If you are a regular reader of this column, you will know that I do like my motivational quotes. I think they have the potential to keep me focused and positive, even when things are not going to plan. There is, however, a broad spectrum when it comes to the quality and usefulness of the quotes that we can come across.
For those on social media, you have no doubt seen your share of cheesy quotes, often accompanied by a background image of a rainbow or a cute kitten. The following examples spring to mind:
- “Keep calm and carry on.”
- “You have to look through the rain to see the rainbow.”
- “Be yourself.”
- “Things only get as bad as you are willing to let them.”
Some of these have some truth to them and having a positive outlook on life is vital. But motivational quotes are subjective: what one person loves may go straight over the head of another. And when a quote is overused or offered as a clichéd response to a situation, they are far from useful. In addition, a sentiment isn’t going to change the world around you – often when you are in need of motivation there are circumstances out of your control. All the motivational quotes in the world are not going to change that.
However, here are some of my favourite quotes that are hopefully not in your ‘overused’ or ‘cliched’ categories!
- “A business that makes nothing but money is a poor business “(Henry Ford)
- “Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.” (Maya Angelou)
- “Quality means doing it right when no one is looking.” (Henry Ford)
- “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.” (Dr. Seuss)
And to give you a giggle, here are some that you probably won’t be printing out and putting on your office wall any time soon:
- “If you give up on your dreams that may free up some time to get some actual stuff done.”
- “You’re never alone so long as you owe someone, somewhere, money.”
- “Don’t just accept your shortcomings. Embrace them as valid excuses.”