20 Work Quotes that Will Help You Excel in Your Job

We love reading inspirational and motivational quotes. Not only do they uplift our senses, but they also serve as a guide for us to do better. When words are from people who are influential, inspirational, and well-known, they become more powerful. These words can make a massive difference when applied to everyday living. When it comes to your work, there can be times that you seem to lack the will to perform the job effectively. When that happens, a dose of motivation is what you'll need. If you want to excel in your job, here are 20 work quotes that you should apply in your life.

#1 "Dreams don't work unless you do. – John C. Maxwell

We all have dreams in life that we all want to achieve. They inspire us, motivate us, and give up a boost of strength to be more determined. It's always a great feeling when weaving those amazing dreams, big or small. However, a dream will remain a dream unless you take action. Dreams are made to inspire, but they should also be made into reality. Dreams will only work when you do something and work hard for it. If you dream of a job promotion, you should become a responsible employee and become more dedicated when doing your tasks. Be patient and persevering despite all the hurdles along the way.

#2 "It's not what you achieve; it's what you overcome. That's what defines your career." —Carlton Fisk

Yes, reaching the peak of success is such a gratifying feeling. You feel the essence of the results you've got after a long journey of plans and actions. However, do not let yourself get drowned in what you have achieved. What matters most are the paths and trails that brought you that peak of success. Remember all the trials, challenges, sacrifices, and adjustments you've gone through and overcome. It's a learning process, and it's all worth it.

#3 "Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life." --Steve Jobs

All of us are given the same number of hours each day. However, you may be asking why it seems that we are not given the same opportunities. It's the determination that sets successful people from those who chose not to take action. Believe in yourself and all your capabilities. Use your talents and never underestimate the power of self-esteem. You can make other people's success your inspiration, but do not live as if like that for so long. Do not let yourself just live on hopes and sentiments. What you need to do is to learn and work on things on how you'll excel.

#4 "There is a crack in everything, that's how the light gets in." – Leonard Cohen

Sometimes, bright ideas come from errors and flaws. Serendipity, as they call it, but there can be gems found from unexpected sources. When it comes to your job, mistakes are sometimes unavoidable. There are times you might already be doing your best, but still, the end result is frustrating. Great inventions are rooted in necessity. So, if you're in a job that can utilize your creativity, make sure to find a way where you can contribute something.

#5 "Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal; nothing on earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude." --Thomas Jefferson

Attitude is what often sets apart successful workers from other people. The right attitude can help you excel in your job. The right initiative, responsibility, and commitment are some of the common examples.

#6 "Everything you've ever wanted is on the other side of fear." --George Addair

Fear serves as the hardened wall that separates you from the road to success. Unless you learn how to overcome your fears and hesitations, you will never see that a brighter side is real. Always find the silver lining in every storm. Find the courage in your heart and the strength to pulverize the fear that hinders you from achieving even bigger goals.

#7 "Successful and unsuccessful people do not vary greatly in their abilities. They vary in their desires to reach their potential." --John Maxwell

It is not an excuse for people to say that some individuals have greater talents and given privileges. We are all given a similar number of hours each day – no more, no less. As such, we are also given opportunities. The only thing that makes a difference is the choice of utilizing those opportunities to unleash your potentials. If you keep staying stagnant on what you already know, you'll end up complaining in life, and success can be nowhere to be found.

#8 Life can be much broader once you discover one simple fact: Everything around you that you call life was made up by people that were no smarter than you, and you can change it, you can influence it, you can build your own things that other people can use. Once you learn that, you'll never be the same again. – Steve Jobs

Never underestimate the power of your ideas. You may not know it, but it can be an original and bright idea that can profoundly impact the world. Imagine how today's successful people started with a small idea. They cultivate it, improve it, and introduce it to the world- and the rest is history.

#9 If you can't tolerate critics, don't do anything new or exciting. – Jeff Bezos

Feedback and constructive criticisms are crucial parts of career building. Take those things as positive ways to improve your performance. Be grateful that people are offering you channels for improvement. Remember that when you are receiving feedback and criticisms, you are doing something interesting.

#10 You don't make progress by standing on the sidelines, whimpering, and complaining. You make progress by implementing ideas. - Shirley Chisolm

Always aim to be productive when you are working. Instead of complaining and finding faults in others, focus on taking action and implementing great ideas. Success is kinder to people who are working hard and are always willing to take risks. So, don't be afraid of creating great life's milestones.

 #11 Absorb what is useful, disregard that which is useless.- Bruce Lee

One of the reasons people are not going forward is that they are being hampered by things and thoughts that are not needed. Whether it's in an office or home, removing things and decluttering your thoughts are both necessary. You will only waste time and effort keeping things that do not contribute to your goals.

#12 Someday is a disease that will take your dreams to the grave with you. Pro and con lists are just as bad. If it's important to you and you want to do it 'eventually,' just do it and correct the course along the way. – Tim Ferris

Waiting for your dreams to work for you will only keep you behind. Work for your dreams instead. It doesn't matter how fast or slow you are, but what matters most is that you're taking steps carefully.

#13 Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day. You shall begin it serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense. – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Each day is a new opportunity and should not be wasted. Seize what you have to do today so that you can give your best to each task. Start each day with a determined mind and keep it that way going forward.

#14 Self-doubt does more to sabotage individual potential than all external limitations put together. – Brian Tracy

The most dangerous enemy you can have is yourself. When you limit yourself with the opportunities- and believe that you can't do something big- reaching success can be difficult. Keep high confidence in your capabilities. Believe that you are bound to make great things happen.

#15 "You can't build a reputation on what you're going to do." —Confucius

If you want to create a successful name in the field you have chosen, make sure to work for it the hard way. You can't expect success in your job when you're not doing anything at all. Planning and dreaming are both useless when proper actions are not implemented.

 #16 Your best ideas, those eureka moments that turn the world upside down, seldom come when you're juggling emails, rushing to meet the 5 P.M. deadline, or straining to make your voice heard in a high-stress meeting. They come when you're walking the dog, soaking in the bath, or swinging in a hammock. – Carl Honore

Your work can be stressful and challenging. There are times tasks can be difficult, and your output seems to be not productive. It will be helpful if you can set a time for yourself. Have a silent moment, a peaceful time frame to meditate and refresh your mind. Take a break at work and or have a vacation when possible. Let your thoughts flow freely in a stress-free environment.

#17 "The leadership role is really to build the riverbanks and let the water flow freely." – Bonnie Brooks, vice-chairman of Hudson's Bay Company

Appreciate the leadership or management in the company. Or, if you're someone in the top management level of your work organization, remember that your role is to guide your people. It's not controlling and directing them at all times. Let them contribute ideas and suggestions to the company. Make them feel that they are appreciated so that they can be more motivated.

#18 "We're all privileged, but I think an awareness of that is important, and we don't just start accepting the fact that that's the norm." – Daniel MacIvor

Being aware and humble of our privileges will help us become more ready to face any work tests. However, we should also make sure that we try to innovate and learn something new each day not to be exiled from the norm. There should also be an effort to step up the game when building a professional career.

#19 "It's not the size of the dog in the fight that matters, but the size of the fight in the dog in the fight that matters." – Maurice Vachon

Do not underestimate your skills and capabilities. What you need to recognize is how big your efforts and actions you've taken to reach your goals. There is no dream that is small or big when a person is genuinely determined.

#20 "Do the one thing you think you cannot do. Fail at it. Try again. Do better the second time. The only people who never tumble are those who never mount the high wire." —Oprah Winfrey

Learning is a never-ending process. That is why you should be courageous in trying something new. Even if you fail, be afraid not to try again. There is nothing wrong with committing errors; that only means that you are trying. Learn and keep going. Finally, appreciate the journey that you've taken.

Final Thoughts

Your job does not only require you technical and communication skills. You should also have the right attitude and positive mindset. In times you may feel less motivated due to stress and other environmental factors, remember these work quotes to get you back on the right track.