Albert Schweitzer – Example is not the main thing in influencing others. It is the only thing
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Welcome to The Daily Quote – a podcast designed to kickstart your day in a positive way. I’m your host, Andrew McGivern, and today is September 28th.
Today is Family Health and Fitness Day, a day all about encouraging families to stay active together. Whether it’s a neighborhood walk, a family yoga session, or maybe even trying to get the dog to participate in a game of catch, the focus is on building healthy habits with the people you care about.
Now, when we talk about family health, it’s hard to avoid the idea of leading by example. Kids, in particular, tend to imitate what they see rather than what they’re told. And that leads me to today’s quote, which comes from the great philosopher and humanitarian, Albert Schweitzer. He said:
“Example is not the main thing in influencing others. It is the only thing.”
This quote really captures the essence of what Family Health and Fitness Day is all about. You can tell your kids—or anyone, really—what they should do all day long, but it’s what you do that makes the lasting impact. If you’re out there making exercise a priority, they’re going to see that, and it’s much more likely they’ll follow suit. After all, if your idea of a good time is lounging on the couch, it’s a tough sell to convince the family to lace up their running shoes.
Schweitzer’s quote isn’t just about fitness, of course. It applies to every aspect of life. But when it comes to health, the stakes are even higher. You’re not just setting an example for yourself—you’re shaping the habits and lifestyles of the people around you. That morning jog you squeeze in, the healthier choices you make at dinner, those are the things that stick with others, especially the little ones.
So, today, think about how you can be that example for your family. You don’t have to run a marathon or become a fitness guru overnight. Sometimes it’s the small, consistent actions that make the biggest difference. Maybe it’s a family bike ride, or even just stretching together after a long day. Whatever it is, it shows your family that health is important—and fun when you do it together.
That wraps up today’s episode. Remember, as Schweitzer said, leading by example isn’t just one way to influence—it’s the only way. Thanks for joining me on The Daily Quote. I’ll see you next time, and until then, keep moving, stay healthy, and be the example.