Motivational quotes are powerful. They can give you the strength you need to get moving and take action, especially when you’re going through hard times. As a woman in business and a graphic designer, I go through all the same challenges that entrepreneurs typically face: when I get rejections, I feel down; when I take a risk, I feel scared; when I do something new, I feel nervous; and when I have a long to-do list for the day, I can feel overwhelmed and hesitant. I wrestle with all of these feelings while trying to manage my business and family. Does that sound familiar to you?
Following are some of my favorite inspirational quotes from successful women around the world. I think these quotes will give you a lift even if you’re just thinking of starting your own business.
1.“Only do what your heart tells you.”
- PRINCESS DIANA
This is especially important when you are facing a big decision. Frequently, we want to do something that we know we’d love to do, but negativity from others (or even from within) holds us back. This quote encourages you to listen to your heart — your true inner voice — and not to limit yourself.
2. “Throw your dreams into space like a kite, and you do not know what it will bring back, a new life, a new friend, a new love, a new country.”
- ANAÏS NIN
I love this quote because it reminds us that sometimes while we are pursuing our dreams, we may find some unexpected gifts along the way. It may not have been what we originally set out to achieve, but it’s a wonderful surprise that we gain while on our journey.
3. “We need to accept that we won’t always make the right decisions, that we’ll screw up royally sometimes – understanding that failure is not the opposite of success, it’s part of success.”
- ARIANNA HUFFINGTON
I really like this inspiring quote from Arianna Huffington. Of course, no one wants to fail. But if you do make a mistake, you can learn from it and perhaps achieve better results next time. On the other hand, if you avoid taking risks because you are afraid to fail, you won’t be able to grow or make progress on your goals.
4. “I don’t believe in failure. It’s not failure if you enjoyed the process.”
- OPRAH WINFREY
Oprah reminds us that goals aren’t always about the results. If we take the time to enjoy the many small steps we take while trying to achieve our dreams, then we are succeeding even if we didn’t get the outcome we were hoping for. It’s a beautiful way of seeing the big picture of what you’re trying to do.
5. “I learned to always take on things I’d never done before. Growth and comfort do not coexist.”
- VIRGINIA ROMETTY
This quote is so true. Almost 20 years ago, I moved to the United States from Japan to pursue a new career. I still remember that first day when I arrived at JFK International Airport in New York. I had never been to New York. I didn’t know anybody — I had no friends or family in the US. While I was nervous and scared, I was also adventurous and curious. That was a big step for me, and it turned out to be the best decision I ever made.
6. “As yougrow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.”
- AUDREY HEPBURN
Audrey Hepburn is my role model. Many people know her for the films she acted in, but some of her greatest achievements involved her work with children. She worked tirelessly as a human rights activist traveling to countries all over the world to give a helping hand to children who needed it.
7. “Procrastinationis theenemy of successand the guilt of not doing something always steals your energy.”
- BARBARACORCORAN
To be honest, I can sometimes procrastinate on things that I don’t want to deal with. I always tell myself that I will do it later, tonight, tomorrow, or later this week. In the worst-case scenario, it never gets done. However, I have created better habits to cope with this tendency by telling myself to act right away rather than wait until the last minute.
8. “My whole career has been one rejection after another and then going back and back and pushing against everything and everybody. Getting ahead by small, ugly steps.”
- JOAN RIVERS
This quote is a great reminder that even the most successful people had to fight to keep moving forward. They endured the same rejections and obstacles that we all face. It may not be a pretty process, but slowly, you just have to keep taking those small steps forward.
9.“Nothing will work unless you do.”
- MAYA ANGELOU
This is so true. If you don’t take action — even if it’s just little steps — nothing will happen. If you have a great idea but you keep putting it on hold, you won’t get anywhere. Take that first step.
10."Success isn'tabout howmuch money you make;it'sabout thedifference you makeinpeople's lives."
- MICHELLE OBAMA
Every business has a purpose. Why does your business exist? Michelle Obama made history as the first African-American First Lady of the United States. For so many of us, she also serves as a role model for women. She has truly changed the country for the better.
11. “If you push through that feeling of being scared, that feeling of taking risk, really amazing things can happen.”
- MARISSA MAYER
We all feel scared when we’re doing something outside our comfort zone. We don’t know if things will work out the way we hope they will. But if you can push yourself through that fear, you can achieve things you never thought possible.
12. "I never dreamed about success. I worked for it."
- ESTÉE LAUDER
So many people have dreams, and sadly, many won’t even take that first step to make their dreams a reality. Having a great idea won’t necessarily make you successful; success comes from the work you do to turn your idea into a reality.
I had a dream to have a successful graphic design business. It took years of consistent work and small steps forward to turn that dream into a reality, but it was well worth the effort.
13. "Don't be intimidated by what you don't know. That can be your greatest strength and ensure that you do things differently from everyone else."
- SARA BLAKELY
Trying to fit in with the crowd can leave you indistinguishable from everyone around you. To stand out from the crowd, focus on how you are different from everyone else. Show up as your true self and embrace your differences. This is true in graphic design as well. When we use simple designs, we can highlight what makes us different from everyone else.
14. Build something you're passionate about. As an entrepreneur, you have to have the passion and drive to stay the course."
-ALEXANDRA CHONG
While we are pursuing our goals and dreams, we will hit obstacles. Some of these obstacles may be very difficult to surmount, forcing us to look deep within ourselves to find a way. This is why we need to be passionate about what we’re doing. That passion is going to help you push through the hard times and keep going.
15. People don't take opportunities because the timing is bad, the financial side unsecure. Too many people are overanalyzing. Sometimes you just have to go for it."
- MICHELLE ZATLYN
We are all quite adept at coming up with reasons why we can’t do something. How many times have you delayed taking action on something because you didn’t have the time, the money, or the skills? We can always come up with perfectly rational excuses not to do something, but sometimes you just have to trust that you will find a way and take that first step forward.
