10 Quotes from Inspirational CEO’s, Leaders & Historical Figures to Keep You Going Strong!
Simple fact: we’ve all been through a lot, and so have our businesses. And, though it may not seem like the time to celebrate, I think we can take a little pride that we’ve begun to come through to the other side (and probably learned a few things along the way).
Today, I thought we’d take a break from the usual. I just want to share some quotations from a variety of people, some well-known, some just plain insightful.
Maybe some of these will resonate with you.
I think the overall message is that it’s not about just about “weathering a storm.” It’s about understanding the nature of turmoil and using it to grow.
10 Quotes to Keep You Resilient No Matter What Comes Your Way at Work
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“We are really competing against ourselves; we have no control over how other people perform.” – Pete Cashmore, CEO of Mashable
I don’t think this means paying no attention to the competition. But it does remind us that every new day or week is a chance to do something better than you did the day or week before. It’s a flexible but always relevant yardstick for both people and businesses.
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“It is not necessary to change. Survival is not mandatory.” – W. Edwards Deming
Sarcastic, but spot-on. Your business is better off embracing change than resisting it.
We can vouch for this.
Before the pandemic, we didn’t think much about being a high-volume PPE provider. But we were able to deliver for our state when competitors could not. That’s now a source of pride, and it adds to the experience that makes us who we are.
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“Ambition is the path to success. Persistence is the vehicle you arrive in.” – Bill Bradley, Starbucks Corporate Director
Take it from a former senator and winner of multiple NBA championships. Ambition is certainly a requisite to achieve success, but you’d better have something more than the “want-to.” The people (and businesses) who earn the most desired status are often no smarter or more talented than those who fail. They are just more determined.
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“Let us never negotiate out of fear. But let us never fear to negotiate.” – John F. Kennedy
I think this one has plenty of relevance for businesses. Success during times of turmoil requires both boldness, and a willingness to innovate and try new things. You can remain firm on your core principles, yet employ creativity to find new pathways to what you want to achieve.
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“Tough times never last, but tough people do.” – Robert H. Schuller
You’ve probably heard this one, and it speaks for itself. Every business goes through difficult stretches, for various reasons. Companies that are built to endure those periods as calmly as possible and maintain their focus are the most likely to weather them.
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“Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved.” – Helen Keller, author, lecturer, and political activist.
This is among my favorites. Keller’s strong personal experience gave her clarity. Businesses, too, learn their “true north” by persevering through obstacles and confronting their strengths and weaknesses. They gain confidence and understanding that will equip them to deal well with obstacles that emerge in the future.
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“Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart.” – Steve Jobs, CEO of Apple
This is sobering but insightful. Tough times may tempt you to wrap your business in a protective cocoon and wait for the storm to pass.
But opting for only the safest “long term” outcomes can be paralyzing.
You need to remain open to creativity and innovation to achieve the results that mean the most to you…or you never will.
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“As much as talent counts, effort counts twice.” – Angela Duckworth, a MacArthur Genius Award-winning psychologist, author of Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance
Look at sports. Of course it takes incredible talent to make it to the highest levels. But the ones who achieve “GOAT” status are inevitably those that put in tremendous effort to maximize their gifts.
Think Tom Brady, LeBron James, or Simone Biles.
When you are handling tough issues or feeling stress, remember that you are putting in the work. It may happen “behind the scenes.” But the ultimate success won’t be.
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“Circumstances do not change responsibility.” – Bedros Keuilian, founder of Fit Body Boot Camp, author of “Man Up,” and host of “Empire Podcast Show”
Don’t say “yeah, but…” to this author and consultant to entrepreneurs. You didn’t sign on to only manage your business on good days.
As a leader, it’s your job to choose the best, smartest course through any storm.
Don’t look for excuses, look for the way through. It’s there, and someone will find it. Make it you, not a competitor.
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“I actually had someone say to me, ‘Lynn, you’re going to have very good days, and you’re going to have very bad days. But it’s rare that things are as good as they look, and it’s rare that things are as bad as they seem.’ So, having perspective, and challenging perspective, is important to making good decisions.” – Lynn Good – CEO of Duke Energy
A lengthy one from a current business leader, and well worth it. It reminds us to consider the cyclical nature of business and industry.
The scariest roller coaster stops and starts on level ground.
The best decision-makers don’t overreact to situations, either opportunities or threats, that are likely temporary. Step back before stepping in.
Now, a Few Words from…Me
My words may not be as memorable as the ones above, but they could be helpful. As your business continues to build back from the COVID-19 pandemic, our perspective might help you make the right decisions on print, promotional items, and more.
Our history of helping businesses work efficiently spans nearly 100 years now. That means plenty of on-the-ground experience in your corner—and an ISO certification that sets high standards for the service we offer every client.
Feedback from those clients has resulted in our winning five consecutive Best of Print & Digital awards. That speaks strongly of the efforts by our winning print sales representatives. They do a great job of understanding customers’ needs and meeting them with the perfect solutions.
That’s something you can quote me on. Why not get in touch with one of them now?
