Setting a goal is easy, but reaching a goal requires a lot of passion and patience. Sometimes our goals seem too far away or too uncomfortable for us to manage. However, conquering fear to achieve what we want gives us the truest reflection of our strengths and capabilities. Whether it’s taking the first step to your fitness journey or learning a new skill, think about what’s holding you back and determine if you’re ready to make that first move. Manifest your goals by writing them down, creating a vision board, or seeking support from a friend. A little encouragement and accountability go a long way in your journey toward achieving your goals.
For a little inspiration, we can look to some famous female leaders who overcame failure, conquered fears, and found solutions to the problems they faced. From Marie Kondo to J.K. Rowling, these empowering women share their advice on success, failure, motivation and leadership.
Quotes on Success
“When I was younger, I was a bit of an achievement addict, viewing success like a ladder. I loved the high of climbing to the next rung to get a new title or raise. Today, I look at it more like a mountain with lots of beautiful peaks and valleys that are all totally worthy of my time.” ~Michelle Lee, Editor-in-Chief, Allure Magazine
“It’s easy to kill an idea with a no, but the smartest people in the room learn how to say yes and make it work.” ~Lisa Gersh, CEO of Goop
“I think success needs to be defined on your own terms. If you look to outside sources (friends, media, the internet) for constant validation, you will never feel fulfilled.” ~Jaclyn Johnson, Author and CEO of Create and Cultivate
Quotes on Failure
“When you take risks you learn that there will be times when you succeed and there will be times when you fail and both are equally important.” ~Ellen DeGeneres, Comedian and TV Host
“Failing is a crucial part of success. Every time you fail and get back up, you practice perseverance, which is the key to life. Your strength comes in your ability to recover.” ~Michelle Obama, Former FLOTUS
“Most of the reason we don’t do things is because we’re afraid to fail. I just made a decision one day that I was not going to do things in my life because of fear.” ~Sara Blakely, CEO of SPANX
Quotes on Motivation
“Whatever the problem, be part of the solution. Don’t just sit around raising questions and pointing out obstacles.” ~Tina Fey, Actress, Comedian, and Writer
“I am lucky that whatever fear I have inside me, my desire to win is always stronger.” ~Serena Williams, Professional Tennis Player
“I learned to push the envelope when it comes to asking questions or making requests. And if you hear ‘that’s not possible,’ then to ask ‘what is possible,’ instead of just saying thank you and leaving.” ~Emily Weiss, Founder of Glossier
Quotes on Leadership
“When you exude confidence, others will naturally follow you. Once you have built that self-confidence, make it your priority to lead by example.” ~Kendra Scott, Fashion and Accessories Designer
“I learned to always take on things I’d never done before. Growth and comfort do not coexist.” ~Ginni Rometty, CEO of IBM
“You need to have unbound enthusiasm for what you’re building. Energy is contagious, so your team and everyone you interact with feels it.” ~Tyler Haney, Founder of Outdoor Voices
About Jeff Smith
Jeff Smith is the Vice President of SEO at Self Lender, an organization that helps thousands of people begin their financial journey with a credit builder account. He also serves as Editor of the Self Lender blog. Jeff has more than 14 years of experience in marketing and product-management teams in high-growth companies and was previously a newspaper editor.
Leave a Reply