Inspiring Life Quotes

9 mins read

Telling my story through the lens of 25 quotable quotes .

Y ou may have noticed that every article on the blog page is capped with a quote relevant to the subject of discourse. This is because over the years, I have latched onto tons of quotable quotes that somehow resonates with the current situation at the time or providing the motivation needed to face the challenges ahead.

These quotes simply articulate thoughts, ideas and concepts that will become relevant at one point in time in life’s journey or within a tricky or confusing context. 

There is a quote for virtually everything and as they are practically inexhaustible it is important that we read and discern as many as we possibly can to deepen our knowledge base through the truism of each statement.

I have put a few of these quotes together in hope that you will find one or two useful as you trudge on through life’s interesting journey. 

I hope you find this piece interesting.

“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” Eleanor Roosevelt

No one can be better than you are in virtually everything. You will always have that one thing or something better than anyone else.If only you can be the best version of yourself, no one can make you feel out of sorts. So, improve yourself, refine your behavior, grow your knowledge and you will always be better at one thing than everyone else. Be confident about what you know and keep your head up. Time and Chance…..!

“All progress takes place outside the comfort zone.” Michael John Bobak

Comfort zone is the killer of dreams!  We are in times when we hate to be inconvenienced. We want to achieve great things without breaking a sweat. Friends, If you know anyone who has defied this logic, he is the 0.0001 percentile from the lot. Don’t be fooled, you must leave your comfort zone to soar.

“If you can’t explain it simply, you don’t understand it well enough.” Albert Einstein

Years ago while studying for my BSc, I found out I had better grades in courses where I spent time teaching and explaining what I had learnt to others. Pronto, I started looking for who to teach all over the place whenever exam approaches…lol

“The point of greatest tiredness is just before the goal is reached”

This quote stuck with me for over twenty years. My very good friend, Dr. Adegbola Ojo lent this quote to me and I held on to it with every ounce of strength I had left. Whenever in despair, think about this quote.

“The starting point of all achievement is desire.” Napoleon Hill

I always have a strong start. When I desire things, I see them so vividly and in high definition. As long as I am convinced it would give a predetermined end, I would pursue it to the point where, I would almost fail to see the achievement because I would have gone way past the target. Many times, a lot of the initial  desire simply wane just as a tide on the ebb. To keep going, one must collaborate and strengthen the resolve. To collaborate, one must sell a vision.

“I find that when you have a real interest in life and a curious life, that sleep is not the most important thing.” Martha Stewart

Sometimes when I get to start a new personal project, I get too excited to sleep. Other times, I get too excited and can’t wait for dawn. I wouldn’t even mind paying for the lack of sleep later in the day, but as long as I have started something of genuine desire and interest, sleep remains an inconvenience.

“If you don’t design your own life plan, chances are you’ll fall into someone else’s plan. And guess what they have planned for you? Not much.” Jim Rohn

I use this quote a lot, especially  when I advise some of my mentees. I wonder how you can set out on a project, on a journey or on a business without a plan. How do you measure progress when the target or objective is so vague. In defence, they say that agile project management doesn’t require the traditional project plan! As long as you do not have a plan, you will be a pawn for those who have their plans cast in stone.

“Rarely have I seen a situation where doing less than the other guy is a good strategy.” Jimmy Spithill

Hard work pays! I cannot over-emphasize this concept, you cannot outdo your competitors by putting less effort. Put in a good shift, think about what would set you apart and then you will be at least one step ahead of the game.

“The greater the artist, the greater the doubt. Perfect confidence is granted to the less talented as a consolation prize.” Robert Hughes

This is the monster created by success. When anyone become successful, the doubts that creep in is a lot different from the initial desire that pushed him to the apex. Unless the successful individual can turn this to an advantage, a challenger is likely to be more convinced to fight his way confidently to the top.

“I don’t want to get to the end of my life and find that I lived just the length of it. I want to have lived the width of it as well.” Diane Ackerman

This quote switched me on during my university days. Why wouldn’t I allow the school pass through me? I wanted in on everything, from the charity bit in school, to the burden of academics, to the cosmetic social life, to the sickening romantic distractions, to the exhilarating parties, to the adventures of travelling……and a lot more. I just didn’t want to rue that special moment in my life. Live life to the fullest, there is fun in hard work too

“Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere.” Albert Einstein

Oh dear! I have the most bizarre thought process and imagination you can ever think about. My perception of situations, timing, and actions amazes me too. Its somewhere between weirdness and utter gibberish. It’s almost inexplicable. I remember one time I was testing out sound bars at the mall and my failed attempt at describing the difference in the sound quality of the different brands was hinged on my comparison of the sounds to the abstract sounds from a beach scene.

This is a side of me that contrast with my persona. You will never be able to juxtapose that part of me that lets imagination fly about like electric sparks and the part that crunches numbers and solves routine problems behind a desk.

But this quote assures me that it isn’t so bad after all. And yes it isn’t.

“If you genuinely want something, don’t wait for it–teach yourself to be impatient.” Gurbaksh Chahal

Why wait for something you can start now? Give yourself enough reasons to start and make sure you start NOW! Procrastination is the thief of time!

“What would you attempt to do if you knew you would not fail?” Robert Schuller

This question is deep! Read it again. Then get started. Please take this one quote seriously. If you can answer it with conviction then get started.

“If you are not willing to risk the usual, you will have to settle for the ordinary.” Jim Rohn

Years ago, “ordinary” was good enough for me. Until I found out that tons of people were just content with being ordinary. Ordinary is the older cousin to mediocrity. To stand out, one must risk the unusual, turn a deaf ear to all the NaySayers and prove them wrong. Turn the doubts expressed by these set of people into motivation.

Never will I be content at being “just there”. You may not see it, but I know it!

“Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going.” Jim Ryun

I am yet to fully lay claim to practising this quote wholeheartedly. I kinda struggle with the latter part. The problem is I lose interest too easily to continue unless the motivation is renewed. Knowing this weakness, I surround myself with people stronger at keeping it going. Like with this blog!…lol

“Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect.” Mark Twain

Yes they say very often that the majority cannot be wrong. But people, this isn’t about following the crowd. This speaks to standing out, standing tall, being different and being unique. You can’t be in the majority and enjoy the courtesy of being different.

“We become what we think about most of the time, and that’s the strangest secret.” Earl Nightingale

I certainly won’t be sharing what I think about the most. Think what you may. But this quote is super true! Watch what you think fellas!

“Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it.” Henry David Thoreau

This quote is pretty interesting. It says, put in a good shift and focus on the goal, don’t despair or get distracted by the length of time it takes before it happens, just keep at it and it would literally sneak up on you when you least expect. The trick is consistency.

Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” Arthur Ashe

Start Now. Shikena! Stop waiting until everything is set or until everyone is on board. Create the force that would get everyone on board. This is strong people.

“Happiness is a butterfly, which when pursued, is always beyond your grasp, but which, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you.” Nathaniel Hawthorne

QED

“The distance between insanity and genius is measured only by success.” Bruce Feirstein

When you are putting a lot of your effort doggedly on a course, to some people you are insane, unreasonable, unyielding, stubborn and crazy. As long as you are convinced it is the right thing to do and your goal is unwavering, time will vindicate the effort put into it.

“Stop chasing the money and start chasing the passion.” Tony Hsieh

Chasing money is the wrong strategy. No one wins by chasing money. Discover your passion and put in a strategy to harness it. Aside fulfilment, money is the package that rewards your effort.

“If you are willing to do more than you are paid to do, eventually you will be paid to do more than you do.” Anonymous

Always put in the little extra. Don’t be content with just achieving the goal. Exceed it. Put in the gloss and add shine to every little thing you do. Arrive for meetings earlier, present the reports better, put in the hook to that song, and do more. With more, you will stand out and that is the requisite for success.

“Opportunities don’t happen. You create them.” Chris Grosser

Opportunity is a very interesting concept. I always wanted to write about it. Look for my thoughts about opportunities and you will understand why they are created.

“The No. 1 reason people fail in life is because they listen to their friends, family, and neighbors.” Napoleon Hill

Do you seek and obtain advice from everyone about everything and nothing? I am sorry you are in the wrong lane to success. People’s opinions are shaped by their experiences, choices and in particular poor decisions. While there is always something to learn from their experiences, it should never be the basis for your pursuing your dreams. Stay woke. Stay focus.

That’s your lot for today. Thanks for reading. Watch out for the other parts in the series.

Cheers.

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