If you can keep your head when all around you
Are losing theirs and blaming you;
If you can trust yourself in the hardest times,
But make allowance for some self doubt too:
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
If you can struggle and don’t mind struggling
If you smile when you don’t want to smile
If you progress when all seems lost;
If you can dream- -and not make dreams your master;
If you can think- -and not make thoughts your aim,
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same:
If you can bear to hear the truth and be realistic about the future
Despite the issues we currently face,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build’em up with renewed vigour;
If you can work hard throughout the day
Even if your work is not what you are used to,
And be there for others in the same boat,
And face the ups and downs just the same:
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: ‘Hold on! ‘
If you can be proactive and keep your virtue,
Go out of your comfort zone against your instinct,
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,
If all count with you, but none too much:
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds’ worth of value,
Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it,
And- -which is more- -you will bounce back!
Original by Rudyard Kipling
