Inspirational Quotations

Inspirational Quotes by John C. Maxwell (American Author, Speaker)

John Calvin Maxwell (b.1947) is a renowned American author, speaker, and leadership expert, best known for his work in leadership development and personal growth. Over the course of his career, he has written more than 100 books, which have sold millions of copies worldwide, making him one of the most influential voices on leadership today.

Born in Garden City, Michigan, Maxwell graduated from Ohio Christian University with a degree in theology. He went on to earn a master’s degree from Ball State University and later a Doctor of Ministry from Fuller Theological Seminary. His early career as a pastor laid the foundation for his leadership teachings, which emphasize integrity, vision, and influence in leadership roles.

Maxwell’s career as an author and speaker began in earnest in the 1990s. His book The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership (1998) became a cornerstone of leadership literature. His teachings emphasize practical advice on how to inspire and lead others, with a focus on personal growth and organizational development. His book Developing the Leader Within You (1993) also played a key role in defining his approach to leadership. Other well-known works include The 5 Levels of Leadership (2011,) which outlines a progression of leadership growth, and Leadership Gold (2008,) a collection of Maxwell’s leadership insights accumulated over his career.

More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by John C. Maxwell

We choose what attitudes we have right now. And it’s a continuing choice.
—John C. Maxwell
Topics: Choice, Attitude

There are two paths people can take. They can either play now and pay later, or pay now and play later. Regardless of the choice, one thing is certain. Life will demand a payment.
—John C. Maxwell
Topics: Choice

Leaders must be close enough to relate to others, but far enough ahead to motivate them.
—John C. Maxwell

Coming together is a beginning, and staying together is progress, but only when teams sweat together do they find success.
—John C. Maxwell
Topics: Teamwork

Believing in people before they have proved themselves is the key to motivating people to reach their potential.
—John C. Maxwell
Topics: Leadership, Potential

You must do right before you feel good.
—John C. Maxwell
Topics: Growth

People of poor character tend to blame their choices on circumstances. Ethical people make good choices regardless of circumstances. If they make enough good choices, they begin to create better conditions for themselves.
—John C. Maxwell
Topics: Character

If you start today to do the right thing, you are already a success even if it doesn’t show yet.
—John C. Maxwell
Topics: Success

The best way to serve the individuals on the team is to see that the whole team wins.
—John C. Maxwell
Topics: Teamwork

One is too small a number to achieve greatness.
—John C. Maxwell
Topics: Leadership

Relational skills are the most important abilities in leadership.
—John C. Maxwell
Topics: Communication

Policies are many, Principles are few, Policies will change, Principles never do.
—John C. Maxwell
Topics: Entrepreneurs

We are approved by God, we don’t have to win the approval of others and look good in their eyes. We are not perfect people. Too many of us take ourselves too seriously and God not seriously enough.
—John C. Maxwell
Topics: Humility

Learn to say ‘no’ to the good so you can say ‘yes’ to the best.
—John C. Maxwell

The more credible you are, the more confidence people place in you, thereby allowing you the privilege of influencing their lives.
—John C. Maxwell
Topics: Leadership

A big man is one who makes us feel bigger when we are with him.
—John C. Maxwell
Topics: Character

Sometimes we hold on to our possessions because we fear we might run out – life seems scarce. But when we believe that giving is the way to live, we will produce more in the future – life seems abundant.
—John C. Maxwell
Topics: Generosity

Success is not a destination thing, it’s a daily thing.
—John C. Maxwell

Today matters.
—John C. Maxwell

Where there is no hope in the future, there is no power in the present.
—John C. Maxwell

A good leader is a person who takes a little more than his share of the
blame and a little less than his share of the credit.
—John C. Maxwell
Topics: Leadership, Communication, Blame, Leaders

Leadership is influence.
—John C. Maxwell
Topics: Leadership, Entrepreneurs

The greatest mistake we make is living in constant fear that we will make one.
—John C. Maxwell
Topics: Growth, Mistakes

The pessimist complains about the wind.
The optimist expects it to change.
The leader adjusts the sails.
—John C. Maxwell
Topics: Leadership

There are really only three kinds of people. Those who don’t succeed, those who achieve success temporarily, and those who become and remain successful. Having character is the only way to sustain success. No matter how talented or rich or attractive people are, they will not be able to outrun their character.
—John C. Maxwell
Topics: Character

The Wrong Person in the Wrong Place = Regression. The Wrong Person in the Right Place = Frustration. The Right Person in the Wrong Place = Confusion. The Right Person in the Right Place = Progression. The Right People in the Right Places = Multiplication.
—John C. Maxwell
Topics: Teamwork

What you are going to be tomorrow, you are becoming today.
—John C. Maxwell

Successful and unsuccessful people do not vary greatly in their abilities. They vary in their desires to reach their potential.
—John C. Maxwell

Stay focused instead of getting offended or off track by others.
—John C. Maxwell

‘Failing forward’ is the ability to get back up after you’ve been knocked down, learn from your mistake, and move forward in a better direction.
—John C. Maxwell
Topics: Failure

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