Strategies and Tactics for Women by Dr. Shannon Reece

1. The Things That Count The Most

I don’t know who said, “Those who do things that count never stop to count them,” but it has always been my favorite quote.

I not only like to stay busy and active, but I like the way I feel when I am productive and giving to others through my actions. It isn’t about being able to put volunteer service items on your resume, it’s about that feeling you have given someone else in need. That moment is priceless.

Thanks to Jen Watkins of St. George News

2. My Favorite Inspiring Quote

“Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it.” – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

I still remember the first time I heard this quote. I was in high school and it really spoke to me. It is a great quote that said to me “What are you waiting for? Just go for it.” Sometimes you don’t always know all the steps or how you will get something done, but don’t let that stop you — do it anyway. It reminds me that fear of failure can stop you if you let it, but taking action is a wonderful thing, and things start falling into place when you start moving toward your goal.

Thanks to Scarlet Paolicchi of Moms Wear Your Tees Social Media Marketing

3. Who Dares Wins

The quote is not by a person, but rather is the slogan of the British Special Forces.

“Who Dares Wins.”

Simply stated the person who dares to take chances wins. Think about it. Everybody who is a winner, a success, is there because at some point they dared to be different, dared to take a chance, dared to believe in something nobody else did.

This means so much that I have even tattooed the phrase on my arm.

Dare to Win!

Thanks to Michael Brandvold of Michael Brandvold Marketing

4. Passionate Curiosity Makes A Great Life

“I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious.” – Albert Einstein

I love this quote! Of course Einstein had many special talents, but he attributed his success to his insatiable curiosity. I think so much of my energy, ideas & creativity are driven by my own curiosity. My mind is always jumping to ask questions and figure out why or how something works or is broken. I love solving problems and connecting the dots in new & interesting ways. If being passionately curious is good enough for Einstein, it is good enough for me!

Thanks to Paige Arnof-Fenn of Mavens & Moguls

5. It’s All In Your Head

“Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right.” – Henry Ford

This quote is important to me because I know that how I feel and think about something will have a direct impact on whether or not I’m successful achieving it.

Thanks to Randi Busse of Workforce Development Group, Inc.

6. It Takes More Than Talent

Even though I’m a writer, it’s visual artist Pablo Picasso whose words have inspired my work the most. I have several of them in my office and use one or two in my signature lines. One of the best is this one: “Inspiration exists,” wrote Picasso, “but it must find you working.”

Right. Don’t just wait for the Muse to descend: she gets generated by your work and focus, not by dreaming about the work and the focus!

Thanks to Jeannette De Beauvoir of Customline Wordware

7. It’s Better To Be Overdressed Than Under!

“High expectations are the key to everything.” – Sam Walton

I keep it tacked on my inspiration board when I am writing and it inspires me to live the way I want to live (because some days I forget!) On the days when I feel like I expect too much from people, I look up at this and remind myself: I’d rather overshoot then undershoot and wish I had tried harder!

Thanks to Jill Mikols Etesse of Jacketsandjill

8. Safe Or Authentic

“Do you want to live a safe life or an authentic one?”

I don’t know who said it, but it has been something I have lived my life by. Not all choices are easy. Not all decisions are going to be accepted by everyone. I have had people question the path I have chosen many times, from my choice of college to my choice of careers. But being true to yourself is not about being easy it is about being happy. If I wanted acceptance, I would do what people expected me to do, and if I did that I would not be where I am today. In love with my husband, a degree from Smith College, an MBA, a career I love, a business that I am making thrive, friends that know the real me, a family that knows and loves the real me. I have pushed many boundaries in my life, and they are not easy. But they are worth it.

Thanks to Lauren MacEwen of SM Cubed Consulting

9. There Are Two Types Of People

“There are two types of people: The ones who give you 50 reasons it can’t be done … and the ones who just do it.” – Hoda Kotb

When something comes up where I need to step out of my comfort zone I remember this quote. I could easily come up with 50 reasons why it can’t be done, but how is that productive? I always try to choose to just do it.

Thanks to Nora Whalen of Institute For Beautiful Business

10. “There’s No Crying In Baseball!”

My favorite quote comes from the movie A League of Their Own.
“There’s no crying in baseball!”

I like this quote on a number of levels. First, it’s just plain fun to say. Second, it reminds me that sometimes you just have to hunker down and do the work. No crying, no complaining, just do it. And third, it reminds me that even against large odds women can follow their passion.

Thanks to Ann Tucker of ageoffashionprivilege.blogspot.com/

11. So Simple, Yet So True.

“I slept and dreamt that life was joy. I awoke and saw that life was service. I acted and behold, service was joy.” – Rabindranath Tagore

The first time I ran into this quote, it really stunned me, as it embodied a belief that I’ve held for a long time. It defines the basic message of Christ – yet from a non-Christian source. It illustrates for me that truth is truth, no matter where or how you find it.

Thanks to Melanie Hope of Hope Speaking LLC

12. Be Proactive, Not Reactive

My favorite quote is an African proverb: “Don’t look where you fell, look where you slipped.”

As a business consultant, I encourage business leaders to be proactive which gives them more options than being reactive. Having a solid vision of where your company is going and then being proactive with your strategies will lead to success.

Thanks to Janet Boulter of Center Consulting Group

13. Mad [Wo]men

Salvatore Dali tickles my fancy (and I do fancy his tickle) with his self-description. “The only difference between me and a madman is that I’m not mad!”

Some of the things I’ve done to advance my career have been considered “mad” by my colleagues and associates. To illustrate, heading to Los Angeles without having a job waiting for me. Finding a job and then leaving it to start my own business. Contacting “big names” to interview. But, to quote an overused quote, “there’s been a method to my madness,” which is more creativity than insanity. I’m inspired by the rule-breakers who dare go outside the boxes and outside the office cubicles to discover the splendor of the big world out there.

Be inspired by Hans Christian Andersen: “Life itself is the most wonderful fairy tale of all.”

Thanks to Dr. Marlene Caroselli of

14. Fav Quote From Katharine Graham…

“To do what you love and feel that it matters…what could be more fun?”

This encapsulates why I do what I do. Expanding freedom through extraordinary business. I like to make a difference and I love to have FUN. Woohooooo!!! Thanks for the great assignment. xo$, Ellen

Thanks to Ellen Rohr of Bare Bones Biz, Inc.

15. Wise Words From A Jazz Great

One of my favorite quotes comes from one of my musical heroes, jazz sax great Branford Marsalis. Marsalis said: “Humans are imperfect. That’s one of the reasons that classical and jazz are in trouble. We’re on the quest for the perfect performance and every note has to be right. Man, every note is not right in life.”

As a leadership development consultant, this quote reminds me that human relations are messy, unpredictable, often bewildering things. Consequently, we need to recognize that achieving perfection in our interactions with others is not possible. We will make mistakes. We will disappoint. We will come up short. Rather, we should strive for excellence in everything we do. We should also seek to learn from our shortcomings so that we can get just a little bit better every day.

Thanks to Michael Brenner of IdeAgency

16. Jump To The Other Side Of Fear!

George Addair said, “Everything you’ve ever wanted is on the other side of fear.”

Think about your career (or life challenges), with special focus on “what’s next?” Are you an individual contributor and want to manage groups? Do you need practice in budgets, making speeches or doing cold-call sales? Look around you. Who do you see that is excellent at these skills? Don’t be afraid to simply ask for their help. Most people are happy to share their tips and techniques with you.

We often create our own obstacles, by fearing to cross the threshold of an important person’s office, when in fact all we need to do is face our fear, enter the office, and say, “Would you mind helping me? I have been impressed with your skill at X, and would love to learn how you do it.” All you want may be there.

Thanks to Artie Lynnworth of Author,

17. Anything Worth Doing Is Worth Doing Well

“Never, ever, ever, ever give up even when, and especially when, there is no chance of winning” – Ann Curry’s take on the Japanese concept of Gamburu, the art and spirit of the effort.

This quote is my all-time favorite because it crystallizes the concept that anything worth doing is worth doing well. A successful outcome in any endeavor often depends on outside factors out of our control. Our best efforts can be wiped away because we don’t control luck. In contrast, we can control how much effort we make. Despite our efforts in some of our most hard-fought battles, success is not assured, especially when improbable. But we could also end up winning despite the odds. In all facets of life, however, putting in a lackluster effort is a recipe for failure — better not undertaken to begin with.

Thanks to Ian Aronovich of GovernmentAuctions.org

18. Definition Of Insanity

My favorite quote is by Albert Einstein, with whom I share a birthday.

“Insanity: doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.” I utilize this quote often to help me get unstuck in situations and approach my life in new ways.

Thanks to Alison Kero of Alicat Pet Service, LLC

19. My Top Two Favorite Quotes

I’ve got two, one business and one personal:
“We’ve got the vision, now let’s have some fun!” – MGMT Once you’ve got the vision, it’s on to the execution – where you can get bogged down. This quote reminds me that exploration and play while making the vision happen is more than half the fun!

“Today I will be happier than a bird with a french fry.” – Author unknown Not only does that quote make me happy, but it reminds me that being in a simple state of happiness makes everything lighter and happier. And, what’s more joyous than a tiny bird who’s just found a gigantic fry?

Thanks to Erin Ferree of BrandStyle Design

20. Powerful Quote From Theodore Roosevelt

“It is only through labor and painful effort, by grim energy and resolute courage, that we move on to better things.” – Theodore Roosevelt

One of my all-time favorite people to quote, TR was an unstoppable force, and to hear such words from him, basically stating that you can in fact make a better life by pushing forward, provides reassurance and hope in trying times. Nothing great is ever achieved without hard work.

Thanks to K.S. Brooks of Author/Photographer

21. Global Parity

“Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will spend its whole life believing it is stupid.” – Albert Einstein

Our company’s mission is to spread joy, and part of that involves dispelling negativity. Emphasizing that each person is unique and sees the world in a different way helps us all in the quest to understand and appreciate one another. What better way to begin explaining to children that education is multidimensional?

This quote is not only personally inspiring (by reassuring you that you are, in fact, a capable person), but it’s also a great reminder when dealing with others who…may not seem like geniuses when we want them to. Perhaps the problem isn’t the fish.

Thanks to Becky Gourde of Laughingstock Design

22. A Simple Quote To Rock Any Entrepreneur’s World

I think this is a good one for people who were born with entrepreneurial spirit but raised in a risk-averse family!

“Listen to the mustnts, child.
Listen to the donts. Listen to the shouldnts, the impossibles, the wonts. Listen to the never haves, then listen close to me . . . Anything can happen, child. Anything can be.” – Shel Silverstein

What makes this quote so powerful to me is that I was one of those very people I mentioned above. This quote has inspired me to keep going in my business pursuits and in life, no matter how unconventional and unusual they may seem to some of the people in my life.

Thanks to Melissa Cenker of Melissa Cenker Consulting

23. The Quote That Shapes Who I Am

My favorite quote is Plato’s “I will prove by my life that my critics are liars.”

Throughout my childhood I wanted nothing more than to be a singer. My community assured me I had the chops, but no one in my world supported such unorthodox goals (this was WAY before American Idol). In my environment, success was defined in only one way; anyone who dared venture outside the lines was labeled a failure.

I decided later that if my fate wouldn’t lead me to the Stage, then at least I could pave the road toward being my own boss. Today I am a successful partner in an organization that provides hair replacement solutions to the millions of women suffering from hair loss. I continue to use my life as proof that success comes in many forms, and isn’t relegated to the opinions of others.

Thanks to Jo Owens of Her Secret

24. Shug Drops A Pearl Of Wisdom

“I think it pisses God off when you walk by the colour purple in a field and don’t notice it.” – Shug, The Color Purple

When I first saw The Color Purple, I experienced I huge shift in my perspective on life when I heard this quote; it opened my eyes to the fact that I wasn’t appreciating my life; instead I was regretting the past and worrying about my future. I was wasting time reliving my mistakes and stressing over things that aren’t in my control. I couldn’t accomplish anything when my attention was so tied up in things that weren’t important.

Today, I’m happiest when I’m living in the moment. This change has helped me focus on what I need to do to reach my goals and has helped shape my life today.

Thanks to Kimberly Gauthier of Kimberly Gauthier Photography

25. My Favorite Quote…

“Know Thyself.”

The source for this inspirational quote is The Talmud. It is the clarion call to consciousness and is timeless.

Thanks to Natalie Robinson Garfield of thesenseconnection.wordpress.com

26. The Art of Living with Excellence

My favorite quote reads as follows: “The master in the art of living makes little distinction between his work and his play, his labor and his leisure, his mind and his body, his information and his recreation, his love and his religion. He hardly knows which is which. He simply pursues his vision of excellence at whatever he does, leaving others to decide whether he is working or playing. To him he’s always doing both.”
– L. P. Jacks (Lawrence Pearsall Jacks, 1860-1955)

The quote tells us that not only can we achieve excellence while enjoying the journey, but the sheer enjoyment of it all is a prerequisite for excellence. The fact that the author lived only a few years shy of the century mark is a testimony in itself that he was a “master in the art of living.”

Thanks to Frank Buck of Frank Buck Consulting, Inc,

27. Dealing With Change… And Life

“Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.” – Dr. Seuss

When I first read this (just about 6 months ago) it hit me like a ton of bricks. It fully encompasses the truth of life: that change is ever-present. Saying goodbye to a great situation, a favorite relationship, or even a loved one cannot be helped. Dr. Seuss so eloquently frames it to remind me that I should cherish that I was so lucky to have had something so special, rather than be glum that it’s now gone. I’ve understood that intellectually for a long time, but I didn’t really embrace it until I came across this short, simple quote.

Thanks to Mike Ogilvie of Ignite Speed Networking

28. Simple Wisdom

“To create is, first and foremost, to create time.” – Achille Mbembe

It applies to business in so many ways, and to the business of everyday life.

Thanks to Shoshone Johnson of DreamofSafety

29. There Is No Such Thing As Failure.

There are so many quotes that have inspired me in different aspects of my life, but since this is in a business context, I will include one that keeps me going when I am facing setbacks in my business life. As a writer I have to cope with a lot rejection–even J.K. Rowling and John Grisham had their books rejected numerous times before they found a publisher. So I am inspired by the great inventor (although he was a lousy human being)….

“I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” – Thomas Edison

Thanks to Walter Meyer of WalterGMeyer.com

30. Be Calm on the Surface

“Be like a duck. Remain calm on the surface and paddle like hell underneath.” – Michael Caine

Powerful quote – it embodies everything we stand for at work. We present a calm exterior to our customers, but a lot more work goes into everything than our customers think.
When I get a phone call the customer can’t know that I just got off a flight, was halfway through an irate call with my parents, and haven’t eaten in 5 hours. I need to be calm and collected and figure out their problems as best as possible, “like a duck.”

Thanks to Sheel Mohnot of FeeFighters Credit Card Processing

31. Asking For Help Makes You Healthy And Strong

“The healthy and strong individual is the one who asks for help when he needs it. Whether he’s got an abscess on his knee or in his soul.” -Rona Barrett

Most of us think that asking for help makes us weak. Yet, the successful Rona Barrett points out that to be healthy and strong you ask for help when you need it. It’s wiser to recognize when you need help and then ask for it, than to waste time, energy and resources trying to prove you can do it all by yourself. By personally shedding the concept that I can (and should) figure everything out alone, I have opened my personal and professional world to higher quality outcomes with less effort. With this, I can concentrate on what’s most important to me (e.g., helping my clients through coaching rather than toiling with my taxes solo).

Thanks to Angela Martin of Defining Success Coaching

32. Life’s Too Short!

“All of us want to do well. But if we do not do good, too, then doing well will never be enough.” -Anna Quindlen

“Dream what you want to dream; go where you want to go; be what you want to be, because you have only one life and one chance to do all the things you want to do.”
(anon)

Both are my inspiration to reach higher. Life is too short, so appreciate everything, and never forget to give back!

Thanks to Roberta Perry of Scrubz Body Scrub, Inc.

33. Define Your Life!

My favorite quote is “Destiny is not a matter of chance; but a matter of choice.” – William Jennings Bryan

For me this says we as individuals should define our future and live it. That takes action and a lot of hard work. It’s easy to just sit back and let life take over. Each of us can have a much more meaningful and satisfying life if we proactively make choices and take responsibility for living the only life we have.

Thanks to Christine Harding of Fortunes To Live By

34. Take Back Your Power

“When we hate our enemies, we are giving them power over us: power over our sleep, our appetites, our blood pressure, our health and our happiness. Our enemies would dance with joy if only they knew how they were worrying us, lacerating us, and getting even with us! Our hate is not hurting them at all, but our hate is turning our days and nights into a hellish turmoil.” -Dale Carnegie, American writer

I received a letter from a 67-year-old woman who found the quotation in one of my books. She told that she was violently raped twice when she was age 12. For 55 years she was angry and full of rage. After reading the quote, she taped it to her kitchen cabinet. “I’ve taken my power back,” she says, “and it has changed my life.”

Thanks to Allen Klein of AllenKlein.com

35. Vision

“Vision without action is a daydream
Action without vision is a nightmare”

This ancient Japanese saying (unknown author) helps me balance where I see our firm going and making sure we are all on board to get us there. Start with the end in mind, but never lose sight of what you need to accomplish this journey.

Thanks to Howard Rosen of Conner Ash P.C.

36. Such A Short Distance To Happiness!

A quote I live by in all aspects of living and business is, “There are no traffic jams along the extra mile.” – Roger Staubach

This quote means so, so much to me and always keeps me grounded. It’s all about effort, extra effort! When I talk with a customer or think of my neighbors and community, I try to think of what more can I give and how can I make their experience the most memorable and joyful for them. Making them happy makes me happy. It never feels like an “extra” mile.

Thanks to Elena Patrice of WebsitesGiveBack

37. Stay Frosty: Advice For Marines & Everyone Else!

In the movie Aliens (James Cameron/2nd in the trilogy), most of the futuristic Marines are freaking out because the aliens are clearly outmatching them and it looks like they will all be dead soon. The head of the Marines focuses on the solution versus the problem and then tells those still alive to “Stay Frosty!” Of course, they do & survive.

My partner & I started a business in January 2008 – SixFigureStart: a career coaching business. Whenever we are nervous about something: making a big presentation, making a pitch, or selling our products & services, we say to each other: “Stay Frosty!” and we know we are going to do well.

We want to have Stay Frosty t-shirts, Stay Frosty mugs & I gave my partner a pen engraved with Stay Frosty this past Christmas. It’s fun!!

Thanks to Connie Thanasoulis-Cerrachio of SixFigureStart

38. A Loving Hand Up

“Be the answer to someone else’s prayers.”

There is no better feeling than reaching out to help another. To put a smile on someone’s face, and know that you, are the reason for that smile. Besides helping people, this can also be extended and should include animals. Feed and take care of that stray in your yard, visit a local shelter to adopt what has been abandoned, put out a bird bath in the hot summer and a bird feeder during a snowstorm. The love and compassion you send out, comes back to you tenfold.

Thanks to Brenda Jones of Hug Wraps

39. Racing Through Life

My favorite quote: “If everything seems under control, you’re just not going fast enough.” – Mario Andretti

This quote really gets me fired-up every time I hear or read it. I am a business owner and I enjoy racing a performance sports car when I am able to acquire a little free time. (Some guys golf, I would rather race) Mario Andretti’s quote speaks to both these areas of my life. It’s always been true, that I work more effectively when things seem a little crazy. As soon as things seem calm and under control, it usually means that not enough is getting accomplished, or I am not striving hard enough to reach my goals. Not that being out of control is recommended, but it’s important never to feel too comfortable.

Thanks to Jhan Dolphin of J Robert Consulting

40. Invite The World To Breed New Ideas…

“If a cluttered desk signs a cluttered mind, of what, then, is an empty desk a sign…” – Albert Einstein

This quote is inspiring to me because it makes me think of the ways that innovation and creative thinking happen. I don’t think it is really just about justifying the disarray on your desk… but more about the fact that creative thinking and innovation happens only if you don’t just focus on the one specific problem you want to solve, but let the world in. Allow thoughts, approaches, tools, solutions and people, in short: “the clutter” in, who have little to do with the subject matter and see what they have to say. Let it rest for a while. And see what happens. Instead of trying the clean desk approach of total control.

Thanks to Eva Schiffer of Net-Map

41. Watch What You Say, You May Be Misquoted.

“Everything that can be invented has been invented.” That statement has been attributed to Charles H. Duell, Commissioner at the US Office of Patents in 1899.

It’s one of my favorite quotes because it shows that even truly intelligent people can make truly stupid statements. Problem is, that may not be what he actually said. Supposedly the correct quote it, “In my opinion, all previous advances in the various lines of invention will appear totally insignificant when compared with those which the present century will witness. I almost wish that I might live my life over again to see the wonders which are at the threshold.” Not even close to the accredited quote. So if the latter is correct, it just goes to show the importance of speaking in “sound bites.”

Thanks to Bruce Hurwitz of Hurwitz Strategic Staffing, Ltd.

42. A Life Defining Quote

When I stumbled upon this quote, I knew it would be the one to define my life. Eisenhower said “A people that values its privileges above its principles soon loses both.”

I have taken this to heart in my personal life and my business. I went to a top school to become a graphic designer, specializing in websites and branding. Instead of accepting offers from ad agencies along 5th avenue for a very comfortable income, I decided to start my own graphic design studio (www.tinewahl.com) so that I can choose my own clients. I work with people whose principles match my own, such as non-profits and companies that uphold their social and environmental ethics. I couldn’t be happier going to work everyday, and sleep like a baby at night.

Thanks to Tine Wahl of TineWahl.com

43. A Star Toward Which To Press

“It is when things go hardest, when life becomes most trying, that there is the greatest need for having a fixed goal, for having an air castle that the outside world cannot wreck. When few comforts come from without, it is all the more necessary to have a fount to draw from within. And the man or woman who has a star toward which to press cannot be thrown off the course, no matter how the world may try, no matter how far things seem to be wrong.” – B.C. Forbes

This quote has been a source of comfort in my darkest hours. While uncertainty may rule the day, I have a fixed reference point – my purpose. It helps me press on and overcome all obstacles. I may need to adapt, but my ultimate destination remains in sight.

Thanks to George Krueger of BIGG Success

44. Famous Quote? Inspiring Quote? Cheeky Quote.

I don’t know who said the following quote – I learned it years ago from my childhood friend, Sue – but I often think of it as it relates to women in the business world: “Balls,” said the queen, “if I had them, I’d be king.”

All too often that’s the only thing separating men from women these days.

Thanks to M. Hill of Honeybee Publishing Co.

45. Ah Ha, Quote!

“Everyone does not wake up at the same time.”

This simple yet phenomenal quote was my “Ah-ha” moment when I was dealing with dissolving a partnership. I could not understand why my associate was so upset about me wanting to dissolve something that was not working. Both business partners were going to end the partnership in September, so I just could not wrap my mind around why she was so upset. I listed out the reasons why the partnership should end, but one partner just did not get it. I was listening to the radio and someone said, “everyone does not wake up at the same time.” At that moment, it clicked! My thought was she hasn’t woken up yet.

Thanks to Mattie Stevenson of Above & Beyond Marketing And Event Management, LLC

46. How The Greatest Made Me See My Own Greatness.

In ’02 I lost my mother, and to a degree my marriage to cancer. I found myself in a dark place for a long time. Before that year I worked as the bass player for Christina Aguilera and had produced projects for American Idol – successful. But after that dark period it seemed impossible to restart my life. In ’06 I began working in digital marketing and have had more than a few tough days starting over from the bottom. Then this quote changed my life.

“Impossible is just a big word thrown around by small men who find it easier to live in the world they’ve been given than to explore the power they have to change it. Impossible is not a fact. It’s an opinion. Impossible is not a declaration. It’s a dare. Impossible is potential. Impossible is temporary. Impossible is nothing.” – Muhammad Ali

Thanks to Michael Anderson of ARC Media Group

47. There’s No Time to Entertain Fear

“We cannot wait for great visions from great people, for they are in short supply. It is up to us to light our own small fires in the darkness.” – Charles Handy

As an entrepreneur, I face the possibility of failure daily. This quote inspires me to follow my course of conduct in the face of challenges. It inspires me to keep so busy and work so hard that I forget about being afraid.

Thanks to Benjamin Wey of New York Global Group

48. Rise Free From Care Before The Dawn

Henry David Thoreau wrote in Walden: “Rise free from care before the dawn and seek adventure. Let the noon find you by other lakes, and the night overtake thee everywhere at home. There are no larger fields than these, no worthier games than may here be played.”

It’s powerful because of its romantic subject matter and because of the impactful way in which it’s delivered. Waking each morning before dawn and seeking adventure calls to mind the thought of a life well-lived; that is, a life that is not wasted, that is filled with fresh experiences. The subject matter, then, is powerful — it implores you to live a meaningful life. Thoreau delivers this message in an imperative, cogently telling us to “Rise free.” If he were to have said, “You should rise free” it would not have been so vigorous.

Thanks to Chilton Tippin of AccuConference

49. Meaningful Quotes

“Never live beneath your privileges.” by Dr. Wayne Dyer, has always resonated with me.

Caroline Shearer, Author, just emailed me her latest quote, “Today’s women aren’t breaking glass ceilings; we’re creating new buildings.”

I do the very best I can everyday to counsel people on never living a life beneath their privileges and to realize their full potential.

Thanks to Alicia Vargo of Pampered Passions Fine Lingerie

50. It’s Never Too Late To Be What You Might Have Been!

My all-time favorite quote is by English novelist George Eliot: “It’s never too late to be what you might have been.”

I love it because it is full of promise, hope, optimism, courage, and possibility. It tells me that no matter my age, my income, my education, I always have options, choices, chances to grow and learn, as well as new opportunities. “It’s never too late …” has become my mantra for the second half of my life. Some people say, “Seize the day,” but I say, “Seize the rest of your life!”

Thanks to BJ Gallagher of Peacock Productions

51. The Gentle Voice Inside

“Trust your gut, you know more than you think you know.” -Dr. Spock

I heavily rely on instinct in times of trouble and when faced with life changing decisions. Can you recall saying “something told me not to do that” or “I should have followed my instinct.” I believe that is why the quote below is so powerful and influential in my life. Living in the 21st century, society values the opinions of experts, doctors, therapists, and consultants. Due to the title, we seek their advice, consider it and in most situations act on them. Although, we will continue to grow in life and in knowledge as long as we live, we must be in-tune to our instinct and be able to hear that “gentle voice inside.” In life and in business, that voice is what normally guides me through this journey.

Thanks to Tawana Necole of Corporate Chics, LLC

52. Go For The Gold(en Rule)

While it is patently unhip to say so, my favorite quote is “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” by Jesus. Yeah, that Jesus.

What makes it meaningful is that it gets me off the ego merry-go-round. It forces a recognition that we are all connected, and if I don’t do for you it will ultimately come at a cost to me. On the up side, for the same reason doing for you invariably comes back to me. In my younger years I gave this saying only a fleeting chance and decided it didn’t work. But after getting repeatedly punished in life for living otherwise, I decided to give it another go. Lo and behold, “this time” it worked. The truth is my lip service to it wasn’t genuine the first time around. It turns out intention really matters. The golden rule plus intention is powerful stuff.

Thanks to Kenneth Vogt of Crooner Labs

53. Great Quote By Einstein

“Great Spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds.” – Albert Einstein

I am a reformed physicist, so quotes by Einstein have always been attractive to me. I left a lucrative position with a company I loved because of exactly what that quote describes, because a mediocre (at best) person felt threatened by me. As I built my entirely new business and occasionally pined for the semi-predictability (both in terms of cash flow and work and even the problems) from my old world, that quote by Einstein would inspire me to fulfill what my great spirit had started.

Thanks to Joe Templin of The Unique Minds Consulting Group, LLC

54. Change Your World

“Be the change you want to see in the world.” – Ghandi.

Making this world a better place for ourselves and our children begins with us. Too often we complain that things aren’t fair, or people are rude, or life is cruel. We don’t realize that we can begin changing by changing ourselves. You want to see more love in this world? Offer more. You want to see more gratitude? Be gracious. It all starts with us.

We can change this world one day at a time, by changing ourselves first.

Thanks to Wendy Alton of Fausone Bohn, LLP

55. I Owe My Success To This Oprah Winfrey Quote

“You become what you believe.” – Oprah Winfrey

By day I’m the senior health producer at http://www.Foxnews.com, and by night I run a blog http://www.listproducer.com — it’s all about making lists to be more organized. This Oprah quote speaks to me because it’s all about the power of attraction and how what you put into something is what you get out of it. I’m a firm believer in that. All the accomplishments that I’ve had in my life — both at home and at work — have been because I’ve believed that it could be done. This works for big and small tasks alike — getting a seat on a subway or getting a job promotion! It’s all the same — as long as you truly believe it.

Thanks to Paula Rizzo of Listproducer.com

56. When I Grow Up, I Don’t Want To Grow Up.

As a young boy, I watched my grandparents (whom I didn’t realize were only in their 50s) act like old, tired people. Added to that was my father, who has acted and talked like he was old my whole life. I realized that I did not want to be that way.

So my favorite quote is, “When I grow up, I don’t want to grow up.”

I honestly don’t know if I read this quote or made it up myself, it has been with me for so long. All I know is that I wanted to keep that inner child alive and strong. I wanted to find myself laughing and making other people laugh. I turn 60 tomorrow (May 18) and my wife says I’m doing a great job and have accomplished my goal!!

Now excuse me while I go out and play in the mud.

Thanks to Randy Morrow of Keller Williams Realty

57. Change Your Perspective…And Your Attitude!

“If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you always got.” – Mark Twain

I have used this quote for many years to inspire clients, friends, family members, and employees to change the way they think and act. If something isn’t working, find a better way of doing it!

Thanks to Randall Filbert of The Family Guide To Finances

58. Take Action

My favorite quote is: “The person who says it cannot be done should not interrupt the person who is doing it.” – Chinese Proverb

It really resonates with me because anything is possible when we stop complaining and saying why it won’t work and start taking action in the direction of our dreams. The quote also reminds us not to be dissuaded by the naysayers. It can be truly amazing what we can accomplish when we dream big, believe it’s possible, and move forward to achieve our goals!

Thanks to Sheri Fink of The Little Rose Book

59. “Just Do It”

My all-time favorite words of inspiration and motivation are 3 simple words: “JUST DO IT!” – Nike

I have carried a keychain with these words for over 3 decades — inspiring/motivating me through further education, career changes, writing books, completing the NYMarathon, etc.

Thanks to Sharon Gilchrest O’Neill, Ed.S., LMFT of Private Practice, Marriage & Family Therapy

60. Find Your Calling & Live Your Best Life

My favorite quote is from Oprah Winfrey and it is – “Living your best life is to find out what your calling is. Your real job on Earth is to find out what you were meant to be doing & to find a way to do that thing.”

This is powerful because it has meaning for us in our lives, our business, our families & in every aspect of our lives. This is what true happiness, joy, contentment and life is all about – finding out what you love & what makes your heart sing and then finding a way to do it. She doesn’t say to make a lot of money (although I think it’s great if that happens) or anything like that – it’s simply to do the thing you were called to do.

So powerful because what we all want it to live our best life and to do what we were meant to do. We’re all called to do something.

Thanks to Diane Conklin of Complete Marketing Systems

61. The Power Of Mystery

“The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and science. He to whom this emotion is a stranger, who can no longer pause to wonder and stand rapt in awe, is as good as dead: his eyes are closed.” – Albert Einstein

This validates my belief that inspiration & creativity are the foundations of all human achievement. In our modern dog-eat-dog, analytical, “black & white” world, we forget that at our peril. On all sides are factions who each claim they know best. My political system, my race, my religion, my “ideology of any kind” is THE “right” one. And yet it’s only when we admit we DON’T know, that we find real truth & meaning in life. It’s only that sense of wonder, curiosity, & openness that moves us towards a place of true understanding.

Thanks to Mitch Williams of Mitch Williams Magic Productions

62. I Never Give Up!

“Never, never, never, never give up.” – Sir Winston Churchill

This quote has carried me through many trials, tribulations, and tests in my life. It also holds me up when I begin a new journey that I know is part of my destiny. Whatever setback, whatever others say, whatever happens, I never give up.

Thanks to Samantha Gluck of medtopicwriter.com

63. Rolling The Dice In Hot Water

I have two favorite quotes. The first one is from Eleanor Roosevelt: “A woman is like a tea bag. You never know how strong she is until she gets into hot water.” Very girl-power!

The second is from a Leonard Cohen song called “Everybody Knows”: “Everybody knows that the dice are loaded. Everybody rolls with their fingers crossed.”

So basically, I think the two quotes are about the control we would like to think we have over our lives and the chance that we don’t have any control at all. Kind of a balancing act if you will.

Thanks to Barbara Crowley of Snabbo

64. The Quote That Keeps My World Rockin’

“If you are going to be able to look back on something and laugh about it, you might as well laugh about it now.” – Marie Osmond

When I am going through something negative or difficult, I think of this quote. It helps keep my mood lighter, which helps me continue to move forward instead staying stuck dwelling on the negative. In other words it helps me shift my perspective.

Thanks to Bob Wilson of SmArtful Coaching

65. This Quote Is Worth Sharing!

One of my all-time favorite quotes is “To you I give everything, because you expect nothing.” – Dr. Joseph Sims

This to me sums up unconditional love. Basically, it says I’m giving you everything you need, want, hope for, etc. and I’m doing it because you really have no expectations of me. I am completely emptying myself and giving you everything. And because of the law reciprocity, I expect nothing in return from you! Additionally, because “you” have no expectations of “me” I am free to love you and give you everything I have, without fear of rejection or judgment; I’m simply free to love you!

Thanks to Jason Coleman of Discovering Your Amazing Marriage

66. For A Better World

“The work is not yours to finish, but neither are you free to take no part in it.” – Rabbi Tarfon, ca. 100 CE.

I find these words inspiring because they represent a kind of bargain: I’ll accept that I’m obligated to try to make the world a better place as long as I am not expected to make the world perfect. That’s a balance I can live with and still be motivated.

Thanks to Laurence Shatkin of shatkin.com

67. What Creates a Lasting Memory

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou

The reason why this quote stands out among all the thousands of other great quotes is because when I read it I can identify with it in so many aspects of my life. We can have millions of conversations with people but it’s not the words that we exchange, it’s the feelings that we come away with that we will always remember.

Thanks to Kristin Novak of Bee Inspired

68. Do More Than Required!

One of my favorite quotes is by Gary Ryan Blair: “Do more than is required. What is the distance between someone who achieves their goals consistently and those who spend their lives and careers merely following? The extra mile.”

The reason why this quote is so meaningful to me is because it explains everything that a successful person does or needs to know. When trying to accomplish a goal we have to go that extra mile. You first need to do what you should do, then do what you can do, and then do more. Do extraordinary things and that will keep you extraordinary! All it takes is a little perseverance and mental capacity to excel over and beyond your thoughts.

Thanks to Synovia Dover-Harris of A2Z Books

69. Go Grab Your Success!

One of my favorite quotes is, “Some people dream of success while others wake up and work hard at it.” – Author unknown.

This saying reminds me that no one will hand you success and it doesn’t happen because of luck. In the professional world, it’s up to you to go get it.

Thanks to Kim Masterson of Grass Roots Marketing, Inc.

70. Awaken To The Possibilities

“The degree to which you will awaken is in direct proportion to the amount of truth you are willing to accept about yourself.” – Dr. Robert Anthony.

This single quote, which I try to live by, is also used as my mantra in everything I do to remind me that self-truth can open up all possibilities. It makes me know and understand who I am including my limits, my truest power, abilities and things needed to improve my life to reach my fullest potential. It reminds me that a lie to self is the worst kind because I can never truly evolve past where I am unless I allow truth to be present. I truly believe that even if you advance in some areas, even do great things, a self-lie will always creep back up and make you question everything you think you know, especially about yourself.

Thanks to Allison Jones of Evolution Consulting Services, LLC

71. You Created It!

I was at a seminar called Unlimited Life by Sondra Ray back in the nineties. She is a tall, redheaded fabulously powerful and forward-thinking persona. In this seminar, she made sure we understood that we are more powerful than we know or understand, and that the only way we can use that power is to take full responsibility for our life. The moment I remember most is that when any of us would start whining or making excuses or blaming others about something, she would reply to us in her fabulously direct and powerful way “Well, YOU created it.” — Which meant since we created whatever we were complaining about in our lives by our choices and attitudes, that we were also the only ones ultimately capable of fixing the problem. Thanks to her I am now publishing the Magic Nights book and blog.

Thanks to Katie Hawn of Divine Creatives Group, LLC

72. Think Like A President!

“Do what you can, where you are, with what you have.” – Teddy Roosevelt

I was on stage to receive an award in front of 1500 people when I found out that I was expected to give a speech. I used this quotation as the theme, putting it into action as I spoke. I love it because it moves us from focusing on what we can’t do to focusing on what we can do.

I recently used it as the epigraph for my book Killer Cure: Why health care is the second leading cause of death in America and how to ensure that it’s not yours. Patients often find the deck stacked against them in dealing with the health care system, but they can become CEOs of their health and get much better results – even though they don’t have medical degrees and they may feel at a disadvantage in talking with doctors.

Thanks to Elizabeth Bewley of Pario Health Institute

73. Invincible Summer- Who Doesn’t Love Summer?

I’m a lover of quotes as well, and one of my favorites is from Albert Camus – “In the depths of winter, I learned that there was within me an invincible summer.”

I think the words are not only beautiful, but so meaningful. It also reminds me that no matter how hard things get, better times are just around the corner.

I also like this Chinese proverb: “The hard and stiff will be broken, the soft and supple will prevail.” – Tao te Ching. I found it on a postcard right after 9/11 near Ground Zero. It has always stuck with me since then and reminds me, that while it is important to be strong, it is most important to be kind.

Thanks to Sara Davis of The TASC Group

74. It’s Not Easy To Choose Just One Quote…

… there are so many that I love and live by!

One of my favorites of all time comes from the musical and poetic genius, Leonard Cohen.

“There is a crack in everything. That’s how the light gets in.”

Amen. Perfectionism can get the best of a person. I’ve spent so much time seeking it and it’s not even attainable! There is no “perfect” idea, thought, concept, project or outcome. So the “crack” is not a bad thing at all, but symbolic of constant change. I believe that the purest light is God’s love, permeating all that we endeavor to create.

Thanks to Conna Craig of Institute For Children, Inc.

75. Getting Off Your Butt

“The critical ingredient is getting off your butt and doing something. A lot of people have ideas, but there are few who decide to do something about them now. Not tomorrow. Not next week. But today.” – Nolan Bushnell: Founder of Atari & Chuck E. Cheese’s

This powerful, simple quote has been hanging in my office since I had one. It grounds me by reminding me of the first year that I was in business, when I had just been laid off. I had big dreams and ideas; but they seemed so out of reach. By simply breaking my ideas into manageable steps and becoming a do-er, not just a dreamer, I launched a Virtual Assistant company. Today, we have 36 Virtual Assistant specialists and assist businesses in all tasks such as administration, website/graphic design, marketing, and more.

Thanks to Danielle Cuomo of Virtual Assist USA

76. Be David In The Face Of Goliath

“Be the kind of woman, that when your feet hit the floor each morning, the devil says, Crap, she’s up!” – unknown

Working for a non-profit organization that takes on the auto industry, federal government and other large associations puts us in a constant “David vs. Goliath” situation. With that said, we have been extremely successful at winning against all odds. I’m not sure who wrote the quote, but when it was sent to me I absolutely rolled on the ground laughing. We are out there every day on the front lines. Our work is important and it’s so refreshing to know that our “opponents” are not happy when we are out there working for the greater good.

Thanks to Janette Fennell of Kids&Cars.org

77. The Art Of Simplicity

“Happiness is nothing but everyday living seen through a veil.” – Zora Neale Hurston, Moses: Man of the Mountain (1939).

I like it for its simplicity. While it may not be true for everyone (chronic disease, losing a loved one, etc.), it’s true for lots of people who are unable to appreciate their present moment because they’re looking for something else, chasing a happiness that can be found in their own back yard.

Thanks to Rosalie Maggio of RosalieMaggio.com

78. Inspired To Be Resilient

“It was in the depths of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer” -Albert Camus

No matter what one’s predicament or experience, there lies within one the ability to transcend. Resilience is a very fine quality.

Thanks to Lisa Finkelstein of RangerAgainstWar

79. My Mantra

My favorite and lifelong quote is “There is nothing good or bad, but thinking makes it so.” from Shakespeare’s Hamlet.

It was around the age of 16 that I discovered I had massive generalized anxiety and my boyfriend used to quote me this line to help calm me down. Ever since then, I have repeated this quote and used it as my mantra when life gets really rough. In 2009 I started going through a QuarterLife Crisis and used this line as the inspiration for my blog ThinkingMiss. I am the girl who thinks about life way to much, when in reality I need to just let life play its course. My blog is something that I’ve use to chronicle my life from 2007 until now, through a move from Buffalo NY to Washington DC and then to my current home in Austin TX. I have had a few jobs, a few boyfriends, but always the same amazing family to support me. This quote is so meaningful to me because of that boy, who was the love of my life at 16, since he taught me more than anyone I have ever known. He was wise and knew that thinking is the source of ones own stress.

Thanks to Andrea Genevieve Michnik of AndreaGenevieve.com

80. Favorites From My Studies

I am a doctoral student at Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA. I am completing my Ed.D. soon. As such, I have read numerous books and Journals concerning leadership, educational advancement, academic research etc. and have found two quotes that I consider true and inspiring:

“Management and Leadership are not the same thing. Managers do things right, Leaders do the right thing!” – McKinnon, D.

“I’d rather be a ‘could be’ if I cannot be an ‘are’ because a ‘could be’ is a ‘maybe’ who is reaching for a star. I’d rather be a ‘has been’ than a ‘might have been’ by far; For a ‘might have been’ has never been , but a has been was once an ‘are.'” – Milton Berle

Thanks to Rusty Smallwood, Planned Giving Officer

81. Going After Your Dreams

My favorite quote is from James Redfield, author of The Celestine Prophecy. His quote is, “Life is really about unfolding that is personal and enchanting – an unfolding that no science or philosophy or religion has yet fully clarified.”

What makes his message powerful for me is he had a dream and went for it. I am author an author of a book called ” The lobster and the chicken” and the journey we are all traveling on through life. He traveled around the country selling books from the trunk of his car and doing radio interviews until he made it. That never give up belief inspires me and lights me up. It’s a long journey to win big in life, looks like I am on my way next month with telling my lobster story on CNN.

Thanks to Herb Palmer Jr of Lobster And The Chicken

82. Keep It Simple

“OK Pilgrim!” – John Wayne….It Covers Everything.

Thanks to Gary Sneddon of Gary Sneddon, Celebrity Voice Impressionist

83. Make The Most Of Every Opportunity

“On the Plains of Hesitation bleach the bones of countless millions, who, at the Dawn of Victory, sat down to wait, and waiting–died” – George W. Cecil

This quote often speaks to me. I am an entrepreneur and an adventurer at heart. I can’t tell you how many times I am amazed at people who, given an opportunity of a lifetime simply do nothing and let it slip from their grasp.

Thanks to Tilmon Brown

84. It’s Okay To Be Different

“Well behaved women rarely make history.” – Laurel Thatcher Ulrich

I have always loved this quote. I first saw it inscribed inside of a friend’s ring. I found it not long after graduating from college and beginning my career, and it resonated with me and continues to remind me to push myself to do the things that aren’t always popular, are a little different, a little crazy, and maybe even a little ridiculous. My experience so far is that this unpopular “behavior” for a professional woman is that it works. I’m successful by my terms. I think women still have to have a bit of an edge to get by, and this is a good reminder that the ones who had the sharpest edge are the ones whose names we repeat.

Thanks to Brandi Koskie of Media Refined, Inc.

85. Brevity Is The Soul Of Wit

President Abraham Lincoln reportedly wrote a friend, apologizing for the length of his letter, “If I had more time I would have written you a shorter letter.”

I love this! It rocked my world, and I trademarked the term, “Bookini.” I try to convince people I ghostwrite books for that brevity is the soul of wit.

Thanks to Judy Katz of Ghostbooksters.com

86. A Father’s Wisdom

Of all the things I’ve heard in my life (many of which have been extremely memorable and have helped me chart my way through life and business), the most powerful is something said by my father, Robert Baron. I think there is little need to explain the quote’s meaning, value or validity:

“There’s nothing wrong with making a mistaketry to make each one only once!”

Thanks to Jeff Baron of Baron Consult, Inc.

87. Giving It All You’ve Got

One of my all time favorites is – “When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left and could say, I used everything you gave me.” – Erma Bombeck

This quote is meaningful to me because I believe that we were each put on this earth for a purpose, and my intention is to do everything in my power to live my life in full service for as many days as I am blessed to do so.  I want to stand before my Maker knowing that I did my best not to squander a single day He gave me.

Thanks to Dr. Shannon Reece of Reece International LLC

88. Gotta Love Dr. Seuss!

“Today you are you, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is youer than you.” – Dr. Seuss

Thanks to Mendel Groner of Friendship Circle International

89. Important Quotes For Me

“Never let schooling interfere with your education.” – Mark Twain.
The value is obvious, but I’ll tell you if you need me to.

“You can never sometimes tell what you least expect the most.” – Harris B. Peck, a renowned (late) psychiatrist in New York.

I have no idea what it means, but it inspires me, nevertheless.

Thanks to Joshua M. Peck of Duane Morris LLP