12 Quotes that Get Them to Take Action

I have been collecting quotes since I was in grade school. In fact, when I worked in corporate, I had my interior windows plastered with quotes. (They worked to eliminate distractions of people walking by too.)

Quotes from others have a way of resonating with our psyche. They have a way of making us get up and go when other things might not.

Over time, I have learned that many people use quotes, but the same quote could have a totally different effect on different people. So, I asked my panel:

What quote have you read that gave you the motivation needed to take action? The language of a quote can stimulate you to take positive action or assist you to stay focused and more. What is your favorite and what does it say to you? How do you use it to stay on track?

Here is what they shared:

	1. Its All About Your Perspective A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity, An optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty. Winston Churchill Thanks to Ellen Delap of Professional-Organizer.com
	2. Opportunity = Work The quote that has most resonated with me over the years comes from none other than Thomas Edison. He said, "Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work." I can attest that truer words have never been spoken. So often I see my peers start off in new ventures and give up with the going gets rough. I have this quote displayed prominently in my office as a reminder when I too get caught up in the stress of the job. Thanks to JP Jones of Collipsis Web Solutions
	3. From The Bard... "This above all, to thine own self be true." It is so easy to be led astray by so many well-meaning advice-givers, from family to experts. But it is critical to keep your own goals and your own ethics front and center. When you do this, you will be successful, no matter what the sales figures or the bottom line might say. That is what this says to me and does for me. Thanks to David Leonhardt of THGM writers and SEO marketing
	4. Looking at Yesterday "There is no distance on this earth as far away as yesterday." -- Robert Nathan If that doesn't get you going, nothing will! Thanks to Lisa Mark of The Time Butler Professional Organizers
	5. Turn Fear Into An Adventure "The difference between fear and excitement is breathing!" - Various takers show ownership. Breathing give me the time to turn what I'm fearing into an enjoyable adventure. This quote has meant the difference between living life proactively, even going against family and friends, to live my life my way. It's meant moving out of the place I called home, to live in other places for a while. It's meant starting a business when things looked their lowest. Thanks to Maria Marsala of Elevating Your Business
	6. Take Action As If This Is Your Last Day "If I die tomorrow, would I take action today in order to make the difference I want in this world in a long run?" - Chris D. One day is MORE than enough to achieve your goals. That's because if you work and take a consistent action every single day, eventually you'll get the results you want. Death motivates, if you are NOT afraid of it. If you acknowledge the fact that life is too short, you'll take action today, especially if you want to achieve what you desire before you leave this world. Thanks to Chris Diamond of DoubleTimeToday.com \| Time Management Tips For Business Owners
	7. We're All In This Together. "It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit." - Harry S. Truman No one person can do all things; we each have our own talents, unique to all others around us. If we spent more time working together instead of pointing out the shortcomings of others, what a peaceful place (family, community, world) this would be. Thanks to Jen Ulrich of Answers To Organizing
	8. An Original Or A Copy? The Choice Is Yours. "We are all born original--why is it so many of us die copies?" A quarter century ago, poet Edward Young bemoaned the lack of uniqueness among human beings. When I'm facing a situation that calls for creativity, I remind myself of this quote. It strengthens my resolve to do a unique job, one that will stand out. I then turn to old and new sources--things I've already created and whole new spheres of knowledge. Among them, I find what I need to get motivated. Thanks to Marlene Caroselli of Center For Professional Development
	9. Thanks, Aristotle "We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit.” --Aristotle I came across this quote in a fortune cookie many years ago and I had it blown up into one of those wall stickers so that I could give it its proper place amidst my home office walls. I read it many times daily and I'm constantly reminded that me, my freelance business, and my clients are always destined for great things. Thanks to Danielle Buffardi of PenPoint Editorial Services
	10. Watch Me! My favorite quote is "There are so many people out there who will tell you that you can't. What you've got to do is turn around and say watch me" - author is unknown. When I read this quote it really spoke to me because I have allowed others to make me feel like I could not do it. Once I realized that I could do whatever I set my mind to as long as I believed in myself. Every time I start to doubt myself I read this quote. It makes me smile and makes me feel as if I could conquer anything! Thanks to Michelle Morton of MeetMichelleM
	11. Be The Great One. Take The Shot. "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take." ~Wayne Gretzky Most people wouldn't expect me to be inspired by sports quotes, but this truism motivates me anew each time I hear it. When I debate the prudence of taking action, of exceeding my grasp, of being bold, of risking failure...a childhood memory of hockey announcers intoning, "He shoots. He SCORES!" reminds me of what The Great One meant. You can't win if you don't play. Take the shot. Thanks to Julie Bestry of Best Results Organizing
	12. It's Our Choices "It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.” J. K. Rowling (1965–) British writer of the HARRY POTTER series When I'm not sure what I want to do and get 'stuck'- this quote helps me focus on what is truly important to me. It helps me come to terms with the 'failures' and making the decisions that best resonate with me. I want to look back on my life and feel at peace with the choices I made. Thanks to Zele Avradopoulos of ZOrganize