[oneFREAKINGpoint]

I’ve seen a lot of threads lately about lack of motivation/struggles. Many years ago, my favorite swim coach would read us this poem during our most difficult practices before championships in hopes of getting us to put in our best efforts, despite being exhausted and ready to quit. It worked pretty well. I found it also motivated me to work my hardest in other areas of my life, including this exam. I hope it’s helpful to you too!

The One In The Glass

By Peter “Dale” Wimbrow Sr

When you get what you want in your struggle for self

And the world makes you king for a day,

Just go to the mirror and look at yourself

And see what that one has to say.

For it isn’t your father or mother or spouse

Whose judgment upon you must pass.

The one whose verdict counts most in your life

Is the one staring back from the glass.

Some people might think you are a straight-shootin’ chum

And call you a wonderful guy,

But the one in the glass says you’re only a bum

If you can’t look it straight in the eye.

That’s the one you must please–never mind all the rest,

For the one’s with you to the end.

And you’ve passed your most dangerous, difficult test

If the one in the glass is your friend.

You may fool the whole world down the pathway of years

And get pats on the back as you pass.

But your final reward will be heartache and tears

If you’ve cheated the one in the glass.