Life as an entrepreneur can be extremely tough, which is why it is important to sometimes pause and listen to inspiring quotes that keep you going.
But it's one thing to read a quote, it's another to see it brought to life by an artist's interpretation. Often, the imagery combined with the quote can have a far more profound effect than the words by themselves.
And, in the world of small business, finding the right words at the right time could mean the difference between success and failure - especially if you're at the point where you really need something uplifting.
I found a bunch of inspirational/motivational quotes decorated with images and typography that I thought I would share with you here. All of these images are freely available in various formats to use as wallpapers for your PC, tablet, or smartphone - so, it's worth taking a look around the site and setting one as your wallpaper.
1. Sometimes the smallest step in the right direction ends up being the biggest step of your life
Unknown
![Sometimes the smallest step in the right direction ends up being the biggest step of your life]()
This quote speaks to me the most because, looking back, the decisions that involved changing the course of my life (like deciding to start a part time online business) had the biggest impact.
Doing something (anything) that pulled me out of my comfort zone has never been a bad thing.
2. Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny
C. S. Lewis
![Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny]()
Almost every parent will tell their kids, at some point, that it's better to earn the things they want in life - otherwise, they won't appreciate it. The things I value the most are the things I have had to suffer for.
This applies to entrepreneurs in the sense that overcoming obstacles often "prepares" their startups to meet the needs of the market better.
3. There is no great genius without a mixture of madness
Aristotle
![There is no great genius without a mixture of madness]()
To me, this quote is about pushing the envelop in order to do something extra-ordinary - even if it means that you seem a bit mad to everyone else. Or perhaps, I would say it like this:
"Genius looks like madness until everyone else understands it"
4. Sometimes you just have to take the leap and build your wings on the way down
Kobi Yamada
![Sometimes you just have to take the leap and build your wings on the way down]()
I had never heard of this one before, but I find that it says a lot about being an entrepreneur in beautifully efficient way. So many people I know spend far too long making sure everything is just right before they put themselves out there. Sure, it's important to be prepared, but the time will almost never be "just right", so why delay?
5. It is a beautiful thing when a career and a passion come together
Unknown
![It is a beautiful thing when a career and a passion come together]()
Well, this one struck me as kind of obvious - except that we're often so busy trying to balance our work, careers, lives, and passions that we rarely get them to meet up, and if we do, we don't even recognize it.
I guess you could say that we should be thankful - even if the road is long and hard - if we have (or make) the opportunity to do something we love.
What other quotes have helped motivate you in your job/work? Share your favourite saying in the comments below.
