I’ve accumulated a list of my favorite quotes from a variety of sources. None of these are originals by me, but the interpretations are mine. Though I know most of the quote originators, in the interest of not getting some wrong or shortchanging those whom I don’t know, I will not cite my sources nor make attributes to the origins.
“Discipline equals freedom”
Probably more than any other quote, this is how I approach life. The essence is to put in the effort when you want something. With hard work you can create your biggest achievements. Of course, you need the right aspirations and not everything is in your control, but this is about being the best version of you, and taking action before making excuses.
“Pain + reflection = progress”
Life is full of setbacks, obstacles, and disappointments. The mark of a truly great person is how they respond to adversity. It’s easy to be great when the going is good, but can you reflect on your failures and become even better? The inverse of this is also true: lack of proper reflection and progress = pain, because if you don’t learn from your experience you are relegated to the path of repetitive failure and futility.
“It’s not what you know, it’s what you do consistently”
Especially in the age of the internet there is no shortage of information. It’s easy to know what you need to do (hopefully this website is an example of that), but ultimately you will be defined by your actions.
“Learn more, know less”
Despite all the information at our fingertips, it’s impossible to know everything. You will benefit greatly from assuming you don’t have all the answers, listening to others, and always trying to learn.
“Be open to what happens next”
Life is full of surprises. Don’t let your expectations ruin your experiences, especially regarding what is out of your control. Sometimes you just have to go with the flow.
“You don’t have to get ready if you stay ready”
Sort of an analogy to ‘practice makes perfect’, a saying that I never loved because it implies one can be perfect at something. However, if you are always preparing yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally for action then you will be able to handle anything life throws your way.
“Assume positive intent”
A crucial mindset when dealing with others. There is almost always a possibly valid explanation for a behavior or statement that offends you. Consider all reasons before reacting negatively yourself.
“Be present above all else”
In today’s media-driven, distraction-filled society this is much harder than it sounds.
“Happiness is a choice you make and a skill you develop”
This one may not seem logical at first, but if you embrace the mindsets described on this quote board (e.g. ‘be open to what happens next’, ‘assume positive intent’, ‘hard choices, easy life’, and ‘pain + reflection = progress’) it will make sense.
“It’s not about ideas, it’s about making ideas happen”
This is the best line an engineer can hear, as the hard and often underappreciated work is the implementation or commercialization of a great idea.
“Hard choices, easy life; Easy choices, hard life”
Face your fears and do the hard, but right, things, whether it’s a difficult conversation or a challenging chore, and you will be set free. The action is often a lot easier than we make it out to be, anyway, it’s just a matter of getting started.
“Give me six hours to chop down a tree, and I’ll spend the first four hours sharpening the axe”
Another quote for the scientist, engineer, architect, and even artist in us all…analogy to measure twice, cut once.
“Opportunity = Luck + Preparation”
While there is often serendipity involved in all our successes, whether that’s timing of an idea or just being in the right place at the right time, it’s also true that much of our good fortune is self-created. In fact, I prefer the equation ‘Luck = Opportunity + Preparation”, but I have listed the quote as I originally heard it.
“You can’t be a prophet in your own land”
This is a perspective especially for us parents to keep in mind. In fact, as you go through any transformation of growth or learning, it is those you know the longest who will be last to recognize your improvements.
“Strong views, loosely held”
While it’s good to be passionate about your beliefs, the world is not static and you always need to be open minded towards new information.
“Three options: change it, leave it, accept it”
Needs no explanation.
“How you do anything is how you do everything”
Perhaps most obvious in the sports arena, but true across life. Perform as you wish you would on game day while you are practicing, and act in solitude as you would when the world is watching.
“We suffer more in imagination than in reality”
While there are obviously some very tragic exceptions, so much of what we as individuals or as a society complain about is not nearly as bad as it is portrayed.
“The best way to predict the future is to invent it”
Great motivator for entrepreneurs and technologists.
“Beware the barrenness of a busy life”
So important in today’s world of distraction and technology. Busy does not equal productive. Seek effectiveness and productivity over busy-ness and even efficiency. Prioritizing importance tasks over urgent ones is the best tool here. Important & urgent first, then Important & not urgent, then Urgent & unimportant, then unimportant and not urgent.
“Happiness comes from experiences; Fulfillment comes from giving”
This one probably took me the longest to realize and is great perspective for those of us driven towards achievement who might idolize the great individualists and ‘self-made’ persons a bit too much.
“Perhaps happiness is always to be found in the journey uphill, and not in the fleeting sense of satisfaction awaiting at the next peak”
Enjoy the process for whatever you do. You will spend far more time pursuing your goals compared to celebrating reaching them, so it’s imperative that you embrace and enjoy the path that you take to achieve them.
“We do not rise to the level of our expectations, we fall to the level of our training”
If you want to get better you’ve gotta put in the work. Whether it’s physical or mental ability, you will be rewarded by your effort.
“You plant the seeds of greatness in the daily grind”
Some things don’t come easy. Preparation, hard work, perseverance, discipline…
“Rather than fighting to be understood, fight to understand”
Something important to remember both at work and at home.
“There’s a difference between interest and commitment. When you’re interested in doing something, you do it only when it’s convenient. When you’re committed to something, you accept no excuses–only results”
This one certainly takes the mind back to the first quote on discipline…thanks dad!
“Don’t be good, be great”
Simply said. High expectations can often be a double-edged sword, so be careful projecting them on others, but having them for yourself is far more positive than negative.
“Silence is a note”
This one is certainly harder for the extroverts out there, but even we introverts can be uncomfortable with silence sometimes. Be OK with silence. We don’t have to fill every gap with chatter. Embrace the pauses and stillness in life.
“If you’re not careful about the things you own they end up owning you”
One of the best movie lines–from Fight Club. Try Stoicism if you have a problem with materialism. Some good sources for that sprinkled into the resource page.
“The pen to write your story is in your hands”
You have more control over your life and situation than you often feel. Yes, there are many things outside of your control, and it’s important to recognize and acknowledge those, but it’s equally important to understand that which you can control and use your power there appropriately.
“What is important is seldom urgent and what is urgent is seldom important”
This is important in both work and life. The Eisenhower Box is the best example of this. Google it for now, and I will add content around this on a future update.
“We miss who we’re made to be when we focus on what we think we’re supposed to be”
An analogous quote from the same book (unfortunately I now forgot which book it was from, having just read the Blinkist and jotting these down: “The woman who gets her self-worth from her status or wealth or from what other people think of her is a slave to the pressure to keep it up”
“The ultimate form of preparation is not planning for a specific scenario, but a mindset that can handle uncertainty”
Love this one, also from James Clear. Basically describes my career…
And finally, from my friend and the BEST security guard ever, Nelson, who always hits me up with good quotes; among my favorite are:
- Experience has no substitute
- If you love what you do, things become easy for your
- To know is when you know you don’t know and are willing to learn and listen
- Learn from the past, live in the present, and prepare for the future
- The foundation of your idea can become many formulas for new creations
Want some more great quotes? Subscribe to James Clear’s weekly newsletter. This one edition alone has a few great ones:
I keep these all on my bulletin board and choose one to post on my monitor as a reminder every week. I will share that in my e-mail updates to all subscribers (subscribe on side bar panel).
