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.
I’d rather fight than bend. If you give in even once, you’ll instantly get a reputation for being weak.
President Trump possesses strong leadership—the kind that can be called essential for anyone at the top.
He’s also known for powerful charisma and decisiveness.
These words may come from his accurate understanding of his own position and reputation.
If rumors ever branded him as timid, it would not only dull his appeal but likely affect his support itself.
To continually captivate people and project strength… that’s far more difficult than bending or breaking.
The only way to reach an extraordinary place is by steadily piling up small efforts.Ichiro
Ichiro Suzuki—known simply as Ichiro—excelled in both Japanese and American baseball and became the first Asian inductee into the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
These words, so characteristic of a man universally recognized for his dedication, may serve as a source of strength for those who are struggling to see results or feel they’ve lost their way.
We strive for our goals and dreams, but the small efforts we make each day—especially when the finish line is out of sight—can sometimes feel burdensome.
Yet he reminds us that it is precisely these small efforts that pave the way to achieving great goals.
Let’s keep these words close to heart and do our best to never neglect our efforts in anything we do!
There are no solutions in life. What exists in life is only a force in motion. We have to create that force. The solutions will follow afterward.Saint-Exupéry
Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, the novelist who wrote The Little Prince, a work loved around the world.
Here is a passage from one of his masterpieces, Night Flight.
Life never goes backward.
As we keep moving forward, we must overcome many things.
However, moving forward requires effort.
He tells us that as we proceed through life by trial and error, we can find solutions to each of our problems.
If you’re troubled and have come to a standstill, try, above all, to take a step forward.
Believe in the 1% chance, believe in yourself, and believe in what you’ve done.Yuto Horigome
At the Paris 2024 Olympics, skateboarder Yuto Horigome competed in the men’s final.
He put up a high score in his first run, but fell in his second and couldn’t improve his total.
Meanwhile, a strong American contender posted a big score, and Horigome entered his fifth and final attempt in provisional seventh place.
By landing a high-difficulty trick, he pulled off a brilliant comeback and won the gold medal.
Horigome spoke about times he nearly gave up and how he kept believing in even a 1% chance.
It’s a memorable quote that drives home the importance of never giving up.
Doing things without changing what I aim forRyo Ishikawa
The 2013 season, in which he took on the challenge as a member of the U.S.
men’s tour.
These were the words Ryo Ishikawa spoke as he carried great expectations and pressure.
He said it was important not to change his playing style in order to maximize his abilities in an unprecedented environment.
When the environment changes, the people around you change as well, so it’s hard to do everything as usual.
But how you keep from losing yourself in that situation leads to victory.
You can really feel Ishikawa’s strong will, as someone who has always played golf to win.
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.