One of my favorite quotes is thought to have been spoken by the 26th President of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt. He said, “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” 

Do what you can, with what you have, where you are. - Theodore Roosevelt Share on X

Are you limited on resources right now, but have huge dreams? Do what you can, with what you have, where you are. The greatest resources in your possession are your work ethic and your smarts, both of which can be further developed by putting in the time.

Are you currently in a season of waiting for the next thing? Do what you can, with what you have, where you are. You can decrease your season of waiting by working in the meantime.

Do you have a less than ideal job, and want to pursue a job on the side that fulfills your need to do what you love. Do what you can, with what you have, where you are. Never settle for mediocrity; you’re better than that.

When you adopt this principle for yourself, it changes everything. 

Adam Kirk Smith
Adam Smith
25 Years in Retail, Restaurants & Hospitality · Author · Speaker · Coach

Adam spent 25 years in retail, restaurant, and hospitality leadership — managing teams of 60, growing a store from $600K to $2M+, and overseeing guest experience at a corporate level. Author of The Bravest You (endorsed by Seth Godin). Host of two podcasts. 170K monthly readers. Grimes, Iowa.

One response to “Do What You Can, with What You Have, Where You Are”

  1. You said, “is THOUGHT to have been spoken by.” You created doubt and didn’t offer and alternate source of origin. It annoys my brain.

    Maybe the fact that I quoted a word of yours in all caps will annoy your brain equally.

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