In a world that often feels complicated and overwhelming, it’s refreshing to stumble upon words that cut straight to the heart of what it means to live with integrity and love. One such piece is the beloved poem Do It Anyway, often attributed to Mother Teresa. Though its origins trace back to a set of paradoxical commandments written by Dr. Kent M. Keith, the poem became famous after being found on the walls of Mother Teresa’s children’s home in Calcutta.

The beauty of Do It Anyway lies in its simplicity and power. It reminds us to persevere in kindness, honesty, and goodness—even when the world doesn’t always reward us for it. This poem invites us to embrace the quieter, more profound rewards of living a meaningful life in a culture that sometimes feels driven by results and recognition.

In this post, we’ll explore the timeless wisdom of Do It Anyway, reflect on how it can guide us through challenges, and uncover the ways its message can inspire us to keep showing up as our best selves, no matter the circumstances. Whether you’re navigating a tough season or simply seeking a dose of inspiration, these words may be exactly what your heart needs today.

The following version has been adapted from the original.

Mother Teresa Poem – Do It Anyway

People are often unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered;

forgive them anyway.

If you do good, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives;

do good anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies;

succeed anyway.

Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable;

be honest and frank anyway.

What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight;

build anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, there may be jealousy;

be happy anyway.

The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow;

do good anyway.

Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough;

give the world the best you’ve got anyway.

You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and God;

it was never between you and them anyway.

What is the “Do It Anyway” poem trying to say?

Life is full of moments when doing the right thing feels thankless or even counterproductive—when our kindness is met with indifference, our honesty is misunderstood, or our efforts seem to vanish into the void. Yet, this poem challenges us to rise above those moments, reminding us that our actions are not about the world’s response but about staying true to ourselves.

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Through its simple yet profound truths, Do It Anyway serves as a guide for navigating life’s challenges with grace and resilience. It encourages us to let go of expectations and act from a place of love, faith, and inner strength. Each line offers a gentle yet firm nudge to persevere, even when the odds feel stacked against us.

By embracing this mindset, we can uncover a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment. Instead of being swayed by external rewards or setbacks, we learn to anchor ourselves in the intrinsic value of living authentically. This poem isn’t just a call to action; it’s an invitation to show up as our best selves, no matter the circumstances, and to trust that the ripple effects of our goodness will extend far beyond what we can see.

The final line, “It was never between you and them anyway,” emphasizes the importance of staying true to yourself and to your higher purpose, even when others may not understand or support it. The only person you should compare yourself to is you.

Are you ready to do it anyway?

It starts with knowing what those dreams, higher purpose, and desires are. With my eBook, Download Your Dream Life, you can get started right now.