Remember these when you're unsure at work: short, powerful quotes and sayings that hit home.
When you’re struggling at work or hit a wall, the words of those who came before us can sometimes become a source of comfort.
Short phrases in particular, while simple, often carry deep meaning and have a way of quietly reaching our hearts even in the busyness of daily life.
Here, we’ll share brief quotes from great thinkers and notable figures that gently give you a push when you’re stuck or feeling unsure at work.
They’re sure to help you approach and think about your work in a more positive way.
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When you feel lost at work, remember these! Short, striking quotes and maxims (41–50)
If someone says it’s impossible because I’m a woman, then it’s all the more worth challenging.Sanae Takaichi
These words convey Ms.
Takaichi’s determination to keep challenging herself as a powerful woman striving for the top.
Precisely because politics has long been dominated by men, being a woman alone brings various difficulties—and that is why the challenge has value.
The words not only reflect a commitment to equality that transcends gender and status, but also a reformist spirit aimed at changing entrenched conventions.
It makes you wonder what outcomes this resolve to blaze a new trail will lead to, doesn’t it?
If you’re afraid of criticism, you can’t change anything.Sanae Takaichi
These are words Ms.
Takaichi said in an interview that express her stance on what politicians ought to do.
She argues that taking on major reforms is a necessary attitude for politicians, and that if they fear criticism, those reforms cannot move forward.
It’s a statement that conveys a determination to push ahead—listening to both support and criticism while steering politics toward a better future.
The very fact that she dares to say this suggests she is striving to change something.
Rather than expecting something from others, become the one who creates change.Sanae Takaichi
These are words that convey the importance of taking action, expressing a desire to become someone who can set things in motion rather than leaving them to others.
They also reflect an emphasis on personal responsibility and initiative, and carry a message encouraging many people to think for themselves.
You can also see how the idea of being the one to drive change has enabled this person to continue a long career in politics.
It suggests a political journey marked by striving to act with responsibility and conviction, and to bring about change.
An ideal dwells in a great soul, whereas ambition possesses a small one.Teizo Azuma
These words embody an attitude essential for physicians and researchers who save lives.
Ideals are lofty aspirations aimed at humanity’s health and future, born from a strong spirit of service to society.
Ambition, on the other hand, can be seen as a smaller desire for one’s own fame and status.
Teizo Azuma, a specialist in thoracic surgery, sharply discerned this difference and urged young doctors not to lose sight of their true purpose.
Because the medical world readily rewards results and honors, it carries the danger of becoming ensnared by ambition.
Yet to become a physician truly needed by people, one must continue to hold fast to ideals.
This is a memorable saying that questions the nature of one’s aspirations.
People are often swayed by profit and personal gain. But isn’t it also true that at times we’re driven by our convictions?Shuji Satomi
Isn’t this a quote that fully reflects Shuji Satomi’s sincerity? Regardless of the era, people repeatedly make choices and trade-offs to live, deciding what’s best for themselves.
In reality, there are many situations where, even knowing others may be disadvantaged, we still prioritize gains and losses.
However, even if there’s a chance it could be a negative for oneself, there are things we simply cannot compromise on—that’s part of being human.
This quote makes us reflect on what our own convictions truly are.
Worrying is a waste of time.Seiji Chihara
At first glance, constant worrying can look like serious thinking, but in reality it often becomes a factor that halts progress.
The words of Seiji Chihara, who isn’t afraid to dive into human interactions, convey the importance of taking action before getting stuck in circular thoughts.
Worries have no end, and while you search for answers, only time slips away.
But if you take a single step, you’ll see results—and the next options will come into view.
The learning that comes from action leads to more reliable solutions than worrying does and becomes a force that moves life forward.
Rather than standing still and wasting time, this quote conveys that finding value in taking on challenges is what makes people stronger.
If we were just one minute earlier, we could save one more person.Calvin Coolidge
Let me introduce a powerful quote from Calvin Coolidge: “If you are one minute early, you can save one more person.” Calvin Coolidge was an American politician who also served as President.
This saying—“If you are one minute early, you can save one more person”—was apparently an American firefighting slogan that was introduced to Japan when the American Red Cross used it in 1923 (Taisho 12) to appeal for aid following the Great Kanto Earthquake.
These powerful words that crossed the ocean truly strike a chord, don’t they?
Prepare pessimistically, act optimistically.Kazuo Inamori
Let me introduce a famous quote left by Kazuo Inamori: “Prepare pessimistically, act optimistically.” Kazuo Inamori was a Japanese entrepreneur and engineer.
He founded Kyocera and Daini Denden, which is now KDDI, and served as chairman of the Inamori Foundation, a public-interest incorporated foundation.
He was also honorary chairman of Japan Airlines.
In the planning stage, with a strong will that says, “No matter what, we must accomplish this,” one should reexamine the plan with a pessimistic eye; then, in the execution stage, with the confidence that “We can definitely do it,” one should carry it out optimistically—brightly and with dignity.
Doesn’t this conviction also apply to disaster preparedness?
In the midst of difficulty lies opportunity.Albert Einstein
Albert Einstein, a German socialist who proposed the theories of special and general relativity and is often hailed as the greatest physicist of the 20th century.
His famous saying, “In the midst of difficulty lies opportunity,” seems to teach us that there are no chances to be found on smooth and easy paths.
It’s precisely when we face obstacles and hardships—and decide to overcome or solve them—that we encounter ways of thinking and methods we hadn’t considered before.
This idea resonates with Einstein’s own life, from an unknown patent clerk to a figure celebrated as a great person.
It’s a quote worth keeping in mind throughout life and makes an excellent personal motto.
In conclusion
A collection of moving quotes left by great predecessors in life. Within these short words, the truths and wisdom of life are condensed. When you hit a wall at work or feel like your heart is about to break, please remember these words. The words of those who came before us will surely give you a gentle push forward. Why not start by saving the words that resonate with you in a memo on your smartphone?