10 Quotes to Jump-Start Your Success

Quotes, quotes, and more quotes. Jessica always tells me she’s going to create a quote book. And since she’s constantly beating me in things, like our race to 2,000 Twitter followers, I’m beating her to the punch on writing an article on my top 10 success quotes as they relate to all areas of our life.

Each of the “success” quotes listed below may be applied to myriad circumstances, but I trust you will find what is most appropriate to you, as I have done with my own interpretation.  You may recognize some; others you may not. But Here are my two cents. Enjoy!

1. “Your present circumstances don’t determine where you can go; they merely determine where you start.” -Nido Qubein

I’ve written before that our present circumstances are a by-product of the decisions we’ve made and the actions we’ve taken. Whether you’re content or not in your current situation, you have the ability to change your life. Overweight? Hit the gym. Shitty job? Apply elsewhere. Just as this quote says, present is Ground Zero. Get better or get worse. You decide.

2. “Change your thoughts and you change your world.” -Norman Vincent Peale 

Notice how the quote says “your world” and not “the world.” Our thoughts have a funny way of manifesting themselves. We may not act upon thoughts initially, but the longer those thoughts are in our head the more likely we become to take action. Stay positive. Focus on filling your head with optimism and a good outlook. You might surprise yourself in where you end up.

3. “If you accept the expectations of others, especially negative ones, then you never will change the outcome.” -Michael Jordan

Remember this article? You must manage your internal and external expectations. You control your destiny. You’re the only one living your life. If you’re busy accepting the realities others have shifted into your world, you’ll never be able to accomplish what is true to you.

4. “I can’t change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.” -Jimmy Dean

This quote reminds me a lot of failure. Dealing with failure demands we be resilient and flexible. While it is true we shouldn’t let failure change our course in life, we must also not be afraid to shift in a new, more optimistic direction if the circumstances permit. In situations we may be facing resistance, stay flexible and persistent.

5. “Be faithful to that which exists within yourself.” -Andre Gide 

The resounding theme for me here is honesty. To be faithful to my own existence, I must be honest with my all of my wants and desires. I must manage my expectations but always be cognizant of what I aim to accomplish. If I’m being dishonest with myself, how will I ever manage to be honest with another?

6. “The best way out is always through.” -Robert Frost 

…and often, it’s the only way out. In the U.S., we’re always looking for the next quick-fix. This is especially true in relationships. We just want to feel better, because most often, when a relationship ends, we feel like shit. And that… sucks. This quote reminds me that the best way out–(and the only way out in my not so humble opinion)–is through. We must accept our circumstances and then make them better. See #1

7. “It is in your moments of decision that your destiny is shaped.” -Tony Robbins 

This seems obvious, but I always enjoy the reminder that this quote brings. Our destiny is shaped in moments we make decisions to take action. We can’t sit and hope our situation gets better. We need to make it happen. Make the decision to improve. Align your thoughts with your purpose. And go succeed. The recipe is simple.

8. “If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door.” -Milton Berle

If you’re the type of person who gives up quickly, success is just not for you. You can be average. And that’s okay… if you’re into that sort of thing. Average people give up when opportunity is not evident and visible. Successful people create opportunities for themselves. Which type of person do you want to be?

9. “It is never too late to be what you might have been.” -George Eliot

For me, this is a reminder that I never want to be older thinking, “Damn, I wish I had done that when I was younger.” I kind of use this as a kick-in-the-ass to remind me why I’m doing what I’m doing. I’m not worried about my next 10-years. I’m worried about my last 10-years.

10. “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” -Seneca the Younger

Alas…#10. I’ve found that the harder I work the luckier I get. Now, you can take my word for it or you can start working your ass off and getting a little lucky along the way. See, hard work creates opportunity. And the more ample opportunities present, the more chance you have of landing such an opportunity. Go get lucky.