“My friends, I now leave you, not knowing when, or whether ever, I may return, with a task before me greater than that which rested upon Washington. Without the assistance of that Divine Being who ever attended him, I cannot succeed. With that assistance, I cannot fail.”
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About this quote
The lines force leaders to own limits, seek true support, and move forward with discipline and purpose. Abraham Lincoln demands responsibility, steady preparation, and no excuses when great work is at stake.
When to use it
- When taking on a big leadership role, say it aloud: accept the scale of the job, ask for the right help, and then get to work without excuses.
- Before launching a risky project, use the quote to remind your team: admit what you lack, secure dependable support, and commit to persistent effort.
- At a farewell meeting or handoff, frame the transition with honesty: the task ahead is larger than one person, so rely on shared strength and steady purpose.
- When you feel overwhelmed, read the lines to stop fantasizing and start preparing: identify gaps, get the help you need, and act with grit.