“Allow me to quote one of your favorite political figures, Richard Nixon,” Sebastian continued. “God knows I’ve heard you say it enough times.”
Robbie tilted his head curiously as he looked at Sebastian. “All right,” he said with amusement. “Go ahead.”
“What was it he said at the farewell address from the White House?” Sebastian asked. “‘Always give your best. Never get discouraged. Never be petty,’” he said in his best Nixon voice, jiggling his jowls at the end for effect.
Robbie nodded and finished, “‘And always remember, others may hate you, but those who hate you don’t win unless you hate them. And then you destroy yourself.’”
Sebastian smiled. “Nixon was right about one thing there. Always give your best, Robbie. You have to give your best, even if you’re the underdog or on the losing side. If you don’t give your best, if you don’t do the best job you can, you’re gonna damage your own pride and self-confidence. Be proud of a job well done, whether you win or lose. If, at the end of the day, Carlos loses the campaign or this thing with the law firm doesn’t pan out, at least you can look back and say you gave it your personal best—that you put forth your best effort.”