In reality, serendipity accounts for one percent of the blessings we receive in life, work and love. The other 99 percent is due to our efforts.
—Peter McWilliams (1949–2000) American Author, Self-Help Writer
The one thing that matters is the effort.
—Antoine de Saint-Exupery (1900–44) French Novelist, Aviator
Winning is not everything, but the effort to win is.
—Zig Ziglar (1926–2012) American Author
Put the uncommon effort into the common task … make it large by doing it in a great way.
—Orison Swett Marden (1850–1924) American New Thought Writer, Physician, Entrepreneur
Face your deficiencies and acknowledge them; but do not let them master you. Let them teach you patience, sweetness, insight… When we do the best we can, we never know what miracle is wrought in our life, or in the life of another.
—Helen Keller (1880–1968) American Author
The whole effort of a sincere man is to erect his personal impressions into laws.
—Remy de Gourmont (1858–1915) French Critic, Novelist
The first thing I did was commit to my success and playing to win. I swore I would focus and not even consider leaving this business until I was a millionaire or more. This was radically different from my previous efforts, where, because I always thought short-term, I would constantly get side-tracked by either good opportunities or when things got tough.
—T. Harv Eker (b.1954) American Motivational Speaker, Lecturer, Author
The healthiest competition occurs when average people win by putting in above-average effort.
—Colin Powell (1937–2021) American Military Leader
In all human affairs there are efforts, and there are results, and the strength of the effort is the measure of the result.
—James Lane Allen (1849–1925) American Novelist, Short Story Writer
Things don’t turn up in this world until somebody turns them up.
—James A. Garfield (1831–81) American Head of State, Lawyer, Educator
If you would relish food, labor for it before you take it; if enjoy clothing, pay for it before you wear it; if you would sleep soundly, take a clear conscience to bed with you.
—Benjamin Franklin (1706–90) American Political Leader, Inventor, Diplomat
Travelers, it is late. Life’s sun is going to set. During these brief days that you have strength, be quick and spare no effort of your wings.
—Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi (1207–73) Persian Muslim Mystic
Success is almost totally dependent upon drive and persistence. The extra energy required to make another effort or try another approach is the secret of winning.
—Denis Waitley (b.1933) American Motivational Speaker, Author
The medals don’t mean anything and the glory doesn’t last. It’s all about your happiness. The rewards are going to come, but my happiness is just loving the sport and having fun performing.
—Jackie Joyner-Kersee (b.1962) American Athlete
Effort only fully releases its reward after a person refuses to quit.
—Napoleon Hill (1883–1970) American Author, Journalist, Attorney, Lecturer
It is vain to do with more what can be done with less.
—William of Ockham (1288–1347) English Philosopher, Theologian
Like any other living, growing thing, love requires effort to keep it healthy.
—Leo Buscaglia (1924–98) American Motivational Speaker
If a man does his best, what else is there?
—George S. Patton (1885–1945) American Military Leader
Have you ever watched a stonecutter at work? He will hammer away at a rock for perhaps a 100 times without a crack showing in it. Then, on the 101st blow, it will split in two. It is not that blow alone which accomplished the result, but the 100 others that went before as well.
—Unknown
Happiness lies not in the mere possession of money; it lies in the joy of achievement, in the thrill of creative effort. The joy and moral stimulation of work no longer must be forgotten in the mad chase of evanescent profits. These dark days will be worth all they cost us if they teach us that our true destiny is not to be ministered unto but to minister to ourselves and to our fellow men.
—Franklin D. Roosevelt (1882–1945) American Head of State, Lawyer
Always make a total effort, even when the odds are against you.
—Arnold Palmer (1929–2016) American Professional Golfer
I’ve got a theory that if you give 100 percent all of the time, somehow things will work out in the end.
—Larry Bird (b.1956) American Basketball Player
Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try.
—Unknown
There has never yet been a man in our history who led a life of ease whose name is worth remembering.
—Theodore Roosevelt (1858–1919) American Historian, Political Leader, Explorer
I don’t feel right unless I have a sport to play or at least a way to work up a sweat.
—Hank Aaron (1934–2021) American Baseball Player
A winner never stops trying.
—Tom Landry (1924–2000) American Football Coach, Player
If you will make the necessary effort you can develop any talent.
—Wallace Wattles (1860–1911) American New Thought Author
When something can be read without effort, great effort has gone into its writing.
—Enrique Jardiel Poncela (1901–52) Spanish Playwright, Novelist
Everyone confesses in the abstract that exertion which brings out all the powers of body and mind is the best thing for us all; but practically most people do all they can to get rid of it, and as a general rule nobody does much more than circumstances drive them to do.
—Harriet Beecher Stowe (1811–96) American Abolitionist, Author
Effort is only effort when it begins to hurt.
—Jose Ortega y. Gasset (1883–1955) Spanish Critic, Journalist, Philosopher
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