About this quote

People often peg you by your age or by the small number on your CV. Do something that makes that peg look wrong: take a visible responsibility and finish it well. That kind of action forces others to change how they treat you, and it forces you to grow too. Who around you would be surprised if you showed up bigger than they expected?

When to use it

• Startup product review: 'I may be the youngest on the team, but I'll own this launch and ship the prototype by Friday.'
• Debate final at university: 'I'll take the opening case and I'll make sure the judges remember our points.'
• High school soccer captain tryouts: 'I know I'm smaller than the others, but I'll lead every drill and keep the team focused.'
• Family emergency planning: 'Let me handle tonight's medications and calls — I can do the organizing and keep everyone calm.'