
I thought it would be cool to share some good motivational quotes which I have found to be helpful. If you are into quotes, you will find a listing in the sidebar to the right. One of my all time favorite motivators is Zig Ziglar. I have seen him live four times, read all his books and have most books on CD for traveling.
The following quote has stuck with me since the first time I saw Zig live in 1997.
You can get everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want. – Zig Ziglar
Wow! Powerful. It’s how I try to live my life. Anyone out there who has personally interacted with me knows, I will help anyone, in minute, without thought, if you are helping yourself. That’s how I roll! For instance, in the workplace, I am in management. I spend much of my time working with others, lifting the group. Promoting, encouraging, giving credit to others. I don’t EVER steal credit or tut my own horn. I don’t have to. I know that if my team shines, I shine. The reverse is also true, if everyone that works for me is pissed off, unappreciated and feeling like I am stealing their thunder, I will be dragged down with them. Just my two cent for the day!
I am also a huge fan of Thomas Jefferson and Ben Franklin. Ironic that my friend Tim over at Sogeshirts Blog wrote this really funny post about our founding fathers in present day. Check it out!
So, here we go in no particular order:
“People often say that motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing – that’s why we recommend it daily.” – Zig Ziglar
Desire is the starting point of all achievement, not a hope, not a wish, but a keen pulsating desire which transcends everything. – Napoleon Hill
To succeed, jump as quickly at opportunities as you do at conclusions. – Ben Franklin
Determine never to be idle. No person will have occasion to complain of the want of time who never loses any. It is wonderful how much may be done if we are always doing. – Thomas Jefferson
It was character that got us out of bed, commitment that moved us into action, and discipline that enabled us to follow through. – Zig Ziglar
We are not animals. We are not a product of what has happened to us in our past. We have the power of choice. – Stephen Covey
When you’re finished changing, you’re finished. – Ben Franklin
Edison failed 10, 000 times before he made the electric light. Do not be discouraged if you fail a few times. – Napoleon Hill
I find that the harder I work, the more luck I seem to have. – Thomas Jefferson
The key is not to prioritize what’s on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities. – Stephen Covey
You will find the key to success under your alarm clock. – Ben Franklin
I hope you have found something of value that you can use in your own life. I have read books by or about everyone above. I find that revisiting the quotes is a good source of motivation and has helped me tremendously over the years.
TIP: If you have trouble finding the time to read, get your favorite book on CD. Listen while driving and turn unproductive time into a learning experience.
Also, I highly recommend The 7 Habits Of Highly Effective Teens by Sean Covey. Both of my kids have read this book and seemed to really connect with it.
Have a favorite quote, do share! Thanks for visiting!
Pictured above: My son climbing in a 2006 trip to Bryce Canyon, Utah.
My name is John.






























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Great post! I believe in the law of attraction. You get what you put out. So I try to be positive, giving and honest; and it seems to be working.
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John reply on June 21st, 2008 5:45 pm:
Thanks Donna! I also believe that you get back what you put out! It’s so true. And positive, giving and honest are three great traits!
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Awesome quotes! You didn’t mention 2 of my favorites…
Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it – Charles Swindoll
There is no such thing as luck. Luck is when Preparedness meets Opportunity! – some smart dude
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John reply on June 21st, 2008 5:47 pm:
Thanks for the additional quotes, nice choices! I don’t believe in luck, your quote by some smart dude sums it up!
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I like that 10% what happens to you, and 90% how you react to it. So true, and your reactions can affect those around you.
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John reply on June 21st, 2008 5:50 pm:
Eric, you said it, beat me to it! And how you react definitely affects those around you! Thanks!
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Wow what a great post John. Fantastic quotes and a great outlook and perspective from yourself. Putting in my Jefferson/Franklin post is icing on the cake thanks for that. I like Jefferson’s the harder I work quote.
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John reply on June 21st, 2008 8:43 pm:
Thanks Tim, I am glad you enjoyed the post. I really liked your Jefferson/Franklin post and wanted to share. Thanks for all the support you have given me and my blog. Much appreciated.
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Hi John,
I have always liked this quote too. You can get everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want. – Zig Ziglar Sounds like you would be a good manager to work under. You have a great personality! Many Blessings for you and your lovely family!
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John reply on June 25th, 2008 10:12 pm:
Thanks Robin, I like so many of Zigs quotes, it was hard to choose just a few.
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What an illustrious group of people thinking alike. What a great group of like minded thinkers to be part of here. Thanks for all if this my friend. =0)
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John reply on June 25th, 2008 10:15 pm:
Hi David, I’m glad you are a part of this group. You always have so much to contirbute. Thanks!
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We think alike here! What you said about helping people IF they are helping themselves…even though I don’t drink or use drugs I have always known several people who did (because of my ex). Because they know me to be generous and helpful they would often turn to me in times of crises. Thats always been my policy to help those who are helping themselves. The first quote you have listed here is one of my favs and I love the last one, hadn’t heard it yet.
Here’s a great quote about overcoming failure to get to success:
“I have missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I have lost almost 300 games. On 26 occasions I have been entrusted to take the game winning shot… and missed. And I have failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why… I succeed.” ~ Michael Jordan
Thanks for the inspiration John!
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John reply on June 25th, 2008 10:19 pm:
Thanks Allison, that’s a great quote from Michael Jordan. I have always thought he is such a good role model for our children.
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What an inspiring post. Thanks for the quotes. They’re the type you want to copy and put on your refrigerator for daily reminders. As a long-suffering perfectionist I love the one from Napoleon about Edison failing over 10,000 times before he created the light bulb. It’s okay to make mistakes.
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John reply on June 25th, 2008 10:22 pm:
Sarah, you’re welcome! Putting quotes on your refrigerator is a great idea. And yes it is okay to make mistakes, as long as you learn from them! Take care. =)
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I love the Ben Franklin one about changing! I have such a hard time with change. These are great and I am going to put them on my fridge next to ssgreylords posts. It is my inspiration area. Thanks for this great post!
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John reply on June 25th, 2008 10:30 pm:
You’re welcome Heidi! The fridge is a great place for motivational material.
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Wonderful quotes..motivational as well as inspirational.I like the following most:
“People often say that motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing – that’s why we recommend it daily.” –
God bless.
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John reply on June 25th, 2008 10:24 pm:
Yes, that is a classic Ziglar quote!
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Hi John,
I did a review of your site here.
http://jeflin.net/2008/06/22/top-entrecard-droppers-3/
Regards.
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John reply on June 25th, 2008 10:24 pm:
Thanks Jeflin!
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Reading your post made me think about all the people, books, and quotes that have given me inspiration and motivation. One book I love is called “As A Man Thinketh.” The book has the similar concepts of The Secret yet deals also with personal virtues and qualities. Very powerful inspiring words.
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John reply on June 25th, 2008 10:26 pm:
Hey Big Game, thanks for the heads up on “As A Man Thinketh”. I will have to check it out.
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Great post, I am a huge quote person-it is actually how I start my day. Each day I start with a good quote or mantra to set the day off right. I also really like Zig Ziglar!!
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John reply on June 25th, 2008 10:28 pm:
Bridget, yes I also rely on quotes for inspiration. I carry my most prized quotes in my wallet.
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I really like Zig Ziglar’s quotes. Actually the 2nd quote of Zig Ziglar is one of my favorites. It was that quote that really made me realize that I have to work hard to keep my motivation at its peak.
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Fantastic motivational quotes! I need to add a couple to my daily quote widget. Good old Ziggy!
Regards, Matt
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