Some thought-provoking quotes, sayings and proverbs to inspire you in doing your best in life. Enjoy!
Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does. ~William James
What I do today is important because I’m exchanging a day of my life for it. ~Anonymous
Don’t be afraid to give your best to what seemingly are small jobs. Every time you conquer one it makes you that much stronger. If you do the little jobs well, the big ones will tend to take care of themselves. ~Dale Carnegie
Be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind. Talk health, happiness, and prosperity to every person you meet. Make all your friends feel there is something in them. Look at the sunny side of everything. Think only of the best, work only for the best, and expect only the best. Be as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your won. Forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future. Give everyone a smile. Spend so much time improving yourself that you have no time left to criticize others. Be too big for worry and too noble for anger. ~Christian D. Larsen
I do the very best I know how, the very best I can, and I mean to keep on doing so until the end. ~Abraham Lincoln
When you reach the top, keep climbing. ~Proverb
Be such a man, and live such a life, that if every man were such as you, and every life a life like yours, this earth would be God’s Paradise. ~Phillips Brooks
I have been impressed with the urgency of doing. Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Being willing is not enough; we must do. ~Leonardo da Vinci
Whatever you are, be a good one. ~Abraham Lincoln
We have to do the best we can. This is our sacred human responsibility. ~Albert Einstein
God makes three requests of his children: Do the best you can, where you are, with what you have, now. ~African-American proverb
Always dream and shoot higher than you know you can do. Don’t bother just to be better than your contemporaries or predecessors. Try to be better than yourself. ~William Faulkner
Make the most of yourself, for that is all there is of you. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson
Duty makes us do things well, but love makes us do them beautifully. ~Zig Ziglar
Try and fail, but don’t fail to try. ~Stephen Kaggwa
Successful people aren’t born that way. They become successful by establishing the habit of doing things unsuccessful people don’t like to do. The successful people don’t always like these things themselves; they just get on and do them. ~Author Unknown
Our chief want in life is somebody who will make us do what we can. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson
Little by little one walks far. ~Peruvian proverb
Anything worth doing is worth doing slowly. ~Mae West
We must become the change we want to see. ~Mahatma Gandhi
Doing the best at this moment puts you in the best place for the next moment. ~Oprah Winfrey
What you want to do, and what you can do, is limited only by what you can dream. ~Mike Melville
Advancement only comes with habitually doing more than you are asked. ~Gary Ryan Blair
You are doing your best only when you are trying to improve what you are doing. ~Anonymous
Everyone has inside of him a piece of good news. The good news is that you don’t know how great you can be! How much you can love! What you can accomplish! And what your potential is! ~Anne Frank
The best preparation for tomorrow is doing your best today. ~H. Jackson Brown, Jr.
The greatest pleasure in life is doing what people say you cannot do. ~Walter Bagehot
Be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let every new year find you a better man. ~Benjamin Franklin
Do a little more each day than you think you possibly can. ~Lowell Thomas
Don’t measure yourself by what you have accomplished, but by what you should have accomplished with your ability. ~John Wooden
“Doing your own thing” is a generous act. Being gifted creates obligations, which means you owe the world your best effort at the work you love. You too are a natural resource. ~Barbara Sher
Don’t lower your expectations to meet your performance. Raise your level of performance to meet your expectations. Expect the best of yourself, and then do what is necessary to make it a reality. ~Ralph Marston
The winds and the waves are always on the side of the ablest navigators. ~Edward Gibbon
Whatever I have tried to do in life, I have tried with all my heart to do it well; whatever I have devoted myself to, I have devoted myself completely; in great aims and in small I have always thoroughly been in earnest. ~Charles Dickens
God does not judge us by the multitude of works we perform, but how well we do the work that is ours to do. The happiness of too many days is often destroyed by trying to accomplish too much in one day. We would do well to follow a common rule for our daily lives–DO LESS, AND DO IT BETTER ~Dale Turner
Go out and change the world. The more you study, the more you should have–
A GOAL you should be pursuing;
A DREAM your should be launching;
A PLAN you should be executing;
A PROJECT you should be starting;
A POSSIBILITY you should be exploring;
An OPPORTUNITY you should be grabbing;
An IDEA you should be working;
A PROBLEM you should be tackling;
A DECISION you should be making.
The greatest force in the world is a positive idea. ~Anonymous
We must all wage an intense, lifelong battle against the constant downward pull. If we relax, the bugs and weeds of negativity will move into the garden and take away everything of value. ~Jim Rohn
We know better than we do. We do not yet possess ourselves… ~Ralph Waldo Emerson
We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop. ~Bl. Mother Teresa of Calcutta
A problem is a chance for you to do your best. ~Duke Ellington
No one knows what he can do till he tries. ~Publius Syrus
May you live your life as if the maxim of your actions were to become universal law. ~Immanual Kant
We should every night call ourselves to an account: what infirmity have I mastered to-day? what passions opposed? what temptation resisted? what virtue acquired? Our vices will abate of themselves if they be brought every day to the shrift. ~Seneca
Life is a journey filled with challenges and opportunities. Along the way, we often find ourselves faced with decisions that determine our path and define who we become. In these moments, it’s essential to draw inspiration from the wisdom of those who have walked this path before us. The following collection of thought-provoking quotes, sayings, and proverbs serves as a beacon of motivation, encouraging us to give our best in life, no matter the circumstances. So, let’s dive into these quotes and explore the wisdom they offer.
The Difference You Make
“Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.” – William James
These words by William James remind us of the profound impact our actions can have on the world around us. Whether it’s a small act of kindness or a grand achievement, each action has the power to shape our lives and the lives of others. So, embrace the idea that your efforts matter, for they are the building blocks of a better tomorrow.
The Value of Today
“What I do today is important because I’m exchanging a day of my life for it.” – Anonymous
Every day presents a unique opportunity to make a difference, learn, and grow. The anonymous author of this quote reminds us that time is a precious resource, and we must make the most of each day. By dedicating ourselves to meaningful actions, we invest in a brighter future for ourselves and those around us.
The Power of Small Jobs
“Don’t be afraid to give your best to what seemingly are small jobs. Every time you conquer one, it makes you that much stronger. If you do the little jobs well, the big ones will tend to take care of themselves.” – Dale Carnegie
Dale Carnegie’s wisdom emphasizes the importance of diligence and perseverance in all aspects of life. Often, the small tasks we perform pave the way for significant achievements. By approaching every job with dedication, we build the skills and resilience needed to tackle even the most substantial challenges.
The Art of Positivity
“Be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind. Talk health, happiness, and prosperity to every person you meet. Make all your friends feel there is something in them. Look at the sunny side of everything. Think only of the best, work only for the best, and expect only the best. Be as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own. Forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future. Give everyone a smile. Spend so much time improving yourself that you have no time left to criticize others. Be too big for worry and too noble for anger.” – Christian D. Larsen
Christian D. Larsen’s quote is a comprehensive guide to living a positive and fulfilling life. It encourages us to cultivate inner strength, maintain a positive outlook, and spread optimism to others. By embracing these principles, we not only enhance our own well-being but also contribute to a more harmonious world.
The Commitment to Excellence
“I do the very best I know how, the very best I can, and I mean to keep on doing so until the end.” – Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln, one of the most revered figures in American history, exemplified the unwavering commitment to excellence. His words remind us that the pursuit of greatness is an ongoing journey. No matter where we are in life, we can always strive to do our best and continue growing.
The Climb to Success
“When you reach the top, keep climbing.” – Proverb
This proverb teaches us that success is not a destination but a continuous journey. Even when we achieve our goals, there are always new heights to reach and challenges to conquer. It encourages us to remain humble and persistent, never resting on our laurels.
The Vision of a Better World
“Be such a man, and live such a life, that if every man were such as you, and every life a life like yours, this earth would be God’s Paradise.” – Phillips Brooks
Phillips Brooks invites us to reflect on the kind of world we could create if everyone aspired to live a life of virtue, kindness, and purpose. It reminds us that our individual actions ripple through society, influencing the collective well-being of our planet.
The Power of Action
“I have been impressed with the urgency of doing. Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Being willing is not enough; we must do.” – Leonardo da Vinci
Leonardo da Vinci, a true Renaissance genius, emphasizes the importance of turning knowledge and willingness into action. It’s not enough to have ideas or intentions; we must take concrete steps toward our goals. Action is the catalyst for change and progress.
The Imperative of Being Your Best
“Whatever you are, be a good one.” – Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln’s concise yet powerful advice reminds us that excellence is not reserved for specific roles or professions. Regardless of our station in life, we can strive to be the best version of ourselves, both in character and in our pursuits.
Our Responsibility to Excel
“We have to do the best we can. This is our sacred human responsibility.” – Albert Einstein
Albert Einstein’s words remind us that excellence is not an option but a responsibility we owe to ourselves and the world. It’s a fundamental aspect of our human experience, driving us to reach our fullest potential.
God’s Request of His Children
“God makes three requests of his children: Do the best you can, where you are, with what you have, now.” – African-American proverb
This African-American proverb beautifully encapsulates the idea that we are all capable of greatness, regardless of our circumstances. It urges us to embrace the present moment, utilize our resources wisely, and strive for excellence.
The Aspiration to Outdo Yourself
“Always dream and shoot higher than you know you can do. Don’t bother just to be better than your contemporaries or predecessors. Try to be better than yourself.” – William Faulkner
William Faulkner encourages us to set ambitious goals and challenge ourselves continuously. Rather than comparing our progress to others, we should focus on surpassing our previous achievements. This approach leads to personal growth and innovation.
The Importance of Self-Improvement
“Make the most of yourself, for that is all there is of you.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
Ralph Waldo Emerson’s quote underscores the significance of self-improvement. We are our most valuable asset, and by investing in our personal growth and development, we can maximize our potential and contribute more to the world.
The Beauty of Love and Duty
“Duty makes us do things well, but love makes us do them beautifully.” – Zig Ziglar
Zig Ziglar’s words highlight the transformative power of love and passion in our actions. While duty may lead us to perform tasks competently, it is love that infuses our efforts with beauty and meaning.
The Courage to Try
“Try and fail, but don’t fail to try.” – Stephen Kaggwa
Stephen Kaggwa’s quote reminds us that failure is not the end but a stepping stone on the path to success. Embracing challenges and taking risks is essential for growth and achievement.
The Habit of Success
“Successful people aren’t born that way. They become successful by establishing the habit of doing things unsuccessful people don’t like to do. The successful people don’t always like these things themselves; they just get on and do them.” – Author Unknown
This anonymous quote underscores the importance of discipline and perseverance in achieving success. It emphasizes that successful individuals cultivate habits that set them apart from those who are content with mediocrity.
The Power of Influence
“Our chief want in life is somebody who will make us do what we can.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
Ralph Waldo Emerson’s insight highlights the role of mentors and motivators in our lives. Surrounding ourselves with those who inspire and push us to reach our potential can be transformative.
The Journey of Persistence
“Little by little, one walks far.” – Peruvian proverb
This Peruvian proverb teaches us that progress often occurs gradually. By taking consistent steps toward our goals, we can cover significant distances over time. It reminds us that patience and persistence are virtues worth cultivating.
The Importance of Patience
“Anything worth doing is worth doing slowly.” – Mae West
Mae West’s quote emphasizes the value of patience and thoroughness in our endeavors. Rushing through tasks may lead to errors, while taking our time ensures that we do things well.
Becoming the Change
“We must become the change we want to see.” – Mahatma Gandhi
Mahatma Gandhi’s iconic words remind us that change starts from within. If we aspire to see a better world, we must embody the principles and values we wish to promote.
The Best Place for the Next Moment
“Doing the best at this moment puts you in the best place for the next moment.” – Oprah Winfrey
Oprah Winfrey’s quote emphasizes the importance of giving our best effort in the present. By doing so, we lay the foundation for future success and opportunities.
The Power of Dreams
“What you want to do, and what you can do, is limited only by what you can dream.” – Mike Melville
Mike Melville’s quote encourages us to dream big and believe in our potential. Our aspirations have the power to shape our reality, and by daring to dream, we unlock new possibilities.
The Habit of Going Above and Beyond
“Advancement only comes with habitually doing more than you are asked.” – Gary Ryan Blair
Gary Ryan Blair’s insight underscores the importance of going above and beyond in our efforts. By consistently exceeding expectations, we open doors to growth and advancement.
The Pursuit of Continuous Improvement
“You are doing your best only when you are trying to improve what you are doing.” – Anonymous
This anonymous quote reminds us that the pursuit of excellence is an ongoing journey. Our best efforts are not static but dynamic, always seeking improvement and refinement.
Unleashing Your Potential
“Everyone has inside of him a piece of good news. The good news is that you don’t know how great you can be! How much you can love! What you can accomplish! And what your potential is!” – Anne Frank
Anne Frank’s words celebrate the boundless potential within each of us. We often underestimate our capabilities, but when we tap into our inner potential, we can achieve remarkable feats and spread love and positivity.
Tomorrow’s Preparation
“The best preparation for tomorrow is doing your best today.” – H. Jackson Brown, Jr.
H. Jackson Brown, Jr. reminds us that today’s efforts directly shape our readiness for tomorrow. By consistently giving our best, we equip ourselves to face future challenges with confidence and resilience.
The Pleasure of Overcoming Challenges
“The greatest pleasure in life is doing what people say you cannot do.” – Walter Bagehot
Walter Bagehot’s quote celebrates the joy of defying expectations and overcoming obstacles. When we prove doubters wrong and accomplish what others deem impossible, we find immense satisfaction and fulfillment.
A New Year, A Better You
“Be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let every new year find you a better man.” – Benjamin Franklin
Benjamin Franklin’s wisdom encourages us to continually strive for self-improvement. Each new year offers a fresh start to confront our weaknesses, build positive relationships, and become better versions of ourselves.
Pushing Beyond Limits
“Do a little more each day than you think you possibly can.” – Lowell Thomas
Lowell Thomas reminds us that our potential knows no bounds. By consistently pushing our limits and expanding our capabilities, we can achieve more than we ever imagined.
In conclusion, these thought-provoking quotes, sayings, and proverbs serve as a wellspring of inspiration and motivation for anyone seeking to give their best in life. They remind us that our actions, both big and small, have the power to shape our destinies and make a positive impact on the world. So, as you embark on your journey through life, remember the wisdom contained in these quotes and strive to be the best version of yourself, one step at a time.