The greatest successes grow out of great failures. In numerous instances the result is better that comes after a series of abortive experiences than it would have been if it had come at once; for all these successive failures induce a skill which is so much additional power working into the final achievement. The hand that evokes such perfect music from the instrument has often failed in its touch, and bungled among the keys. — EH Chapin.
Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination are omnipotent. The slogan “press on” has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race. — Calvin Coolidge.
Don’t aim at success — the more you aim at it and make it a target, the more you are going to miss it. For success, like happiness, cannot be pursued; it must ensue, and it only does so as the unintended side effect of one’s personal dedication to a cause greater than oneself … Happiness must happen, and the same holds for success: you have to let it happen by not caring about it. Then you will live to see that in the long run — in the long run, I say! — success will follow you precisely because you had forgotten to think about it. — Viktor Frankl.
Today we define success by publicity and bank accounts. But that’s not really success at all. Don’t believe the hype. Success is ephemeral. You have to define it yourself. — Chris Noth.
I dread success. To have succeeded is to have finished one’s business … I like a state of continual becoming, with a goal in front and not behind. — George Bernard Shaw.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.