Tammy Duckworth Quotes

Healing is always possible and that the lowest moments can lead to the greatest heights.

Jill’s words reminded me of a concept I learned in the Army: the 80 percent solution. As Army leaders, we were trained to recognize that the 100 percent solution—absolute perfection—isn’t realistic, so the 80 percent solution was our goal: Get most things right, and get your butt moving to accomplish the mission. If you have 80 percent handled and a well-trained team, you’ll be able to deal with whatever contingencies arise. But if you spend all your time planning to create the 100 percent perfect solution, the troops won’t have time to prepare, train, and actually execute the mission.

The boot that the crew gave me now sits on a shelf in my Senate office. When I look at it, I see a reminder not of what I lost in Iraq, but of what I gained from my experiences there. That boot represents the camaraderie, the mission, and the sense of purpose I share with my fellow Soldiers. It serves as a reminder that no matter how grievous the wound, healing is always possible, and that the lowest moments can lead to the greatest heights. It reminds me that every day is, indeed, a gift.