“One way to keep up the pace is to keep aiming higher.” This thought-provoking quote from Michael Korda serves as a reminder that momentum is fragile.
What does the quote mean?
Korda’s words suggest that momentum can be easily lost even though it builds slowly and quietly. Whenever a person loses direction, their momentum is likely to follow. We live in a world that celebrates quick wins and overnight success stories. But Korda’s words act as a grounded reminder that progress is never accidental; rather, it is layered, intentional, and always purpose-driven.
Simply put, the quote suggests that the only way to keep the momentum going is to keep aiming higher. It means that once a person has achieved a predetermined goal, he should immediately think of the next goal, something better than the previous one, or an extension of previously accomplished goals. The idea speaks to the psychology of ambition. After achieving a goal, most individuals experience a brief sense of satisfaction, followed by a subtle sense of stagnation. Without a new challenge to look forward to, motivation could begin to fade. Korda’s words reframe this cycle. He suggests that instead of stopping at success, we should see it as a stepping stone.
Why does this quote resonate?
This quote resonates deeply because it speaks to human nature. In this fast-paced world, achieving a goal can seem like a big deal, and once you reach it, you might think about stopping. For example, if someone wishes to lose X amount of weight, they will be constantly motivated to reach their goal, but there is a high probability that they will stop once they reach it and eventually stop exercising altogether. They might also keep telling themselves that one snack won’t hurt them much and if they miss a workout once, they won’t get fat again. However, this is how one starts to lose motivation. When they reach a desired goal and there is nothing to look forward to, people are likely to spiral back into this cycle and may end up trapped. Instead, once a person reaches their goal, they should consider moving forward on their fitness journey to be the best they can be.
Who is Michael Korda?
Korda is a British author and editor known for works such as Ulysses S. Grant, Ike, Hero and Charmed Lives. Korda studied at Le Rosey in Switzerland and Magdalen College, Oxford, and subsequently served in the Royal Air Force. He also took part in the Hungarian revolution in 1956 and was awarded the Order of Merit of the Hungarian People’s Republic on its 50th anniversary. He and his wife Margaret live in Dutchess County, New York.
According to IMDb, he was born on October 8, 1933 in Marylebone, London. He also served as editor-in-chief at Simon & Schuster, where he was known for managing high-profile commercial and literary talent. He has been described as one of the most successful editors and writers in the industry.
