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’re feeling lost at work, remember these! Short, powerful quotes and sayings that pierce the heart (1–10)
Chase your work; don’t be chased by it.Benjamin Franklin
Benjamin Franklin was a politician who is also counted among those who contributed to America’s independence, and he had the facets of a writer, physicist, and meteorologist.
His famous quote, “Drive thy business; let not that drive thee,” prompts us to reflect on how we engage with our work.
It teaches the importance of working with a clear sense of purpose so that we don’t become so busy that we lose sight of what we’re doing.
These are words to remember when you feel uncertain about your relationship with your work.
Don’t mistake “I can’t do it now” for “I can never do it.”Shigeta Saitō
Known by the nickname “Mota-san,” psychiatrist Shigeta Saito was also highly active as a lecturer and author.
His famous saying, “Don’t mistake ‘I can’t do it now’ for ‘I can never do it,’” teaches the importance of not narrowing your own potential.
There’s a huge difference between thinking, “I can’t do it now, but if I try I’ll be able to someday,” and believing, “I’ll never be able to do it.” These words warn us of the danger of what we say or convince ourselves of, and they highlight a decisive difference in life.
Don’t worry about failures; you only need to be right once.Drew Houston
Drew Houston, entrepreneur and co-founder and CEO of Dropbox.
From his quote, “Don’t worry about failure; you only have to be right once,” we can learn the importance of taking on challenges without fearing failure.
No matter how many times you fail on the way to success, the message that a single success in the end is enough helps dispel the fear of trying.
It’s a quote I’d like to share with those who hesitate to take the first step because they’re worried about making mistakes.
If you don’t even try, it’s the same as failing in the end.Richard Branson
Richard Branson, the British entrepreneur who founded and serves as chairman of the Virgin Group, is known for the saying, “If you don’t try, it’s the same as failing.” From this quote, we can learn the importance of taking on challenges.
Whether you fail after trying or do nothing at all, nothing is created either way—so he teaches us that it’s more hopeful to take action and bet on success.
These words can give you the courage to take a first step when you’re unsure at work.
Start where you are, use what you have, do what you can.Theodore Roosevelt
The politician Theodore Roosevelt, who served as the 26th President of the United States and also earned fame as a soldier, writer, hunter, explorer, and naturalist.
His famous quote, “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are,” is quintessentially Roosevelt, a man of many facets.
If we refrain from taking action because of what we can’t do or don’t have, nothing will ever happen.
This quote teaches the importance of doing as much as we can with the resources at hand—wisdom to keep in mind for any kind of work.
There are no bad subordinates—only bad leaders.Jack Ma
Jack Ma, the Chinese entrepreneur who founded the Alibaba Group and Ant Group and is also known as a visiting professor at the University of Tokyo.
His famous quote, “There are no bad employees, only bad leaders,” prompts us to reflect on how organizations should be.
The message that subordinates’ poor performance stems from problems in the guidance and leadership of those above them may be a difficult idea to accept, especially in Japan.
However, this does not mean subordinates should act arrogantly.
Rather than framing either side as the villain, it’s best to approach work with equal footing and shared responsibility.
The only way to avoid difficulties is to see it through.Robert Frost
Robert Frost, an American poet renowned for his widespread popularity in works that depict complex social and philosophical themes.
His famous quote, “The only way out is through,” reminds us that we must eventually face what truly matters.
No matter how long we keep running or try to postpone the moment, our personal challenges and difficulties will inevitably stand before us again in another form.
His words teach us that if we confront problems and see things through to the end, something will change—regardless of the outcome.