The 20 Greatest Motivational Quotes of All Times (part 1)

1. “Those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything” -George Bernard Shaw

Apparently it’s statesmanlike to stand firm and not change your mind. It’s also idiotic if you ignore new evidence and refuse to admit you may have been wrong.

I remember when John Kerry ran against George Bush and it was discovered he’d changed his stance on the war in Iraq. He was pilloried by the Republicans for being a flip-flopper rather than commended for being honest enough to accept he was wrong.

2. “Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back. Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too.

All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one’s favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamed would have come his way.

Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. Begin it now.” – William H Murray

This is often mistakenly attributed to Goethe when it really just came from a Goethe couplet and is presumed to have been said in full my Scottish Mountaineer, W H Murray.

3. “To avoid criticism, do nothing, say nothing, be nothing” – Elbert Hubbard

Many people are terrified of criticism and will often keep their head down and go with the flow for fear of being on the receiving end of it. The world doesn’t need that, speak your mind

4. “A small group of thoughtful people could change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has” – Margaret Mead

Another oft cited quote and one that inspires people (or at least should do) to believe they really do have more power than they could ever imagine. Don’t ever think you are powerless.

5. “Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm” – Winston Churchill

There are so many quotes regarding the importance of failure in being successful, but imho, this is the best.

6. “You must be the change you wish to see in the world” – Gandhi

I almost left this out because it’s tweeted to death and it possibly the most well-known quote in the universe. But there’s a good reason for that, and that’s because it’s stunningly brilliant.

You cannot ever change anybody else, you can only change yourself and hope you inspire other people to do the same.

7. “Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up” – Thomas Edison.

Three years ago I had a client that I knew was really close to making a huge breakthrough when she lost her nerve.

The fact that I’m telling you about it know demonstrates how frustrated as a Life Coach I was. There is a time for giving up and a time for pushing through, even though the latter can sometimes be scary.

8. “We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing” - George Bernard Shaw

I hit 50 next year and it seems incomprehensible to me. I still get hyper excited about work, I still laugh my ass off at juvenile humor and as I type this I have loud dance music playing in the background.

Don’t stop being young because your birth certificate tells you too.

9. “You will not be punished for your anger; you will be punished by your anger” - Buddha

Is there any need to explain this? Probably not because we all know how shit we feel when we’re angry, so let it go and don’t feel shit.

Note: It would appear that this is actually falsely attributed to The Buddha. However, it’s still an amazing and relevant quote.

10. “Life is what happens while you are busy making other plans” – John Lennon

Doesn’t that sum up many people you know, maybe even yourself? Are you so busy planning what’s next, that you forget that now is already here. Planning is crucial of course, but so is enjoying the only time you ever have, now.

(To be continued in part 2)