About this quote

Whatever you do, don't sink anyone's boat. The ocean is wide enough for all of us to sail comfortably. Say it as a hard reminder to stop sabotaging others and stop hiding behind excuses. Take ownership: ask what you can build instead of what you can break, then pick one concrete action and do it. Use time and effort to sharpen your craft, not to pull people down.

When to use it

• When you hear coworkers gossiping about someone, say the line and walk away—spend that hour improving your deliverable instead.
• If you feel threatened by a peer's success, ask yourself whether you're sinking their boat to hold onto yours, then offer to collaborate or learn from them.
• Make it a team rule during planning: no sabotage, share leads and tools so everyone can move forward.
• When procrastination turns into resentment, repeat the line and set a 30-minute plan to take one real step toward your goal.