US Dollars
When we start anything important in life it is fair to say that we often do it with high spirits and the very best of intentions; unfortunately, when these spirits are dashed and our intentions are muddled we often find ourselves unsure and inconsistent, without a map. In these moments it is of the utmost importance to seek out the guidance of trusted allies, supportive friends, and perhaps most importantly, the wisdom of those who have come before us. There are few things that do a better job of buoying spirits and inflating motivation than a good quote from someone who has walked the road before and left us directions if we are willing to read them!
W o r d s m a t t e r. W O R D S M O V E
“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.”
- Helen Keller
“The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.”
- Walt Disney
“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”
It’s important to make sure that all the basics are in line, that you have created a physical and mental space for yourself that encourages growth and positive outcomes. No one becomes a success overnight, and no one ever does it alone. Take stock of the things that make you feel good and create a motivating environment that feeds your creativity and purpose. Maybe that means a room with lots of light, good ventilation, plants, or lots of textures. Maybe it means blank spaces that leave room for your own imagination to flourish. Listen to your own intuition and let it guide you. Don’t be afraid to make changes if things feel stagnant.
“Imagination is more important than knowledge."
“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.”
- Theodore Roosevelt
“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.”
- Benjamin Franklin
When you find yourself in a rut, it’s time to borrow someone else's confidence! We have all heard of the perennial statement, “fake it til’ you make it,” and there is a reason why. It is easier to “fake it” when you can leech some belief and conviction from someone who has been there before. Grasp on to their enthusiasm, make it your own until you can no longer distinguish between what was borrowed and what is organically yours. There can be no success without first setting out on the path itself, so co-opt some optimism and keep moving.
“You don’t have to be great at something to start, but you have to start to be great at something.”
- Zig Ziglar
“Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen.”
“Don’t wait. The time will never be just right.”
- Napoleon Hill
Positivity is one of those fickle friends: she is easy to find when things are going well, and yet falls completely off the grid when things take a perceived (or very real) turn for the worst. Those are the moments that require the strength to seek help from trusted people in your life, industry or educational mentors, and thought leaders from throughout history. Remember that asking for help is never a sign of weakness, it is always a sign of strength. Persistence is a learned trait and we learn it by listening, learning and enacting. The quotes you find here are a blueprint of aid, they are a light in the dark, and a supportive hand on your shoulder.
“Do the best you can. No one can do more than that.”
- John Wooden
“When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it.”
- Henry Ford
“Never never never quit!”
Celebrate your beautiful successes, all of them!! There is no such thing as an achievement too small to be recognized, for each of them is a step in the right direction. Never lose your childish energy, the ability to bounce back and believe that anything is possible. Try, keep trying, and then try some more! Throw yourself a party for every single stepping stone along the way. Set goals of all sizes in order to provide yourself with the constant incentive of victory - success is contagious and it breeds motivation!
“Stay hungry. Stay foolish.”
- Steve Jobs
“The man on top of the mountain didn’t fall there.”
“The best way to predict your future is to create it.”
- Abraham Lincoln
Write these quotes down, use them as mantras and abiding affirmations. Bookmark this page, write them in pen, copy them to a computer document, put them on sticky notes all over your house or office, find artwork that presents them to you daily, wear them as talismans on jewelry and clothing; this constant exposure will translate to constant motivation. Given time these words will change you, they will become a part of the fabric of your being and they will seamlessly inform all the decisions you make from here on out.
“If you are not willing to risk the unusual, you will have to settle for the ordinary.”
- Jim Rohn
“Throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the harbor. Catch the tradewinds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”
“If you believe it’ll work out, you’ll see opportunities. If you don’t believe it’ll work out, you’ll see obstacles.”
- Wayne Dyer
When all is said and done, stay humble. Humility along your journey will never do you a disservice, it will make your successes more meaningful and your life more full. Motivation is wonderful, making your dreams come true is remarkable and thrilling, but it is also your job to pass on these pearls of wisdom like the gifts they are to the people who seek your advice in uncertain times. Who knows, maybe someday your own quotes will find themselves onto a page such as this, inspiring the next generation of leaders and innovators to persist and reach for the stars.
“If you have knowledge, let others light their candles in it.”
- Margaret Fuller
“People may forget what you said and forget what you did, but they will always remember how you made them feel.”
“Be thankful for what you have; you'll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don't have, you will never, ever have enough.”
- Oprah Winfrey
So, what you may not have in the moment can be supplemented by others who do. Your momentary shortcomings can be made up for by persistence, lapses in confidence can be inflated by words from successful people through the ages and made your own. When you don’t know where to begin, just begin; do the best you can with what you have, give it your all and take risks; even when you feel like you can’t, keep going; change your perspective, challenge your status-quo; celebrate your victories both big and small; and do your duty in passing on what you know as you learn, in order to help others keep going too.
We hope these curated pearls of wisdom find themselves to you when you need them most and you revisit them often with hope and audacious spirit. Carry on, friends - even when, especially when, it’s hard.