Weekly Inspiration

Each week we will feature a quote on this page that is memorable and inspiring and which gets to the heart of an important truth about how to achieve success.

May 2010 Archive

31st May Quote of the Week

The key to successful leadership is influence, not authority. 

This quote comes from Ken Blanchard, the author and management expert.

In order to be an effective leader it is not enough simply to have a senior position or to be invested with authority. Excellent leaders are those that understand, inspire and motivate others.

If we can do this, we can lead effectively no matter what position we are in.

24th May Quote of the Week

I am careful not to confuse excellence with perfection. Excellence, I can reach for; perfection is God's business. 

This quote comes from the American actor Michael J. Fox.

Striving for excellence is central to fulfilling our potential and getting the most out of our lives.

However, we should be wary of being too perfectionist. The danger of perfectionism is that it can lead to us putting a huge amount of effort and resources into trying to make improvements that will make little or no difference.

It is also likely to leave us feeling discontent and frustrated as, by definition, perfection is often not achievable.

17th May Quote of the Week

It’s hard to beat a person who never gives up. 

Persistence, determination and the fortitude to keep going even when things are going against us are qualities that are essential if we are to get the most from our lives and achieve outstanding success.

We cannot expect life to be easy, but we can be confident that if we keep going forwards we can overcome our setbacks and fears. As we do this more and more we will grow and be able to handle anything that life throws at us.

10th May Quote of the Week

You will never find time for anything. If you want time you must make it. 

This quote comes from the philanthropist and politician Charles Buxton, who was instrumental in the abolition of slavery.

Often our time is taken up on pressing and urgent matters and there is a danger that we don’t spend enough time on those things that are really important.

In order to live life to the full, we need to identify the things that are most important to us, to set goals connected with these things, and then make the time to work on achieving these goals.

3rd May Quote of the Week

Feel the fear and do it anyway. 

This quote is also the title of a book by the great self-help writer Susan Jeffers.

If we are to live our life to the full, it is important not to let our fears limit us.

If we want to get the best out of life, giving into our fears is not an option.

Fear is a very uncomfortable emotion, but we have to accept it and push through it in order to make the most of life.