5 Quotes/Pieces of Advice from Notable Successes to Help You Get Ahead

Ask 100 different people to define success, and you’ll likely get 100 different answers. That said, most would agree the road to achievement is paved with a lot of hard work and perseverance. Luckily, we have the insight and wisdom of those who have already traveled the path to make things a little easier for us along the way. To help you get ahead and encourage you in your own endeavors, here are five quotes/pieces of advice from notable successes that have stood the test of time:

1. "Don't let yesterday take up too much of today." - Will Rogers

It’s pretty safe to say we have all, at one time or another, let things we can’t change hold us back from achieving our goals and dwelling on the mistakes of the past has probably, at some point, hindered our progress in the present. Will Rogers, best known for his acting and social commentary, said it best with his quote, "Don't let yesterday take up too much of today," and we would be wise to take heed of his advice.

In life, it's important to learn from our previous errors, but it's equally important not to let them consume us. Instead of fixating on what has already happened, focus on the present moment and what you can do to move forward. Don't let the past hold you back from achieving your goals and getting exactly what you want out of this life.

2. "Failure is another stepping stone to greatness." - Oprah

Dubbed the “Queen of All Media,” Oprah has had a global impact as a talk show host, actor, author, television producer, and media proprietor. Her quote, “Failure is another stepping stone to greatness,” shows the importance of perseverance in the face of defeat and struggle.

Success is not a one-time event but rather an ongoing journey. Similarly, failure does not define us but rather teaches us valuable lessons which are helpful for our personal growth and improvement. Whether we are succeeding or failing, the true key to realizing our potential is having the courage to continue— even when the going gets tough. Keep pushing forward, learn from your failures (and your successes), and don't give up on your dreams.

3. "The only way to do great work is to love what you do." - Steve Jobs

Steve Jobs was the co-founder and CEO of Apple Inc. and is widely regarded as one of the most innovative and influential figures in the tech industry. In his quote above, he emphasizes the importance of passion in achieving success.

Passion is what drives most of us to do our best work and to push through challenges and obstacles in our pursuits. When we love what we do, work starts to feel less like work—it becomes a fulfilling and rewarding experience. If you're not passionate about what you're doing, while not impossible, it's less likely that you'll be able to achieve the level of success you desire. In order to get ahead, you should find what you're passionate about and pursue it with all your heart.

4. “As much as talent counts, effort counts twice.” - Angela Duckworth

Sometimes the hardest part of doing something is just in starting to do the thing. Angela Duckworth is an academic, psychologist, and science author best known for her research on grit— “a combination of passion and perseverance.” Nothing will ever get done if we don’t do it.

We often put off certain pursuits believing we aren’t quite ready, we don’t have time, or tomorrow will somehow be a better kickoff point, but the truth is there is never a perfect time and there is no time like the present. The best way to achieve success is to simply begin. Rather than waiting for the perfect moment or for all the pieces to fall into place, this quote encourages us to take the initiative and make things happen for ourselves. Remaining paralyzed, waiting for the perfect moment ensures nothing will happen. Giving our best efforts to move forward can help us overcome obstacles and achieve great things.

5. "Believe you can and you're halfway there." - Theodore Roosevelt

This quote from Theodore Roosevelt, widely regarded as one of the greatest American presidents, tells us that having self-confidence truly empowers us to achieve our goals. Further, it give us the desire to try in the first place.

Self-doubt, that tiny negative voice in the back of our minds, can hold us back from achieving our goals and dreams. On the other hand, having a positive mindset and believing in ourselves can give us the confidence and motivation we need to succeed.  When we believe in ourselves, we are more willing to take risks, learn new things, and push ourselves outside of our comfort zones. This can lead to new opportunities and experiences that we may not have otherwise encountered.

Learning from successful people we admire and applying their wisdom to our own lives can help us cultivate the mindset and habits necessary for achieving our goals. Remember to stay positive, persevere through challenges, and believe in yourself. With hard work, dedication, and a willingness to learn and grow, anything is possible.