, you must first be facing them.

Just a small step in a positive direction is a step nonetheless. Just one small positive thought has the power to turn you away from years of negative actions.

Every moment in your life is a choice. And with every moment you can choose to orient your life in a positive direction.

You don't have to take big strides, for the small steps will get you there just as reliably. Just make sure that each thought, each action, each feeling, however insignificant it might seem, points toward where you desire to go.

Maintain a positive direction, and no matter what else happens, you'll always be making progress. Keep yourself pointed in the direction of where you want to go, and every day will bring you closer to your goal.

Keep thinking, you can choose to go anywhere, as long as it is forward. With this phrase as a compass you’ll find much more confidence, contentment and success.
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Always improve,

Bruce Lehmann
August 17, 2011
Don't hesitate to make an improvement, even if you can't measure the value right now, or ever, or if the value is small. The small improvements will eventually add up to something, but the risk will be much smaller than trying to hit a "home run". Worse yet is to wait for the opportunity of a home run, but do nothing while waiting. By getting involved in the process with small projects you get to know the machines, people and their issues. You will see more opportunities and you will gain credibility with the crew and management. Then you will have some influence for getting capital to make the larger (and riskier!) improvements.

Improve

Gloria
August 18, 2011
I just loved your quote "Go anywhere, as long as it's forward." I always look forward to your words of encouragement and support. Gloria

Move Forward

Chris
August 19, 2011
Like Gloria, I loved the quote and the meaning behind your thoughts which correlate with many of your other messages. I know who read your weekly blogs and we all hope to be able to read them in the future. Thanks for delivering a consistent message of hope and encouragement. Chris

Take Steps Forward

Russ
August 21, 2011
Jim, thanks for the uplifting commentary. Like your positive approach. Russ

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