50 Best Quotes About Success And Achievement

When faced with obstacles or seeking inspiration to reach your next milestone, quotes about success and achievement can provide the wisdom and motivation needed to persevere.  


This curated collection of powerful sayings from visionaries, leaders, and innovators offers perspective, encouragement, and practical insight to fuel your journey forward. Whether you're starting a new venture, overcoming a setback, or celebrating a win, these achievement quotations will remind you of the mindsets and principles that drive extraordinary accomplishment in any field.

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Quotes About Perseverance and Determination

1. "Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts."

  • Winston Churchill ๐ŸŒŸ - British Prime Minister who led Britain to victory in World War II
  • This powerful quote reminds us that the journey to achievement requires persistence through both triumphs and setbacks, embodying the essence of what makes quotes about success and achievement timeless.

2. "It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop."

  • Confucius ๐Ÿง  - Ancient Chinese philosopher and teacher
  • Among the most enduring success and achievement wisdom, this quote emphasizes that consistency trumps speed in the pursuit of one's goals.

3. "Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall."

  • Confucius ๐Ÿง  - Ancient Chinese philosopher whose teachings have influenced millions
  • This quote highlights resilience as a cornerstone of accomplishment, speaking to anyone seeking motivation on their path to achievement.

4. "Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny."

  • C.S. Lewis ๐Ÿ“š - British writer and theologian known for "The Chronicles of Narnia"
  • Lewis reminds us that challenges are necessary stepping stones toward meaningful success and significant achievements.

5. "Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved."

  • Helen Keller ๐ŸŒป - American author and disability rights advocate who overcame being deaf and blind
  • Keller's words on triumph over adversity remain among the most inspiring quotes about success and achievement in history.

6. "The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today."

  • Franklin D. Roosevelt ๐Ÿฆ… - 32nd President of the United States who led America through the Great Depression
  • This quote encourages us to overcome self-doubt, a necessary mindset for achieving success in any endeavor.

7. "Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all."

  • Dale Carnegie ๐Ÿ“ฃ - American writer and lecturer, author of "How to Win Friends and Influence People"
  • Carnegie's quote exemplifies how perseverance in the face of hopelessness has been the foundation of humanity's greatest accomplishments.

8. "Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up."

  • Thomas Edison ๐Ÿ’ก - Inventor who developed the electric light bulb and held over 1,000 patents
  • Edison's reflection draws from his own experience of countless attempts before achievement, a powerful reminder for those seeking success.

9. "I can accept failure, everyone fails at something. But I can't accept not trying."

  • Michael Jordan ๐Ÿ€ - Six-time NBA champion considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time
  • Jordan's commitment to effort above outcome has inspired countless individuals on their personal journeys toward achievement.

10. "Fall seven times, stand up eight."

  • Japanese Proverb ๐ŸŽ‹ - Ancient wisdom from Japanese culture
  • This concise proverb captures the essence of resilience that underpins all genuine success and achievement stories throughout history.
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Quotes About Vision and Goal Setting

1. "If you can dream it, you can do it."

  • Walt Disney ๐Ÿฐ - Founder of Disney and pioneer of the animation industry
  • Disney's simple yet profound philosophy has inspired generations to pursue ambitious dreams, becoming one of the most referenced quotes about success and achievement.

2. "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."

  • Eleanor Roosevelt ๐Ÿ•Š๏ธ - Former First Lady, diplomat, and human rights activist
  • Roosevelt's words emphasize how belief in one's vision is essential for turning aspirations into accomplishments.

3. "You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream."

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  • This inspirational quote reminds us that achievement isn't bound by age, encouraging lifelong goal-setting and dream pursuit.

4. "What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals."

  • Zig Ziglar ๐ŸŽฏ - Motivational speaker and author of "See You at the Top"
  • Ziglar's perspective on personal transformation stands among the most insightful quotes on achievement and success in the personal development field.

5. "A goal is a dream with a deadline."

  • Napoleon Hill ๐Ÿ“† - Author of "Think and Grow Rich" and pioneer of personal success literature
  • Hill's practical approach to turning aspirations into attainments has guided countless individuals toward successful outcomes.

6. "The tragedy in life doesn't lie in not reaching your goal. The tragedy lies in having no goal to reach."

  • Benjamin Mays ๐ŸŽ“ - Civil rights leader and mentor to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
  • Mays highlights how directionless living, rather than failure, represents the true barrier to meaningful accomplishment and success.

7. "Vision without action is merely a dream. Action without vision just passes the time. Vision with action can change the world."

  • Joel A. Barker ๐Ÿ”ญ - Futurist and business consultant
  • This quote perfectly balances the relationship between imagination and implementation necessary for significant achievement.

8. "If you want to be happy, set a goal that commands your thoughts, liberates your energy and inspires your hopes."

  • Andrew Carnegie ๐Ÿญ - Industrialist and philanthropist who led the expansion of the American steel industry
  • Carnegie connects emotional fulfillment with purposeful achievement, offering wisdom for those seeking both success and happiness.

9. "The greater danger for most of us isn't that our aim is too high and we miss it, but that it is too low and we reach it."

  • Michelangelo ๐ŸŽจ - Renaissance artist who painted the Sistine Chapel ceiling
  • This quote encourages setting ambitious goals, a fundamental principle in literature about success and achievement.

10. "Goals are dreams we convert to plans and take action to fulfill."

  • Zig Ziglar ๐ŸŽฏ - Renowned motivational speaker and sales trainer
  • Ziglar's practical formula distills the process of achievement into actionable steps, making it one of the most applicable quotes for success-minded individuals.

Quotes About Wisdom on Hard Work and Discipline

1. "The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack of will."

  • Vince Lombardi ๐Ÿˆ - Legendary NFL coach who led the Green Bay Packers to five championships
  • Lombardi's insight cuts to the core of what differentiates high achievers, making it one of the most candid quotes about success and achievement.

2. "Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do."

  • Pelรฉ โšฝ - Brazilian football player widely regarded as one of the greatest of all time
  • This comprehensive perspective on the ingredients of accomplishment has inspired countless individuals pursuing achievement in various fields.

3. "There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure."

  • Colin Powell ๐ŸŽ–๏ธ - Four-star general and first African American Secretary of State
  • Powell's straightforward formula demystifies the path to accomplishment, offering practical wisdom for achievement-oriented individuals.

4. "The only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary."

  • Vidal Sassoon โœ‚๏ธ - Revolutionary hairstylist who created the "wash and wear" philosophy
  • This witty quote emphasizes the indispensable role of effort in any successful outcome, a timeless truth in all discussions of achievement.

5. "Without labor nothing prospers."

  • Sophocles ๐ŸŽญ - Ancient Greek playwright and one of the three great tragedians
  • This succinct ancient wisdom reinforces that diligence underpins all accomplishments, transcending time as a fundamental principle of success.

6. "Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work."

  • Thomas Edison ๐Ÿ’ก - Prolific inventor with over 1,000 U.S. patents
  • Edison highlights how the unwillingness to embrace labor often prevents people from reaching their potential for success and achievement.

7. "The price of success is hard work, dedication to the job at hand, and the determination that whether we win or lose, we have applied the best of ourselves to the task at hand."

  • Vince Lombardi ๐Ÿˆ - Hall of Fame NFL coach known for his commitment to excellence
  • Lombardi's comprehensive take on the cost of accomplishment remains among the most quoted passages on achievement in sports and business.

8. "I'm a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work, the more I have of it."

  • Thomas Jefferson ๐Ÿฆ… - Third President of the United States and principal author of the Declaration of Independence
  • Jefferson's wry observation connects consistent effort with seemingly fortuitous outcomes, redefining luck in the context of success.

9. "The dictionary is the only place that success comes before work."

  • Arthur Brisbane ๐Ÿ“ฐ - One of the most widely read newspaper editors in America
  • This quote cleverly emphasizes that achievement invariably requires effort preceding it, a fundamental truth for those seeking accomplishment.

10. "Talent is cheaper than table salt. What separates the talented individual from the successful one is a lot of hard work."

  • Stephen King ๐Ÿ“– - Bestselling author who has published over 60 novels
  • King's candid assessment draws from his prolific career, offering valuable perspective on what truly drives success and achievement in any field.
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Motivational Quotes Curated For You

Try our free AI Motivation Coach to find the best motivational quotes for your circumstances. Based on your challenges, goals and success.

Quotes About Overcoming Failure and Learning from Mistakes

1. "Success is not the absence of failure; it's the persistence through failure."

  • Aisha Tyler ๐ŸŽฌ - Actress, comedian, director, and talk show host
  • Tyler's insight reframes our understanding of failure as part of the achievement process rather than its opposite, offering encouragement for resilience.

2. "I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work."

  • Thomas Edison ๐Ÿ’ก - Inventor and businessman who developed many devices including the phonograph and motion picture camera
  • Edison's famous perspective on his numerous attempts before success remains one of the most inspiring quotes about achievement for innovators and entrepreneurs.

3. "Success is stumbling from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm."

  • Winston Churchill ๐ŸŒŸ - British statesman who served as Prime Minister during World War II
  • Churchill's definition of success emphasizes emotional resilience through setbacks, a quality essential for meaningful achievement in challenging endeavors.

4. "It's fine to celebrate success but it is more important to heed the lessons of failure."

  • Bill Gates ๐Ÿ’ป - Co-founder of Microsoft and one of the world's leading philanthropists
  • Gates' practical wisdom highlights how learning from mistakes contributes more to lasting success than dwelling on accomplishments.

5. "Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently."

  • Henry Ford ๐Ÿš— - Founder of Ford Motor Company and pioneer of assembly line production
  • Ford's optimistic view of setbacks as educational opportunities has inspired generations seeking achievement through innovation and persistence.

6. "The only real mistake is the one from which we learn nothing."

  • Henry Ford ๐Ÿš— - Revolutionary industrialist who transformed automobile manufacturing
  • This quote redefines mistakes as valuable only when they fail to teach us, offering a productive mindset for those pursuing success and achievement.

7. "Success is most often achieved by those who don't know that failure is inevitable."

  • Coco Chanel ๐Ÿ‘— - Fashion designer who founded the Chanel brand and pioneered modern women's clothing
  • Chanel's counterintuitive observation suggests that naivetรฉ about possible failure sometimes enables the boldness necessary for extraordinary achievement.

8. "Every adversity, every failure, every heartache carries with it the seed of an equal or greater benefit."

  • Napoleon Hill ๐Ÿ“Š - Self-help author of "Think and Grow Rich"
  • Hill's optimistic philosophy about setbacks has guided countless individuals toward discovering opportunities within challenges on their path to success.

9. "Failure is so important. We speak about success all the time. It is the ability to resist failure or use failure that often leads to greater success."

  • J.K. Rowling ๐Ÿ“š - Author of the Harry Potter series who was rejected by multiple publishers before finding success
  • Rowling's personal journey from rejection to becoming one of the world's most successful authors adds weight to her insights on achievement through adversity.

10. "Don't fear failure. Not failure, but low aim, is the crime. In great attempts it is glorious even to fail."

  • Bruce Lee ๐Ÿฅ‹ - Martial artist, actor, and philosopher who revolutionized martial arts films
  • Lee's powerful perspective reframes failure in ambitious pursuits as honorable, encouraging bold action for those seeking significant achievement.

Quotes About Innovation and Creative Thinking

1. "Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower."

  • Steve Jobs ๐ŸŽ - Co-founder of Apple Inc. and pioneer of the personal computer revolution
  • Jobs' insight on the relationship between originality and leadership remains one of the most referenced quotes about success and achievement in technology and business.

2. "Creativity is intelligence having fun."

  • Albert Einstein ๐Ÿงช - Theoretical physicist who developed the theory of relativity
  • Einstein's playful definition of creativity has inspired innovative thinking in fields ranging from science to business, highlighting its role in significant achievement.

3. "The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination."

  • Albert Einstein ๐Ÿงช - Nobel Prize-winning physicist whose theories revolutionized science
  • This quote emphasizes the value of creative thinking over mere information retention, a principle essential for breakthrough success and exceptional achievement.

4. "Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition."

  • Steve Jobs ๐ŸŽ - Visionary entrepreneur who transformed multiple industries
  • Jobs' advice on authentic thinking highlights how independent thought underpins innovative success and meaningful accomplishment.

5. "You can't use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have."

  • Maya Angelou ๐Ÿ–‹๏ธ - Poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist
  • Angelou's encouraging perspective on creativity as an abundant resource inspires those seeking achievement through original contributions.

6. "The difficulty lies not so much in developing new ideas as in escaping from old ones."

  • John Maynard Keynes ๐Ÿ“ˆ - Economist whose ideas fundamentally changed economic theory and practice
  • Keynes highlights the challenge of mental flexibility required for innovative thinking, a crucial element for breakthrough achievement.

7. "The best way to predict the future is to create it."

  • Peter Drucker ๐Ÿ“Š - Management consultant and author widely considered the father of modern management
  • Drucker's proactive philosophy emphasizes how innovation drives success and achievement, encouraging a creator's mindset rather than a passive one.

8. "To raise new questions, new possibilities, to regard old problems from a new angle, requires creative imagination and marks real advance."

  • Albert Einstein ๐Ÿงช - One of history's most influential scientists
  • Einstein's reflection on the essence of progress reinforces the critical role of fresh perspectives in significant accomplishments.

9. "Every worthwhile accomplishment, big or little, has its stages of drudgery and triumph: a beginning, a struggle, and a victory."

  • Mahatma Gandhi ๐Ÿ•Š๏ธ - Leader of India's nonviolent independence movement against British rule
  • Gandhi's structural breakdown of achievement processes offers a universal framework for understanding all meaningful success journeys.

10. "The secret of change is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new."

  • Socrates ๐Ÿง  - Classical Greek philosopher credited as one of the founders of Western philosophy
  • This timeless wisdom on transformation emphasizes constructive innovation over resistance, a principle that remains central to discussions about lasting achievement and success.
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Motivational Quotes Curated For You

Try our free AI Motivation Coach to find the best motivational quotes for your circumstances. Based on your challenges, goals and success.

YOU OWE IT TO YOU IN 2025 - Best Motivational Speech | Matthew McConaughey

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