I heard a quote recently that was attributed to Socrates, the Greek philosopher. It was one of those times when a few words can really resonate. It spoke to me and the point I’m at in my life and career.

 

You have many habits that weaken you. The secret of change is to focus all your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new.

 

My scientific training kicked in, and I wanted to check my references before sharing it.

I found that it was the source of a misunderstanding by Ivanka Trump a few years ago; she was mocked in some media outlets for citing it wrongly. There was no evidence linking it to the famous Socrates. It is actually a quote from dialogue within a book.

 

Fact-checking sites tell me the source is former gymnast Dan Millman’s 1980 memoir “Way of the Peaceful Warrior” in which a character working in a petrol station, who he nicknamed “Socrates,” offered the sage advice. (The book is now on my rather large to-read list!)

 

The real source of the quote brought to mind how inspirational people can be all around us if only we care to look and listen: including, potentially, the cashier who serves you late night snacks…

 

In a scientific or publishing context it’s obviously crucial to cite sources correctly. However, when we are inspired to take action what’s perhaps more important is how it resonates with us and how it drives us. Have you ever heard a song lyric and built a perception of what that song means to you, only to find out later that the artist sang different words than what you thought you'd heard?

 

So, whilst it was enjoyable to trace the history of this quote, why it sticks with me is its reminder that change is possible for all of us. Often, perceptions and blockers from our past experiences may be hard to shift, and in some cases can be obstacles to change. When we focus on looking forward, we can accept the old whilst concentrating energy on building on the new.

 

Make that change: I have coached clients through career change, progression to leadership, and illuminating what matters to them in their career. I create a safe and open, expansive listening space to explore your full potential and ultimately to support you to design your future path. Drawing on experience as a scientist, project manager, and as a personal/career development mentor, I qualified through the accredited Business and Personal Coaching course by Barefoot Coaching.