I don’t know about you, but I was sad about the death of Dolly Parton. I grew up listening to Dolly’s music and watching her movies. She was not only famous because of her talents, but she was a true philanthropist. Besides giving away a significant amount of money to various charities, the fact that she gave away over 130 million free books to kids around the world through her Imagination Library literacy program is truly amazing!
I wanted to spend some of my newsletters talking about some of the biggest things that Dolly Parton can teach us using some of her best quotes. This week we will talk about courage and purpose. Dolly was one of those people that seemed warm, practical and just “human”. She is an example that success is not only about what we achieve but about how we treat others and the path that we choose.
“Storms make trees take deeper roots”
This quote reminds me how our difficult times make us stronger. When we face challenges that shake our confidence and make us confront uncertainty, the result can be how our true capabilities come out and the support system that is around us. Resilience is not pretending that the storm is not happening but instead is choosing to become more grounded.
“The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain”
We all want that big opportunity, that promotion, that impact, but that rainbow has a price. That price is things like patience, effort, discomfort and persistence. Rain doesn’t mean we are failing but is part of the process of becoming ready for what we have asked for…progress is rarely a straight line.
“Find out who you are. And do it on purpose.”
Knowing who you really are can be a challenge, but it can also turn into your advantage. Our lives are filled with expectations, noise and comparison to others and living intentionally takes courage. Your purpose doesn’t mean that you will have every answer but the choices you make should align with your values and you should stop trying to fit someone else’s definition of success.
“If you don’t like the road you’re walking, start paving another one”
This means you should recognize things you can do to make change. Learn something new, have a difficult conversation, set a healthy boundary, ask for help, explore a new role or take that step toward something you want to do. You can’ t build that new road in one day, but you have to start somewhere.
“If you see someone without a smile today, give ’em yours”
This is more than you being charming but instead should be viewed as a leadership practice. Ambition is important but so does being kind. Encouragement and recognition can change the tone of a meeting or someone’s entire day! We don’t always know what is going on in others lives, but we don’t need to add to it.
“I have a strict policy that nobody cries alone in my presence”
As a leader we need to have empathy and create space for honesty, listen with rushing to fix everything, and remind people that they are not alone (especially during hard times). Compassion builds trust and trust creates space for your team to do their best work.
“When someone shows you their true colors, believe them”
The reminder here is to be wise. Pay attention to patterns, not just promises. Give grace, but don’t ignore repeated bad behavior. Bad behavior erodes trust and respect along with integrity. Accountability is important to your team.
“You’ll never do a whole lot unless you’re brave enough to try”
Courage is not an absence of fear but the possibility of growth. You can start something that you are not certain of (the application, the idea, the project) and that accomplishment will mean even more. Your first attempt does not have to be perfect—it simply has to begin.
“Don’t get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life”
Your achievements are important but can leave us empty if we don’t have others to celebrate with. Make room for others, special moments, health, happiness and true purpose that will give your achievement true meaning.
I am challenging you to take an action that speaks to you. Dolly’s wisdom is an invitation: grow deeper through the storm, keep moving through the rain, live on purpose, choose a better road when needed, lead with kindness, trust what experience reveals, and be brave enough to try.
