We Can Go With the Flow, or We Can Put Forth the Effort to Determine Our Own Direction

Remember, a dead fish can float downstream, but it takes a live one to swim upstream.

—W.C. Fields (Image licensed by Penn Wealth)

Focused Action: The Bridge Between Thought and Achievement

Nobody can think straight who does not work. Idleness warps the mind. Thinking without constructive action becomes a disease.

—Henry Ford (Image licensed by Penn Wealth)

What Are You Working Towards, and How Passionate Are You in Its Achievement?

In order to generate positive actions, we must first have a positive vision.

—Dalai Lama (Image licensed by Penn Wealth)

The Stepping Stones of Achievement

Methodically complete your predefined series of actions and accomplishments, and achievement is sure to come.

—Mike Hazell (Image licensed by Penn Wealth)

To achieve our objectives in life and attain a desired state, we must focus our efforts on that which we control. We begin with a clear image of our destination, and then define the accomplishments needed along the way. Each of these come with their own set of actions; tasks which are completely under our control. By breaking the journey down to individual steps, we avoid being overwhelmed and can simply focus on the ground in front of us.  

—Mike Hazell

Flames of Achievement

Trust yourself. Create the kind of self that you will be happy to live with all your life. Make the most of yourself by fanning the tiny, inner sparks of possibility into flames of achievement.

—Golda Meir (Image licensed by Penn Wealth)

View of the desert and Dead Sea from the fortress of Masada

In the Face of Failure

Never confuse a single defeat with a final defeat.

—F. Scott Fitzgerald (Image licensed by Penn Wealth)

We see or read about the success of others, but what is not so apparent are the series of defeats that ultimately led to their achievement. From Edison and Tesla to Washington and Lincoln, those who we consider the most successful in life also dealt with chronic setbacks that would have led most to throw in the towel and quit. In the face of defeat, we unreservedly persist.

—Mike Hazell

It All Originates From Within, the Realm Which You Control

My mind is my kingdom.

—Francis Quarles, English poet, 1592-1644 (Image licensed by Penn Wealth)

Whatever you achieve in life, no matter how large or small, begins from within. You control this kingdom and are responsible for its condition. Make it a gloriously rich and abundant domain which perpetually bears fruit.

—Mike Hazell

No Matter the Past, Believe Unflinchingly in Yourself

Magic is believing in yourself; if you can do that, you can make anything happen.

—Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1828, by Joseph Karl Stieler; Public Domain)

Today Is Your World

Tomorrow is the day when idlers work, fools reform, and mortal men lay hold on heaven.

—Persius (Image licensed by Penn Wealth)

Find Out What Inspires Others, And Help Them Achieve That State

I don’t design clothes, I design dreams.

—Ralph Lauren (Image licensed by Penn Wealth)