Real leaders are ordinary people with extraordinary determination.
—Unknown
The question isn’t “who is going to let me”; it’s “who is going to stop me”.
—Ayn Rand (1905–82) Russian-born American Novelist, Philosopher
If we have our own why of life, we shall get along with almost any how. Man does not strive for pleasure; only the Englishman does.
—Friedrich Nietzsche (1844–1900) German Philosopher, Scholar, Writer
I learned about the strength you can get from a close family life. I learned to keep going, even in bad times. I learned not to despair, even when my world was falling apart. I learned that there are no free lunches. And I learned the value of hard work.
—Lee Iacocca (1924–2019) American Businessperson
Determination and perseverance move the world; thinking that others will do it for you is a sure way to fail.
—Marva Collins (1936–2015) American Educator
So we built the wall and the whole wall was joined together to half its height; for the people had a mind to work.
—The Holy Bible Scripture in the Christian Faith
The mathematics of high achievement—
Begin with a dream.
DIVIDE the problems and conquer them one by one.
MULTIPLY the exciting possibilities in your mind.
SUBTRACT all the negative thoughts to get started.
ADD enthusiasm and determination.
And the RESULT will be the attainment of your goal.
—Anonymous
The mighty Oak was once a little nut that stood its ground.
—Anonymous
The spirit, the will to win, and the will to excel are the things that endure. These qualities are so much more important than the events that occur.
—Vince Lombardi (1913–70) American Football Coach
Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other one thing.
—Abraham Lincoln (1809–65) American Head of State
I have brought myself by long meditation to the conviction that a human being with a settled purpose must accomplish it, and that nothing can resist a will which will stake even existence upon its fulfillment.
—Benjamin Disraeli (1804–81) British Head of State
What this power is I cannot say; all I know is that it exists and it becomes available only when a man is in that state of mind in which he knows exactly what he wants and is fully determined not to quit until he finds it.
—Alexander Graham Bell (1847–1922) Scottish-American Inventor, Engineer, Academic
Education will not (take the place of persistence); the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan ‘press on’ has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.
—Calvin Coolidge (1872–1933) American Head of State, Lawyer
Practice easing your way along. Don’t get het up or in a dither. Do your best; take it as it comes. You can handle anything if you think you can. Just keep your cool and your sense of humor.
—Smiley Blanton
A resolute determination is the truest wisdom.
—Napoleon I (1769–1821) Emperor of France
You can do anything if you have enthusiasm. Enthusiasm is the yeast that makes your hopes rise to the stars. With it, there is accomplishment. Without it there are only alibis.
—Henry Ford (1863–1947) American Businessperson, Engineer
To him who is determined it remains only to act.
—Italian Proverb
Things turn out best for the people who make the best out of the way things turn out.
—Art Linkletter (1912–2010) Canadian-American Radio and TV Personality
Show me someone who has done something worthwhile, and I’ll show you someone who has overcome adversity.
—Lou Holtz (1893–1980) American Stage Performer
The Difficult is that which can be done immediately; the Impossible that which takes a little longer.
—George Santayana (1863–1952) Spanish-American Poet, Philosopher
I always feel pressure. If you don’t feel nervous, that means you don’t care about how you play. I care about how I perform. I’ve always said the day I’m not nervous playing is the day I quit.
—Tiger Woods (b.1975) American Sportsperson
The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack of will.
—Vince Lombardi, Jr. (b.1942) American Lawyer, Politician, Motivational Speaker
Impossibilities are merely things which we have not yet learned.
—Charles W. Chesnutt (1858–1932) American Novelist, Activist, Essayist
You can do anything you think you can. This knowledge is literally the gift of the gods, for through it you can solve every human problem. It should make of you an incurable optimist. It is the open door.
—Robert Collier (1885–1950) American Self-Help Author
Nothing in this world is impossible to a willing heart.
—Unknown
One of the saddest lines in the world is, ‘Oh come now – be realistic.’ The best parts of this world were not fashioned by those who were realistic. They were fashioned by those who dared to look hard at their wishes and gave them horses to ride.
—Richard Nelson Bolles (1927–2017) American Self-Help Author
If someone says can’t, that shows you what to do.
—John Cage (1912–92) American Composer
In the confrontation between the stream and the rock, the stream always wins—not through strength but by perseverance.
—H. Jackson Brown, Jr. (1940–2021) American Author of “Life’s Little Instruction Book”
Be fearless and pure; never waver in your determination or your dedication to the spiritual life. Give freely. Be self-controlled, sincere, truthful, loving, and full of the desire to serve…Learn to be detached and to take joy in renunciation. Do not get angry or harm any living creature, but be compassionate and gentle; show good will to all. Cultivate vigor, patience, will, purity; avoid malice and pride. Then, you will achieve your destiny.
—The Bhagavad Gita Hindu Scripture
The only thing experience teaches you is what you can’t do. When you start, you think you can do anything. And then you start to get a little tired.
—Elaine May (b.1932) American Comedian, Director
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