7 Inspiring Career Quotes

By Heather Walrath

Some of my all-time favorite career quotes are those that not only apply to my professional goals, but also to life in general. Need a little inspiration of your own? Here are just a few career quotes that compel me to work hard, stay positive and pursue my dreams.

1. Sometimes, I Have to Remind Myself That I Don’t Have to Do What Everyone Else Is Doing

 

By far one of my favorite career quotes, this message reminds me to stop constantly comparing myself to others and simply focus on making the decisions I know are right for me. I personally haven’t chosen to follow a traditional career path, and I also haven’t worked a typical 9-to-5 office job in the past couple years. While people do on occasion look at me like I’m crazy, this quote helps me remember that just because a certain work style might not be appealing to someone else, it can in fact be the perfect fit for me. 

 

2. She Believed She Could, So She Did

 

When it comes to reaching our career goals, so much of the battle is simply believing in our own abilities to make them a reality. Does fear of failure threaten to hold you back? Today, vow to put the doubts aside and dive right in. Even if things don’t work out the way you’d hoped, isn’t it better to know than to always wonder what might have been? 

 

3. A Year from Now, You’ll Wish You’d Started Today

 

Procrastination can be a bitter foe, especially when it comes to achieving large career goals that can’t be completed within the course of an average workday. But rather than perpetually putting off working toward these objectives, think about how great you’ll feel after you’ve gotten started. As I mentioned in the previous section, even if things don’t exactly turn out the way you wanted them to, at least you’ll know you made the effort. 

 

4. Taking Time to Live Life Will Only Inspire Your Work

 

How often in today’s busy world do we put aside our own personal needs in order to prioritize our work needs instead? Finding the right work-life balance can be tough, but when you do, you’ll not only be happier at work, but likely more productive, as well. So go ahead and use all, yes all, of your vacation days every year, and also make sure you’re spending enough time focusing on your health and family life. While work is certainly a big part of our lives, it shouldn’t be all of it. 

 

5. A Smooth Sea Never Made a Skillful Sailor

 

It’s easy to become discouraged and beat yourself up over mishaps at work, but when these things happen, simply take a deep breath and think about the meaning behind this quote. Just as ups and downs are a common part of our personal lives, they’re also typical to everyone’s work experience, even when you love your job and are great at it. Made a mistake on a report? Having problems with a coworker? Stay positive, and don’t let a bad day derail you. 

 

6. Surround Yourself with ONLY People Who Are Going to Lift You Higher

 

Whether they feel threatened by your success or are dealing with tough issues in their own lives, some people seem to thrive on negativity. But while you may have to work with them, you don’t have to let their bad attitudes rub off on you. Seek out mentors and friends who believe in you and can help lift you up with constructive advice, rather than simply drag you down with endless criticism. 

 

7. Success Is Liking Yourself, Liking What You Do, And Liking How You Do It

 

No matter how much money you make or what type of title you have, if you aren’t happy, you won’t feel fulfilled. When you examine your ultimate career objectives, think about this quote and remember that your job should bring out the best in you. It’s definitely no secret that when you feel fulfilled professionally, it will help enrich other areas of your life, as well. Which of these career quotes is your favorite? Are there any other quotes that inspire you to be your best, whether personally or professionally?