Morning is the most important time of day. If you build enough momentum in the early hours, it will easily carry you through the rest of your workday. Get the boogers out of your eyes and read these thirteen motivational quotes. Your day won’t dominate itself. Let’s get to work!
“Patience is a conquering virtue.” ― Geoffrey Chaucer
Nothing worth having will be easy to obtain. Brace yourself for the long game. Provided you apply yourself consistently (and correct course when necessary), you can accomplish anything.
“Don’t mistake activity with achievement.” ― John Wooden
Busywork is the worst. You waste hours on a task that doesn’t result in a tangible outcome. Constantly ask yourself: “Is this the absolute best use of my time?” If not, redirect your efforts in a more purposeful direction.
“You are what you do, not what you say you’ll do.” ― C.G. Jung
Words must be translated into actions before they can make a difference in your life. It’s good to believe in yourself, but don’t be boastful. Keep your mouth shut until you’ve put in a significant amount of work.
“Nobody can hurt me without my permission.” ― Mahatma Gandhi
Never identify with the insults other people hurl at you. Imagine you’re wearing a suit of armor. Visualize their words bouncing off you without making a dent. Don’t justify their negativity with a reaction. Let it go.
“Time is a created thing. To say ‘I don’t have time,’ is like saying, ‘I don’t want to.” ― Lao Tzu
We all have 24 hours in every day. You have the freedom to spend it however you desire. When you want to say: “I don’t have the time,” rephrase that sentence to, “It’s not a priority” (because that’s what you really mean).
“Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin.” ― Mother Teresa
The past is done. It cannot be reversed. The future is distant. It cannot be predicted. The present moment is the only place where you can make a meaningful impact… so you might as well embrace the natural flow of life.
“Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.” ― Leo Tolstoy
You must be a walking, talking example of the change you want to see. No one will take you seriously until you embody the beliefs you preach. Change yourself before you try to change another person (much less the world).
“Action may not always bring happiness, but there is no happiness without action. ” ― William James
Success is never a certainty. You could spend a year writing a book that becomes a bestseller (or it might just sell ten copies). There are ways to improve your odds, but don’t get attached to any outcome. Learn to appreciate the process and you’ll be happy no matter what happens.
“Be steady and well-ordered in your life so that you can be fierce and original in your work.” ― Gustave Flaubert
Chaos does not breed creativity. To build a habit, you must be consistent. Whenever possible, create your art at the same time and place. You’ll be highly effective when you follow a routine. This makes the difference between true artists and wannabes. If you want to excel, act like it.
“You have power over your mind – not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.” ― Marcus Aurelius
Only concern yourself with things you can control. You can’t stop a thunderstorm from ruining your hike (but you can choose to think positive or find something just as fun to do). Stay optimistic during tough times, because your emotional reactions rarely serve a purpose.
“If you only read the books that everyone else is reading, you can only think what everyone else is thinking.” ― Haruki Murakami
Stop trying to fit in. It’s good to have friends, but don’t sacrifice your originality in the process. Following the herd leads to lazy thinking. Seek inspiration from unique and unfamiliar sources. You’ll become a more interesting and well-rounded person.
“Don’t be afraid of your fears. They’re not there to scare you. They’re there to let you know that something is worth it.” ― C. JoyBell C.
Your brain does not like change. The second you decide to pursue a challenging goal, expect to hear a chorus of self-defeating thoughts. Ignore them. They are liars. Show up every day. In time, those evil voices will become less convincing.
“Some people believe holding on and hanging in there are signs of great strength. However, there are times when it takes much more strength to know when to let go and then do it.” ― Ann Landers
There is a difference between “giving up” and “letting go.” You shouldn’t give up on a business, because it’s “too hard.” However, you should let go of a business idea when evidence proves it won’t make a profit. If you choose to stay on a sinking ship and drown in the ocean (or get eaten by a shark), whose fault is that? Save yourself! Another ship will arrive before you know it.
Want to fire up your friends so they can have a successful day, too? Share these motivational quotes on Facebook (and tell me which one is your #1 favorite motivational quote in the comments). :)
Read more articles by Daniel Wallen:
- 10 Things Highly Effective People Don’t Do
- 4 Simple but Powerful Ways to Be More Efficient Every Day
- Freelancing 101: How to Be Productive at Home (When You’d Rather Be Watching Netflix)
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