“The wisdom of the wise, and the experience of ages, may be preserved by quotation.” — Issac D’Israeli
Some quotes hit differently.
You come across them by chance and are taken aback.
“It’s a sign,” you think, stunned by the aptness of what you’ve read. It’s as if the speaker spoke these words just for you.
Those quotes stick with you. You think of them whenever faced with a comparable situation.
The quotes I am sharing with you today are similar. They guide you in times of uncertainty, pushing you back in the right direction.
Quotes like these drive you to action.
When you walk on the way, the way appears.
—Rumi
This is a quote for beginnings. This should be playing in your head on repeat as you start a new goal, dream, or journey.
You’d think that most people get stuck in the middle of things; that’s where the obstacles appear. It’s where people start to lose motivation.
But it’s the start that’s the hardest.
We are problem-solvers in nature. No obstacle can hold back a person who really wants something. In the beginning, though, you have a billion ways to keep yourself where you’re at.
Maybe it’s by:
- Planning, researching, and preparing before taking the first step.
- Waiting for the right time to begin.
- Focusing on gathering resources first (time, money, network, tools, …etc.)
At the core of all these excuses is fear.
Fear of starting and not being able to finish. Fear of the challenges that will follow. Fear of feeling lost and not knowing what to do.
With these 8 words, Rumi quells that distress.
You don’t have to have it figured out. You don’t have to know what your second or third step is. You don’t have to be ready.
After you take the first step, the next one will follow. You’ll get clarity on the way. You’ll learn the skills you need to move forward. You’ll find the time, money, or whatever it is you need to continue.
What have you been pushing off? What dreams are you waiting for the perfect moment to pursue? What is your first step?
Keep this quote in mind, and find the courage to begin the journey
By changing nothing, nothing changes.
—Tony Robbins
This is one of those quotes that you read and think, “Well you don’t say. Everyone knows that.” Then, continue to act like you don’t know it.
People who don’t like a situation take the easy route to satisfaction: they complain.
Complaining fills you with relief—happiness even—now that you’ve dumped all your negative energy on the listener.
The situation doesn’t change, though. And, that negative energy will simply resurface the next time you encounter anything related to the problem.
The solution to every undesirable situation you face is the same:
Action.
This is a deceptively simple principle that too many people overlook.
Since you didn’t do anything to change the situation, it remains as is.
Complaining about a leaking ceiling won’t stop the water flow. You have to climb up to the rooftop and fix the leak.
Next time you find yourself getting irritated, remind yourself that you are in control. You are the one who decides if the situation stays as is or gets altered.
You might argue that you can’t change everything. You don’t have the power to transform a toxic person into a kinder version of themselves, for example.
Still, you have some control over the situation.
You can talk to them about their behavior and how it’s harming you. You can decide to engage with that person less.
If you choose not to, then remember that that is your choice. No one is forcing you to do anything.
This workbook helped me tremendously in setting boundaries and dealing with toxic people. It’s The Assertiveness Workbook, written by the renowned psychologist Randy J. Paterson. I highly recommend it.
If you’re not happy with a situation, change it. If you refuse to act, don’t complain when it stays the same.
If you can't fly then run if you can't run then walk, if you can't walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.
—Martin Luther King Jr
These powerful words from Martin Luther King, Jr. just executed your excuses.
He acknowledges that you won’t be at peak performance all the time.
Sometimes, you’ll be tired. Sometimes, you won’t have the time to do all that you need to. Sometimes, you’ll lack other resources.
But that’s no excuse.
If you can’t fly toward your goal, you can crawl. You can make the tiniest bit of progress. Even those small bits add up.
Additionally, some people believe they have to go all or nothing. They either exercise for a full 40 minutes or there’s no need to do it at all.
If you live by these words, you realize that’s not the case. You can do as much or as little as you can manage. Whatever you do, don’t stop. If you stop, you lose.
Understand this concept deeper with microhabits. Check out my video on it here!
Through quotes, we take lessons and guidance from those who faced challenges before us.
We look back at their words to push ourselves forward.
Let these quotes be your beacon in the dark and guide you when you need it most.
