People Overestimate What They Can Do in a Day, and Underestimate What They Can Do in a Lifetime

Fresh from the glow of January goal-setting (or, in my case, not) and raw from the sudden, untimely death of a loved one,  I’m newly inspired by this quote. Let yourself off the hook, but keep your aim high. See the forest, but don’t get lost in the trees .

The latter might be a poor analogy for those of us directionally challenged. I can barely find my way out of my bathrobe. My sister, on the other hand, is a homing pigeon. A tall, thin, beautiful brunette homing pigeon.

I hate her.

You know I’m kidding. I could not hate my sister on a bet.

Except for that one time in 5th grade… 

Quote – Most people overestimate…

The literary blog Good Reads lists a similar quote attributed to Bill Gates, saying “Most people overestimate what they can do in one year and underestimate what they can do in ten years.”  Sarah Sarna‘s lively and wide-ranging fashion-and-design blog (Live the Life You Dream About) assigns it to Anonymous.

How we assign ourselves, of course, is the question. A sense of direction is important. I will talk to my sister about this.

5 comments

  1. I’m so sorry to hear about the death of your loved one. I love this quote. I’m so frequently lost myself these days. I will pop over to meet Sarah. Thank you for pointing me in her direction. Hoping things look brighter for you soon.

  2. Frances,
    Your contributions are far and wide. What a special girl you are to make us see sunshine on another gray winter day. Where is SPRING?
    Happiness always,
    Lynn Ziglar

  3. I love that quote. Sums me up whereas Brooks is the other way around.
    I also love the recipe. Comes at the perfect moment when I need an easy serving, but delicious, meal for grand kids on Spring break-plus their parents- Thank you and Stephanie, yet again..

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