We are constantly faced with new information and change at a pace we have never seen before. Yet, as we continue down this path of rapid transformation, I realize so much remains the same. I’m one that loves quotes and appreciate how a simple sentence or two can represent an important life lesson. As we read quotes from great minds centuries removed from this world, you realize the foundation of bringing your best self remains the same year after year, decade after decade, century after century.
Let’s check out some examples…
“The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.” – Socrates
“We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak.” – Epictetus
Bring a learner mindset to each endeavor in life. We’re never too old to learn, never too smart to pick up another piece of knowledge, never too versed on any subject not to pick up a book. The world is the ultimate library of learning and experience – don’t let ego get in the way of all the opportunities to listen and learn.
“Quality is not an act, it’s a habit.” – Aristotle
Success takes repetition of honing your craft. There’s no substitute if you want long term success. It must include consistent and deliberate hard work to make success a habit.
“Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.” – Maimonides
Best way to define coaching. Whether it’s at work, in the community, sports, music, or whatever the situation may be, there’s an opportunity to empower others with tools to be successful well beyond just a moment in time. Coaching mindset can allow others to develop skillsets to transfer to other parts of their life each day on their path to success.
“For a man to conquer himself is the first and noblest of all victories.” – Plato
We’re always learning more about who we are and who we can become. To conquer the road ahead, it must start from within. In whatever we choose to embark on in our journey, the mindset has to be core to the success. Positive thinking, focus, embracing your authentic self, blocking out the noise, and so much more adds up to the mindset we must instill within ourselves for the authentic success we strive for.
“We suffer more often in imagination than in reality.” – Seneca
The mind can let life be full of “what ifs”. If we live in this “what if” world, fear and regret become all too common. Yes, there are failures. Yes, there is a chance of falling short when you take a leap in life. But life is about facing that fear we have in our mind and realizing how much opportunity is ahead. A mind focused on opportunity is a mind that will strive for authentic greatness.
“While we wait for life, life passes.” – Seneca
The timing will never be perfect for taking your next leap. Understanding when you identify something you truly want to aspire for, don’t wait for the perfect time. Instead, take the leap. Sometimes we’ll fall short. Sometimes we’ll hit the mark in due time. Regardless, we must seize moments of opportunity as they are all around us and life is ready for us to live.
These world renown philosophers created so much wisdom to soak in and live by, yet in this world we still try to search for the new quick way of finding success. At times we become our own worst enemy but getting back to the fundamentals that have been tested over centuries remain foundational to your authentic success. As Epictetus stated, “don’t search outside yourselves for what is good; seek it within, or you will never find it.”
Take your step: if you’re one that sets annual goals, while taking time to reflect and focus on what you’ll prioritize for growth in 2024, start in and work out. As you can see in so many of these centuries’ old quotes, investing time and energy in having the right perspective and mindset is the foundation to so much of the success we’re looking for. This hasn’t changed and won’t change so the more you can focus energy for growth in 2024 on your mindset, as you start to look outward, you’ll notice more authentic success will come alive.