Randy Proto: Words to Live By

Someone asked me what advice I would give to help them ensure that they would be a success. I said there is no sure success, but….

There is a maxim which has been stated to cadets at West Point: Risk more than others think is safe; Care more than others think is wise; Dream more than others think is practical; Expect more than others think is possible.

Imagine living your life this way. It’s the way I mentor my colleagues – be they teachers, managers, or business partners.

Risk more than others think is safe

Nothing worthwhile in life is risk free. Some of the most rewarding experiences or outcomes entail the most risk. Risk can be at minimum emotional, financial, intellectual or physical. Risk isn’t equal to recklessness. Risk creates discomfort, but should not create abject fear.

Risk encompasses failure. Failure is a fact sometimes. It is not a judgment. It is merely the facts trying to tell you to change your approach.

Accomplishment with risk is exhilarating. Thomas Paine said : “What we obtain too cheap, we esteem to lightly.” He was speaking of America’s fight for Independence during the revolutionary war. Now there was a risk. And the reward was dear.

Care more than others think is wise

Caring about the end and the means, about the people you help (or may hurt) along the way really drives you to do the best possible job. It helps you to perform to your peak ability. A friend once told me I spend too much time focused on finding the right way to do things. What other way is there? Care about the quality of what you do. And care about the people you do it with (and to, and for). Personally. Deeply. Revel in their success.

Dream more than others think is practical

“It can’t be done” or “It can’t be done now” or “that won’t work” or “you have your head in the clouds” are all off point.

Nothing new ever came into being except through dreams. Einstein. Gates. Jobs. Lincoln. Now there are dreamers.

Of course it can be done, and what better time than now? Who will find the way? The person with their head in the clouds, dreaming up the solution, focused on the future, not wed to the past. And with their feet on the ground, so that when the vision is clear, they can take off running – ahead of the pack and ahead of their time.

“I have a dream.” He certainly did, and look where we are now.

Expect more than others think is possible.

Start with yourself. Weight loss? Financial success? Work effort? Quality? Fitness? Enjoyment? Always set the bar high. Then do so for others who are your colleagues, partners, students, children – whomever. With compassion, but with an expectation of performance or achievement. Show by your example how to get over that bar.

One last thought. My hero, my father, always told me “your word is your bond.” Once given, follow through. If you get knocked down, dust yourself off and persevere. But never go back on your word.

Look in the mirror, right now, and give yourself your word – to live by these words.

Randy Proto

CEO American Institutes

Co-Founder International Haganah Federation