Inspirational quotes for entrepreneurs from unlikely sources
Everyone has moments of doubt and uncertainty in their professional lives. These inspirational quotes for entrepreneurs will give the boost you (or your client) need to achieve great things.
Whether you’re going at it solo or have a team behind you, it’s common to hit motivational slumps when trying to keep up with the demands of running a business. Turning to other successful business professionals can give a much-needed dose of inspiration that you and your team need to achieve great things, make big moves and outlast the competition.
However, sometimes the wisdom that resonates with us the most comes from the most unlikely of places.
Keep reading to discover some nuggets of inspiration to give you (or your client) a boost of motivation.
“Nobody is gonna hit as hard as life, but it ain’t how hard you can hit. It’s how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward…That’s how winning is done.”
— Rocky Balboa, Rocky Balboa
Can you hear Eye of the Tiger playing? The iconic boxing franchise Rocky gives us many moments of inspiration to carry with us throughout our professional and personal lives.
In business, and life in general, things don’t always go according to plan. In fact, it rarely ever does. But hitting an obstacle (or getting hit by an obstacle) doesn’t define you. It’s how you respond to it and move forward that does. Having the agility to pivot when needed, the strength to endure adversity, and the confidence to believe in yourself will lead to success.
“You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.”
— Christopher Robin, Winnie the Pooh
This may seem like an unlikely source of inspiration for business professionals. Still, in Winnie the Pooh, Christopher Robin reminds us of three important characteristics that lead to success: bravery, strength, and intellect.
Often, we can get caught up in the routines of our daily work lives, making it harder to recognize the extraordinary things we do every day, and what we’re truly capable of. Yet, you can overcome internal struggles and achieve greatness — and it starts with celebrating your bravery, strength and wisdom.
“Take a step back… and say, ‘What can I do today that will make a difference?”
— Bruce Dickinson, Iron Maiden
Who would think that a heavy metal musician could shine a light on the importance of making a difference in the world? However, in his TED Talk, Bruce Dickinson reminds us to do something worthwhile, every day.
Whether within your office, for a client, or in the community, taking the initiative to make the world a better place has wide-reaching benefits. Finding unique ways to show appreciation for employees and clients or providing support during challenging times can leave a lasting impression and set you apart from others.
Some of today’s most innovative businesses are using their companies to do more. They are using their products to help others and are investing in the environment, all while gaining a competitive edge and increasing sales.
“When life gets overwhelming, remember to just keep on swimming”
— Dory, Finding Nemo
What could an animated blue tang fish teach us about perseverance? Well, if it’s Dory from Finding Nemo, quite a lot!
No matter what happened to her (or what she forgot along her journey), being thrown off course didn’t deter Dory from pushing through and forward on her mission.
Having the perseverance to keep moving forward, even when things seem overwhelming or stressful, is an important trait for overcoming obstacles. So if tasks, obstacles or challenges are piling up, just remember — keep on swimming!
“You’ve got to try and take things to the next level, or you’ll just get stuck in a rut.”
— Ozzy Osbourne, Black Sabbath
At this point in rocker Ozzy Osbourne’s career, chances are you can think of a situation or two where he definitely took things to the next level. And despite his wild antics, Ozzy has been able to remain relevant and create enduring music.
You don’t need to resort to some of the dangerous, bizarre or ridiculous acts that Ozzy has but you still have the opportunity to go outside of your comfort zone and break free from your operational ruts. Trying new things to help evolve your business can be scary, but if you don’t allow fear to take hold, you have the potential to achieve great things.
“Do, or do not. There is no try.”
— Yoda
When training the next generation of Jedi, Yoda imparts that “trying” implies a chance of failure and leads to doubting one’s power.
While you may not have Jedi powers, it’s important to remember this when faced with a challenge. Success is a mindset, among other things. Therefore, putting yourself in the frame of mind to succeed from the onset is the most important first step you can take on the path to greatness.
