Every once in a while I have one of those days where there’s not much pep in my step, I’m filled with more doubts than reassurances, and life seems more uphill than I’d like. Even simple things are kind of a struggle and I’m in need of some motivation or inspiration to help me move beyond my hurdles and achieve the great things that I know I can achieve—if I just had the energy to achieve them.
When I get in those kinds of moods, I go looking for success quotes that resonate with me and lift me up, reenergizing my body, mind, and soul. Here are some that work for me, and I hope that they work for you too:
“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts”
This quote by Winston Churchill reminds me that life isn’t about where you are right now or even where you want to be in the future. It is about living every day to its fullest and enjoying all of the good things that are happening to you at the moment—no matter how small they may be.
“Success is finding satisfaction in giving a little more than you take.”
Christopher Reeves said this and sometimes I need to remind myself of the same. Life isn’t about the clients who always want more than you normally give or the person that doesn’t respect your time. It is about the customers that you help and are grateful for it. It is about the people that you enjoy giving to and do so freely and with good intentions.
“Defeat is not the worst of failures. Not to have tried is the true failure.”
When I read this quote by George Edward Woodberry, it inspires me to let go of my fear of failure and to forage ahead with my ideas and goals. What’s the worst that could happen? If something doesn’t work out, it isn’t going to kill me. I will learn from it and move on.
“Formal education will make you a living; self-education will make you a fortune.”
This is a great reminder by Jim Rohn that you shouldn’t let lack of a formal degree or certification stop you from moving closer to your dreams. As long as you have a desire to learn and seek the knowledge you want, applying it as you go, you will get where you want to be.
“Man needs his difficulties because they are necessary to enjoy success.”
A.P.J. Abdul Kalam makes a good point that life can’t always be happiness and sunshine. It is the winter that makes you appreciate the summer, the bad times that make you grateful for the good, and the downs that leave you thankful for the ups. And even though you may be in one of the not-so-pleasant stages, know that with the normal ebb and flow of life, good things do lie ahead.
“Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome.”
Booker T. Washington says this perfectly. You can aspire to be whomever or whatever you want to be, but the reality is that the only way to actually become that person is to go through trials and tribulations along the way. That is what makes you stronger, more resilient, and a force to reckon with. That is what makes you a success.
“Success is achieved and maintained by those who try and keep trying.”
This quote by W. Clement Stone pushes me to keep going when all I want to do is quit. It reminds me of the fact that Jack Canfield didn’t get a publisher on board with his Chicken Soup for the Soul books until his 144th attempt. And WD-40 got its name because it was the 40th attempt before the formula worked. Just because something doesn’t work the first time doesn’t mean it is a failure. It just isn’t ready to succeed…yet.
“It’s the steady, quiet, plodding ones who win in the lifelong race.”
With so many successful people constantly being pushed in our face, it is easy to forget these words by Robert W. Service. However, being in the spotlight or gaining major attention isn’t a determinate of success. Continuing toward our goals is.
“They succeed, because they think they can.”
In this quote, Virgil is pointing out the importance of perception and state of your mind. Think you can’t and you won’t; think you can and you will. Therefore, talk to yourself in a way that is positive and encouraging and you will go further than if your inner voice speaks only of doubt and uncertainty.
“To design the future effectively, you must first let go of your past.”
I don’t know about you, but sometimes the past creeps up on me, reminding me of everything I wish I’d done differently. That is why I find great solace in these words by Charles J. Givens. You cannot move into tomorrow if you keep yourself in yesterday. Instead, let go of where you were and embrace where you’re headed.
These are just a few of the quotes that I find reenergize me. Do you have any that resonate with you? Feel free to share them below so they can help others who need a little pick me up too!
To receive email notifications when articles like this are published, helping you and your small business thrive and grow, don’t forget to subscribe to Businessing Magazine.
short url:
