The only way we can handle change around us is to know what is changeless about ourselves

You can retire from a job, but don't ever retire from making extremely meaningful contributions in life.

Almost every significant breakthrough is the result of a courageous break with traditional ways of thinking.

Anytime we think the problem is 'out there,' that thought is the problem. We empower what's out there to control us. The change paradigm is 'outside-in' - what's out there has to change before we can change. The proactive approach is to change from the 'inside-out': to be different, and by being different, to effect positive change in what's out there - I can be more resourceful, I can be more diligent, I can be more creative, I can be more cooperative.

It takes courage to realize that you are greater than your moods, greater than your thoughts, and that you can control your moods and thoughts.

Effective people stay out of Quadrants III and IV because, urgent or not, they aren't important. They also shrink Quadrant I down to size by spending more time in Quadrant II...Quadrant II is the heart of effective personal management.

The struggle comes when we sense a gap between the clock and the compass - when what we do doesn't contribute to what is most important in our lives.