”You can’t always be the strongest or most talented or most gifted person in the room, but you can be the most competitive.”
~ Pat Summitt (University of Tn Lady Vols Coach passed away at age 64 from younger-onset Alzheimer’s Disease)

It was a challenge to find a favorite quote from Pat Summitt since there are so very many. She had very high expectations of herself and of those she coached, mentored and met. The quote above is a favorite because it speaks to effort rather than skill or talent. Everyone has the potential to be the most competitive and give the full effort and she saw that potential in others.
~ Amy Schmidt, University of Tennessee class of ’96 Go Vols!
(for those who don’t know it: “Vol” is short for Volunteers)

“I don’t count my sit-ups; I only start counting when it starts hurting because they’re the only ones that count.”
~ Muhammad Ali

I am not always the best cheerleader for my co-workers, friends, family, or even myself. I don’t count the win for being on time, or making a tight deadline or goal because I feel it is the expectation. I do count when others go above and beyond or when it is tough; and I hope I cheer loud enough and strong enough to make the other times worthwhile. I am honored to work with a team that shares the idea that “Good Enough Does Not Live Here”!
~ Amy Schmidt

“Learn to smile at every situation. See it as an opportunity to test your strength and ability.”~ Joe Brown

This quote hung on my grandmother’s wall and I read it often growing up. Smiling doesn’t necessarily change what is going on around you, but it does change the way you look at difficult situations. Instead of thinking “why-me”, try to be optimistic. You can choose to make the best of any situation. If you don’t like something change it; if you can’t change it, change the way you think about it. When in tough circumstances, you get creative. You get resourceful. Smile, embrace the challenge and see what you are capable of.
~ Meghan Parsons

“Creativity takes courage.”
~ Henri Matisse

Creativity and innovation do not happen in a vacuum. It takes a lot of courage to step outside the box, feel the fear and do it anyway. It takes the courage to be different, to be new, to be judged, and to be wrong. It is easy to recognize our successes, but we should also recognize the courage behind the vision (successful or not.)
~ Amy Schmidt

“The pessimist complains about the wind. The optimist expects it to change. The leader adjusts the sails.” ~ John Maxwell

The only thing certain is that there will be change. Every market, every meeting, every contact shifts a bit with each encounter. Just when I think I have a plan and a course set – things change. There is new competition, new team members, family plans, and conflicting schedules. It can be overwhelming to look at all that must get done in one week – so I start with what can I get done right now, and then next, and then next….
~ Amy Schmidt

“I’ve never scored a goal in my life without getting a pass from someone else.”
~ Abby Wambach

The last few weeks, I have received great accolades for the release party attendance, increased connections with case managers, and growth into new markets. I am so very thankful – not for the praise, but for the talented team I get to work with everyday. I am honored to work with amazing people that give their full commitment every day and even more thrilled that we are friends.
~ Amy Schmidt

“Anyone can give up, it’s the easiest thing in the world to do. But to hold it together when everyone else would understand if you fell apart, that’s true strength.”
~ Zig Ziglar

Everyone wants to give up and forfeit at some point. Many of our closest friends even understand if we do, given a set of daunting circumstances. But when you stand back up after being knocked down; not only do you show others what your character is made of… You also show yourself what you can accomplish.
~ Amy Schmidt