By Doug Sandler, “Nice Guys Finish First”
If you are like me, there are times when I need a little more inspiration to get me moving. I turn to HuffingtonPost.com, Forbes.com or the posts I read on LinkedIn by pros like @GuyKawasaki @BernardMarr or @GretchenRubin. But there are many days when time is short and reading an entire post or blog may not fit into my schedule. During these moments of need, I turn to Google and type the words “inspirational quotes.” Hundreds of motivational quotes and inspiring images come to life on my computer screen, as I scan the results until I find the right mix of imagery and words. Here are seven of my favorite.
“Setting goals is the first step in turning the invisible into the visible. ”
— Tony Robbins
In order to hit a target you first must have a target. Over the past two years as I wrote my book, Nice Guys Finish First, dozens of people also shared with me their desire to write a book. Recently, I had a woman come up to me at the end of one of my keynotes and said, “I have wanted to write a book my entire life, I just don’t know how to get started.” When I asked her why she thought she was stuck, she told me she just didn’t know what to write about. Then she came up with every excuse as to why she hasn’t gotten started. It was obvious to me the idea of writing a book seemed interesting to this woman, but she hadn’t come up with the a plan or action item to turn this dream into reality. Set your goal, set a date, come up with an action plan to get you there and make adjustments as needed. Yes, it is that simple. Expect life to get in the way, it always does, but don’t be swayed from your goals.
“In order to succeed, your desire for success should be greater than your fear of failure.”
— Bill Cosby
Fear of failure ranks with fear of change as the main cause for people not actually getting started on any project. As you go about your plans, take out of the equation your fear of failure and replace the mental roadblock with the words, “I’ve got this. I can do it.” FEAR is false evidence appearing real. We all do a great job of blowing up the potential pitfalls we will succumb to, when in reality, it is usually just us getting in our own way. Stay out of your way, push fear aside and take a leap of faith.
“Don’t be afraid to give up the good to go for the great. ”
— John D. Rockefeller
Want a little more wow in your life? Stop settling for good and go for great. Great will wake you up in the morning to say, “Let’s get this day going, I’ve got a mission to accomplish.” Great makes you feel like you are reaching for the stars and nothing can hold you back. Great makes others notice you, and makes them want to be a part of your team. When you strive for greatness, great things happen and life takes on a whole new meaning. You will never get to second base with one foot still on first. Get moving and don’t look back.
“Stop chasing the money and start chasing the passion. ”
— Tony Hsieh
Money cannot buy happiness. If you determine what you love to do and follow your passion, the money will come. If you are passionate about something and you dedicate your life to the pursuit of your passion, it will become your purpose and your driving force. As your life’s compass moves in the direction of your passion, there will be a wake of people willing to pay you to share your story and your plan. Others will see through the veneer if you are just in it for the money. Live your life with passion and you will be rich beyond dollars and cents.
“The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing. ”
— Walt Disney
We all know big talkers and we all have them in our lives as well. They talk a great game but when it’s time for the rubber to hit the road, they fail to get out of the starting gate. Don’t be a loud talker, instead, be a quiet doer. Nothing speaks louder than a person on a mission. Walt Disney was fired from the newspaper where he worked for “having no good ideas.” Years later he put in place the action items needed to turn a little mouse and some grand ideas into an empire. But you don’t have to think on the scale of Walt Disney to know that action when combined with words is much better than words alone. Get on the path today to do more than just dream, wish and talk. More doing will get the job done.
“Don’t be distracted by criticism. Remember, the only taste of success some people get is to take a bite out of you. ”
— Zig Ziglar
There are plenty of critics that will take aim at you and your dreams. Do not let the naysayers have their way with you. Find the cheerleaders and supporters you need and focus on their message and encouragement. Those that criticize are usually the ones that have accomplished nothing and taking a shot at you makes them feel better about their lack of success. Don’t fall prey to their criticism and keep in mind the best revenge is success.
“The only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary. ”
— Vidal Sassoon
You will not become successful without hard work, dedication, consistency and persistence. There are no short cuts to success. It may appear that others have achieved success quickly, but I can assure you the vast majority of the time there were years of preparation, failed attempts and false starts before the bright light of victory shined upon them. When you are passionate about your goals, hard work will become a labor of love and you will not hesitate when you are faced with a steep, uphill climb.
Please share these quotes with others. Help inspire those around you and practice random acts of NICE. Motivate and cheer on the people in your life and they will return the favor to you on days when you most need it. In the comments area below, share any quotes that are your favorites.
Check out my book on winning customers for life by winning relationships that last. Nice Guys Finish First is Amazon’s #1 New Release on Business Strategy.
