Success is a journey paved with determination, resilience, and wisdom. Throughout American history, visionaries and leaders have shared their insights on what it takes to achieve greatness. This collection of 50 powerful quotes on success, along with brief histories of their authors and explanations, serves as an inspiration for those striving to reach their goals.
- “The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” – Steve Jobs Steve Jobs (1955-2011) was the co-founder of Apple Inc. and a pioneer in the personal computer revolution.
Explanation: This quote emphasizes the importance of passion in achieving success. When you love your work, it doesn’t feel like a chore, and you’re more likely to put in the extra effort required to excel.
2. “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” – Winston Churchill Although British, Churchill’s mother was American. Winston Churchill (1874-1965) was a statesman who led Britain through World War II.
Explanation: Churchill’s words remind us that success is not a destination but a journey. It encourages perseverance in the face of both triumph and setback, highlighting that true success lies in the ability to keep moving forward.
3. “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” – Eleanor Roosevelt Eleanor Roosevelt (1884-1962) was the longest-serving First Lady of the United States and a prominent human rights activist.
Explanation: This quote inspires us to have faith in our aspirations. It suggests that success comes to those who not only dream big but also believe in their ability to achieve those dreams.
4. “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” – Thomas Edison Thomas Edison (1847-1931) was an inventor and businessman, known for developing many devices including the phonograph and the light bulb.
Explanation: Edison’s perspective reframes failure as a learning experience. It encourages a positive attitude towards setbacks, viewing them as steps towards success rather than roadblocks.
5. “The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity.” – Amelia Earhart Amelia Earhart (1897-1937) was an aviation pioneer and the first female aviator to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean.
Explanation: Earhart’s words highlight that often, the biggest obstacle to success is taking the first step. Once you’ve committed to action, persistence will carry you through the challenges.
6. “Success is walking from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm.” – Abraham Lincoln Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865) was the 16th President of the United States, leading the country through the Civil War.
Explanation: Similar to Churchill’s quote, Lincoln emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive attitude in the face of repeated setbacks. It’s not about avoiding failure, but about how you respond to it.
7. “The secret of getting ahead is getting started.” – Mark Twain Mark Twain (1835-1910), born Samuel Clemens, was a renowned author and humorist, known for works like “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.”
Explanation: Twain’s quote reinforces the idea that action is crucial. Many people fail not because they can’t succeed, but because they never begin their journey in the first place.
8. “Don’t watch the clock; do what it does. Keep going.” – Sam Levenson Sam Levenson (1911-1980) was a humorist, writer, and television host known for his witty observations on American life.
Explanation: This quote encourages continuous effort and focus. Instead of worrying about time passing, we should emulate the clock’s constant movement, making steady progress towards our goals.
9. “The only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary.” – Vidal Sassoon Vidal Sassoon (1928-2012) was a British-American hairstylist, businessman, and philanthropist who revolutionized hairstyling in the 1960s.
Explanation: Sassoon’s quote serves as a reminder that success is not handed to us; it’s earned through hard work and dedication. There are no shortcuts to true achievement.
10. “Success is not how high you have climbed, but how you make a positive difference to the world.” – Roy T. Bennett Roy T. Bennett is an American author known for his inspirational writings, particularly “The Light in the Heart.”
Explanation: This quote redefines success beyond personal achievement. It suggests that true success lies in the impact we have on others and the world around us, encouraging a more altruistic approach to our goals.
11. “I find that the harder I work, the more luck I seem to have.” – Thomas Jefferson Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826) was the third President of the United States and the principal author of the Declaration of Independence.
Explanation: Jefferson’s quote highlights the relationship between effort and opportunity. What may appear as ‘luck’ to others is often the result of persistent hard work. This perspective encourages us to create our own opportunities through diligence and perseverance.
12. “Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.” – Maya Angelou Maya Angelou (1928-2014) was a poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist, known for her series of seven autobiographies.
Explanation: Angelou’s quote presents a holistic view of success. It suggests that true success involves not just external achievements, but also internal satisfaction with oneself and one’s actions. It emphasizes the importance of authenticity and self-acceptance in our pursuit of success.
13. “The road to success and the road to failure are almost exactly the same.” – Colin R. Davis Sir Colin Rex Davis (1927-2013) was a British conductor known for his interpretations of Mozart, Berlioz, and Sibelius.
Explanation: This quote reminds us that success and failure often involve similar challenges and risks. The key difference lies in persistence and how we handle obstacles. It encourages us to view setbacks as part of the journey rather than as definitive outcomes.
14. “Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it.” – Henry David Thoreau Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862) was an American essayist, poet, and philosopher, best known for his book “Walden.”
Explanation: Thoreau suggests that success often finds those who are deeply engaged in their work, rather than those constantly seeking recognition. It emphasizes the importance of focusing on the task at hand and letting success be a byproduct of dedicated effort.
15. “Don’t be afraid to give up the good to go for the great.” – John D. Rockefeller John D. Rockefeller (1839-1937) was an American oil industry business magnate and philanthropist, considered the wealthiest American of all time.
Explanation: Rockefeller’s quote encourages us to aim higher and not settle for mediocrity. It suggests that sometimes we need to let go of what’s comfortable or merely satisfactory to achieve something truly exceptional. This mindset can lead to breakthrough successes.
16. “I never dreamed about success. I worked for it.” – Estée Lauder Estée Lauder (1908-2004) was an American businesswoman who co-founded her eponymous cosmetics company.
Explanation: Lauder emphasizes the importance of action over mere aspiration. While dreams can inspire us, it’s the concrete steps we take and the effort we put in that ultimately lead to success. This quote encourages a proactive approach to achieving our goals.
17. “Success is not in what you have, but who you are.” – Bo Bennett Bo Bennett (born 1972) is an American businessman, author, and podcaster, known for founding eBookIt.com.
Explanation: Bennett’s quote shifts the focus of success from material possessions to personal growth and character. It suggests that true success is about becoming the best version of yourself, rather than accumulating wealth or status. This perspective encourages continuous self-improvement.
18. “The difference between successful people and very successful people is that very successful people say ‘no’ to almost everything.” – Warren Buffett Warren Buffett (born 1930) is an American business magnate, investor, and philanthropist, considered one of the most successful investors in the world.
Explanation: Buffett highlights the importance of focus and prioritization. By saying ‘no’ to distractions and less important opportunities, we can concentrate our energy on what truly matters. This selective approach can lead to greater achievements in our chosen areas of focus.
19. “Success is stumbling from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm.” – Winston Churchill This is another powerful quote from Winston Churchill, emphasizing the importance of perseverance.
Explanation: Similar to his earlier quote, Churchill reinforces the idea that success is about maintaining a positive attitude in the face of repeated setbacks. It encourages resilience and the ability to learn from failures, viewing them as stepping stones rather than obstacles.
20. “The size of your success is measured by the strength of your desire, the size of your dream, and how you handle disappointment along the way.” – Robert Kiyosaki Robert Kiyosaki (born 1947) is an American businessman and author, best known for his book “Rich Dad Poor Dad.”
Explanation: Kiyosaki’s quote suggests that success is multifaceted, depending on our ambition, vision, and resilience. It emphasizes that having big dreams is important, but equally crucial is how we deal with the inevitable setbacks on the path to achieving those dreams.
21. “Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.” – Albert Schweitzer Albert Schweitzer (1875-1965) was a Franco-German theologian, organist, writer, humanitarian, philosopher, and physician.
Explanation: Schweitzer inverts the common notion that success leads to happiness. Instead, he suggests that finding joy in your work is what leads to success. This perspective encourages us to pursue paths that align with our passions and values.
22. “The only place success comes before work is in the dictionary.” – Vince Lombardi Vince Lombardi (1913-1970) was an American football coach and executive in the National Football League (NFL).
Explanation: Similar to Sassoon’s quote, Lombardi emphasizes that success is earned through hard work. It’s a reminder that there are no shortcuts to achievement and that effort is a prerequisite for success in any field.
23. “Success is not about the destination, it’s about the journey.” – Zig Ziglar Zig Ziglar (1926-2012) was an American author, salesman, and motivational speaker.
Explanation: Ziglar’s quote reminds us that success is not just about reaching a goal, but about the growth and experiences we gain along the way. It encourages us to find value in the process of striving towards our objectives, not just in their achievement.
24. “If you really look closely, most overnight successes took a long time.” – Steve Jobs Another insightful quote from Steve Jobs, emphasizing the importance of persistence.
Explanation: Jobs debunks the myth of instant success, reminding us that what appears to be sudden achievement is often the result of years of hard work and persistence. This perspective can help us stay motivated during the long process of working towards our goals.
25. “The secret of success is to do the common thing uncommonly well.” – John D. Rockefeller Jr. John D. Rockefeller Jr. (1874-1960) was an American financier and philanthropist, son of Standard Oil co-founder John D. Rockefeller.
Explanation: Rockefeller Jr. suggests that success doesn’t always require revolutionary ideas or actions. Instead, it can come from excelling in ordinary tasks or improving upon existing processes. This quote encourages us to strive for excellence in everything we do, no matter how mundane it may seem.
26. “There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure.” – Colin Powell Colin Powell (1937-2021) was an American politician, diplomat, and retired four-star general who served as the 65th United States Secretary of State.
Explanation: Powell demystifies success by breaking it down into tangible elements: preparation, effort, and the ability to learn from mistakes. This practical approach reminds us that success is achievable through consistent application of these principles.
27. “Success is walking from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm.” – Winston Churchill This quote, often attributed to Churchill, emphasizes the importance of perseverance in the face of setbacks.
Explanation: Churchill’s words, similar to his earlier quotes, highlight the crucial role of resilience in achieving success. It suggests that maintaining a positive attitude and enthusiasm, even in the face of repeated failures, is key to eventual success.
28. “I attribute my success to this: I never gave or took any excuse.” – Florence Nightingale Florence Nightingale (1820-1910) was a British social reformer and statistician, and the founder of modern nursing.
Explanation: Nightingale’s quote emphasizes personal responsibility and accountability. By refusing to make or accept excuses, we take full ownership of our actions and outcomes. This mindset can drive us to find solutions rather than reasons for failure.
29. “Success is not about how much money you make. It’s about the difference you make in people’s lives.” – Michelle Obama Michelle Obama (born 1964) is an American attorney and author who served as the First Lady of the United States from 2009 to 2017.
Explanation: Obama redefines success in terms of impact rather than wealth. This perspective encourages us to consider how our actions and achievements can benefit others, promoting a more altruistic and fulfilling approach to success.
30. “The greatest success we’ll know is helping others succeed and grow.” – Gregory Scott Reid Gregory Scott Reid is an American author, speaker, and entrepreneur known for his work in personal development.
Explanation: Reid’s quote aligns with Obama’s, emphasizing that true success comes from uplifting others. It suggests that by helping others achieve their goals, we not only contribute positively to the world but also find greater fulfillment and success ourselves.
31. “Success is not measured by what you accomplish, but by the opposition you have encountered, and the courage with which you have maintained the struggle against overwhelming odds.” – Orison Swett Marden Orison Swett Marden (1848-1924) was an American inspirational author who wrote about achieving success in life.
Explanation: Marden’s quote redefines success as a measure of one’s resilience and courage in the face of challenges, rather than just achievements. It suggests that the true value of success lies in the strength of character developed through overcoming obstacles.
32. “The successful warrior is the average man, with laser-like focus.” – Bruce Lee Bruce Lee (1940-1973) was an American-born martial artist, actor, director, martial arts instructor, and philosopher.
Explanation: Lee emphasizes that success doesn’t require extraordinary talent, but rather extraordinary focus and dedication. This perspective encourages us to cultivate concentration and commitment in our pursuits, regardless of our starting point.
33. “Success is not the absence of failure; it’s the persistence through failure.” – Aisha Tyler Aisha Tyler (born 1970) is an American actress, comedian, director, and talk show host.
Explanation: Tyler’s quote reminds us that failure is a natural part of the journey to success. The key is not to avoid failure, but to persist despite it. This mindset helps us view setbacks as learning opportunities rather than defeats.
34. “Success is a lousy teacher. It seduces smart people into thinking they can’t lose.” – Bill Gates Bill Gates (born 1955) is an American business magnate, software developer, and philanthropist, best known as the co-founder of Microsoft.
Explanation: Gates warns against the complacency that can come with success. This quote reminds us to stay humble and continue learning, even when things are going well. It encourages maintaining a growth mindset and being prepared for future challenges.
35. “The path to success is to take massive, determined action.” – Tony Robbins Tony Robbins (born 1960) is an American author, life coach, and philanthropist known for his seminars and self-help books.
Explanation: Robbins emphasizes the importance of bold, decisive action in achieving success. This quote encourages us to move beyond planning and take significant steps towards our goals, highlighting that success often requires courage and commitment.
36. “Success is simple. Do what’s right, the right way, at the right time.” – Arnold H. Glasow Arnold H. Glasow (1905-1998) was an American businessman and humorist known for his witty aphorisms.
Explanation: Glasow breaks down success into three key elements: ethics, methodology, and timing. This perspective reminds us that success isn’t just about achieving goals, but about doing so in a way that is principled, efficient, and well-timed.
37. “The secret of success is constancy to purpose.” – Benjamin Disraeli Benjamin Disraeli (1804-1881) was a British statesman and novelist who twice served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
Explanation: Disraeli highlights the importance of staying committed to one’s goals. This quote suggests that success comes from maintaining focus and dedication over time, rather than from sporadic efforts or changing directions frequently.
38. “Success is not about being the best. It’s about always getting better.” – Behance Behance is a social media platform owned by Adobe Inc., focused on showcasing and discovering creative work.
Explanation: This quote shifts the focus from competition with others to personal growth. It encourages a mindset of continuous improvement, suggesting that true success lies in constantly developing and refining our skills and abilities.
39. “Success is a journey, not a destination. The doing is often more important than the outcome.” – Arthur Ashe Arthur Ashe (1943-1993) was an American professional tennis player and the first African American to win the singles title at Wimbledon, the US Open, and the Australian Open.
Explanation: Ashe’s quote emphasizes the value of the process over the end result. It encourages us to find fulfillment in the act of striving towards our goals, rather than solely in their achievement.
40. “The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt Franklin D. Roosevelt (1882-1945) was the 32nd President of the United States, leading the country through the Great Depression and World War II.
Explanation: Roosevelt highlights how our current mindset can impact our future success. This quote encourages us to believe in our potential and to not let self-doubt hinder our progress. It emphasizes the power of a positive, confident attitude in achieving our goals.
41. “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” – Winston Churchill This quote, often attributed to Churchill, emphasizes the importance of perseverance in the face of both success and failure.
Explanation: Churchill’s words remind us that both success and failure are temporary states. The true measure of character and the key to long-term success is the ability to persist regardless of current circumstances.
42. “The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.” – Walt Disney Walt Disney (1901-1966) was an American entrepreneur, animator, voice actor, and film producer, founder of Walt Disney Productions.
Explanation: Disney emphasizes the importance of action over mere planning or discussion. This quote encourages us to move beyond the conceptual stage and start taking concrete steps towards our goals, highlighting that real progress comes from doing.
43. “Success is not how high you have climbed, but how you make a positive difference to the world.” – Roy T. Bennett Roy T. Bennett is an American author known for his inspirational writings, particularly “The Light in the Heart.”
Explanation: Bennett’s quote redefines success in terms of impact rather than personal achievement. It encourages us to consider how our actions can benefit others and contribute positively to the world around us.
44. “Success is not in what you have, but who you are.” – Bo Bennett Bo Bennett (born 1972) is an American businessman, author, and podcaster, known for founding eBookIt.com.
Explanation: Bennett’s quote shifts the focus of success from external possessions to internal qualities. It encourages us to prioritize personal growth and character development over material acquisitions.
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