45 Most Inspiring Success Quotes About Business and Life

The road of entrepreneurship is not easy but the great thing is that many people have done it before you. Which means that you can do it, too. 

So, why start at ground 0 when we can start by learning from the best of the best. We have asked our partners and fellow business owners from all of the globe to share their favorite inspirational life and business quotes with us.

The best thing about this article? They not only shared their favorite inspiring success quotes about business and life, they also shared their personal stories and business advice. 

Keep on reading to find out what kept these entrepreneurs going through fears of failure and the hard times.

Motivational Success Quotes About Business – Building a Business

There are three types of people in this world: those who make things happen, those who watch things happen, and those who wonder what happened. – Mary Kay Ash

Each of us, whether as a private person or as someone who runs a business, we can choose to take responsibility for our actions every day.

We can decide how we run our business: I want to help make good things happen.

Isabella Paradiso – Founder of Hautnah Remseck

Things may come to those who wait, but only things left by those who hustle. – Abraham Lincoln

Yes, some things might come to those who wait.

But, you have to reflect whether this is enough for you – the leftovers of others.

Or whether you need to start creating the life and business that you want.

Krystian Madej – Mentoring Group Offenbach

Success Quotes about Business – Stop Procrastinating Version

There is no too soon. – No famous person claimed this quote yet.

I recommend all founders to go to market early, iterate quickly and keep the customer in focus.

This way you can react quick to possible problems and receive valuable feedback at an early stage, in order to improve the product and identify and reflect on possible weak points.

Hans Knöchel – Co-Founder and CEO of Lambus

Never try, never know.

This is something I tell my team all the time. So often we have ideas but are afraid to take action. Fear of failure is holding us back.

However, I’d rather know what doesn’t work than regret not ever trying it.

If I never tried combining charity work with our capitalistic system (Charitalism), then many people would still be cutting down trees instead of planting them.

Chris Kaiser – Founder and CEO of Click A Tree

I didn’t have to become perfect because I have learned throughout my journey that perfection is the enemy of progress. – Janelle Monae

I credit this quote for inspiring me to stop waiting to be perfect and just go after what I truly want.

I have failed many times since I made the decision to start my own online business, but, with every failure I have learnt something new and incredible. I do not fear failing anymore, and I do not chase perfection – I embrace both my failures and successes wholeheartedly.

Sudhir Khatwani, Founder and Editor of The Money Mongers

Screw it, let’s do it.- Sir Richard Branson

Early on when I started with my business venture, especially in blogging, many naysayers told me that I was not doing the right thing.

But in response to that, I decided to focus on my passion and focus on my own journey and growth. And I have yet to regret it.

Rohan Kadam – Editor of Biking KnowHow

Everything I have ever done has started small. – Jeff Bezos

This quote validates (since it was made by the owner of such a gigantic company) that any little positive effort we make is important. And this could extend to all areas of life besides business too, whether it is eating something healthy, beginning to do a little exercise, or sharing a smile with someone who needs it.

Bracha Goetz – Author at Bracha’s Books

The fact that you have even signed up for this class is a very bad sign. – Jerry Seinfeld

In other words, is there something you’re dreaming about? Stop thinking and start doing.
Experience is the best teacher.

Darren Litt – Co-Founder of Hiya

Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart. –  Steve Jobs

Some people might roll their eyes at Steve Jobs quotes but there’s a reason why you see so many of them – he was a visionary. 

To an outsider my latest mission might seem like a big task for a solo founder like myself, but my thinking is captured perfectly by this quote from Steve Jobs.

Cameron Bogatez – Founder of Rocket

Inspirational Success Quotes About Business – Solidarity Version

What you want to ignite in others, must first burn inside yourself. – Aurelius Augustinus

It took me a long time to figure out what I really wanted to do. Many topics speak to me but no topic ignites a fire in me like Environmental Protection.

If you want to inspire others, you first have to be inspired yourself.

Nicole Pawollek – Founder of Umweltschutz macht Schule

The success of every woman should be the inspiration to another. We should raise each other up. Make sure you’re very courageous: be strong, be extremely kind, and above all be humble. – Serena Williams

When I started my small business, I experienced so much female power right from the start!

Through the support of other founders, I was always encouraged to stay on top of things and never had the fear of standing alone. I like to be inspired by the success of other women and I support otherswherever possible!

Lilly – Founder of Lalovliy

Quotes About Resilience

You can’t build strength without resistance. – No famous person has claimed this quote yet.

This quote parallels lifting weights at the gym with the struggles of life and business. In both cases, it is the resistance that helps you build strength.

As an entrepreneur, it is important to remember that challenges are normal throughout the entire lifetime of your business and that, with dedication, the lows can transform to highs.

Lindsey Wander – Founder of WorldWise Tutoring

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

What inspires me as a business owner is to never allow failure to stop me from dreaming.

This quote had a great impact on my motivation and perseverance to be better everyday, despite all the hardships. It helps me keep my eyes on the prize and to keep on standing after a fall.

Jacob J. Sapochnick – Immigration Attorney + Social Media Influencer

I’m convinced that about half of what separates the successful entrepreneurs from the non-successful ones is pure perseverance. – Steve Jobs

I very strongly believe that all business ideas are very good and it is the execution which makes a difference.

When executing, you might realize that things are more difficult than they sounded. That is where the enthusiasm and perseverance starts to wear off. Ultimately, people who keep preserving with their efforts succeed.

Saurabh Jindal – Founder of Talk Travel

If you don’t have a competitive advantage — don’t compete. – Jack Welch

To me, this quote is brutally honest. It states that having a unique selling point, a willingness to innovate, and an edge over competitors is not simply an option. Rather, it’s a requirement if you wish to succeed.

It can be the difference between blending in with the crowd and leading the pack, so be sure to ask yourself what your competitive advantage is before taking a leap of faith. This is the first question I ask myself and my team whenever changes are made, and it never fails to inspire me.

Paul Sherman – CMO of Olive

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Success Quotes about Business – Mindset

If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito. – Dalai Lama

We believe that every person should have the opportunity to be happy and to discover the world.

Our fashion label therefore tries to produce clothes for adventurers and world explorers as sustainably as possible. Even if this path is difficult and sometimes seems hopeless – it is not easy to sleep when a mosquito is in the room.

Jonas – Founder of Rubeo Clothing

If you don’t ask, you don’t get. – Mahatma Ghandi

Very early in my career, as I was navigating corporate America, I was watching people around me receive promotions while I was not. When I decided that I needed a seasoned mentor, my boss explained that I had to take control of my career and the direction it would head as no one will tap you for things without some self-branding and self-advocacy. While at the same time, asking for what I wanted was the only way to open the door to receiving a favorable decision.

I learned that asking was not hard for me, nor was receiving a no as I was in no different place than if I had not asked. This advice has served me well as I embarked on my entrepreneurial journey. I have asked so many people via my network and extended network for advice and guidance along the way.  Being a first time business owner is one of the hardest professional challenges that I have taken on, however, asking for help along the way that have resulted in several “yes” replies have been priceless.

Jaclyn Strauss – Founder of My Macro Memoir

If everyone is thinking alike, then no one is thinking. – Benjamin Franklin

This quote reminds me of how important it is to set yourself apart and walk your own path. So many people are afraid to take risks: perhaps they’re afraid to fail, or their family, friends, and colleagues would hesitate to do the same. However, your unique thinking and willingness to experience uncertainty is exactly what makes you unique, and the very attribute that can lead to success in life and in business. This quote is short, but no less powerful, and shares a valuable lesson on the importance of taking risks.

Brian Turner – CTO of Convert Binary

Life is a marathon, not a sprint. Stay the course.

My best friend’s father, who is a business mentor to me, used to tell me. This quote has made me stop comparing my success to my peers. It’s given me the mindset to keep pushing knowing my time will come.

Keeon Yazdani – CMO of Elevate Delta 8

What I can control exists inside of me, it is how I respond to difficulties, that’s where my power resides. – Overheard at a yoga studio

As a nomadic entrepreneur that travels around the world, I am fortunate to experience varying cultures, people and societies.

The diverse views of different people have really shown that in life and business, it is all about your own perspective towards any challenges.

We cannot control external factors, being powerful is actually being in control of your own inner emotions and reactions to situations.

Rax Suen – Creator of Nomads Unveiled

The grass is always greener where you water it.

This quote really stuck to me because I stopped looking at those further ahead of me but rather started looking at how I could create value in my life. I learned to tackle issues and hold myself accountable for the things that happened in my life rather than attributing it to dumb luck. 

Over time, I’ve grown my business to a 100-man team and I still remember my father’s words echo through me whenever I feel I haven’t done much in life.

Austin Fain – CEO of Perfect Steel Solutions

Everything you’ve ever wanted is on the other side of fear. – George Addair

I was afraid of so many things for so long. I suffered from horrible anxiety attacks for over 15 years and had an awful lifelong fear of flying. I feared even dreaming because what I wanted meant I had to face my fears. Even that frightened me.

Facing and minimizing my fears was the best thing I ever did! I no longer suffer from anxiety attacks and no longer have a fear of flying. In fact, I have now traveled the world!

Melissa Smith – Founder of Association of Virtual Assistants

Opportunities don’t happen – you create them. – Chris Grosser

This quote was a life changer for me. I kept waiting for the ideal circumstances or a one-in-a-lifetime opportunity. When this didn’t happen, I felt incredibly disappointed.

That’s when a fellow entrepreneur shared this quote with me and it snapped me from such a passive attitude. I realized I had to be much more active and seek out opportunities instead of just waiting for them to happen.

Nick Chernets – CEO of Data for SEO

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Positive Inspirational Life Quotes – The Most Important Things in Life

Appreciation is one of the most beautiful forms of recognition. – Ernst Ferstl

In college, the term “appreciative leadership” was praised as the be-all and end-all of corporate management. At the time, I found it extremely exaggerated to spend so much time with this “soft fact” and not deal with the “hard facts” such as controlling figures, contract drafting and profit.

In everyday working life today, treating employees with respect is the most decisive factor, often best conveyed through small things, conversations or benefits.

Barbara Pröbstl – Werdenfelserei

Hope is a nice memory of the future. – Gabriel Marcel

I see myself as a critical optimist about the future. Of course, the world is not yet perfect, but it is much better than its reputation. And those who always assume the worst are barricading themselves from looking at possible solutions and thus improvements.

That is why I wish for more optimism in thinking about tomorrow. A new courage that the future can get even better. This enables us humans to solve many of the outstanding problems by approaching them cooperatively and, above all, constructively. It is not about blind confidence or hope, but rather a moderate, rational or better said critical optimism about the future. For the sake of simplicity, it could also be called possibilism. Because the future is a creative space and we are the designers – if only we want to.

Daniel Anthes – CEO of Knärzje

Ordinary people think merely of spending time; but the wise think of saving it. – John Maxwell

It’s easy to spend time on the things that are urgent, but most of those things aren’t really important.

Ask yourself what is important and focus on that. Then, take a step back and look at the big picture. What are you working on? Is it going to help you reach your goals? When you are busy but still focused on what is most important, then you have found your rhythm as a business owner.

Joshua Haley – Founder of Moving Astute

Don’t worry about being successful but work towards being significant and the success will naturally follow. – Oprah Winfrey

I remember when I was having a job interview for a prestigious company and the interviewer asked me how did I see myself in 10 years from then, to which I answered ‘being successful’. He smirked at me and recited the phrase from Oprah Winfrey that has stayed with me until today.

Jesse Thé – President & CEO of Tauria

Transparency is the key to great partnerships – in both life and business.

I learned this working with great CEOs in my career and through my own personal relationships. As I get older I realize it’s the only way to walk through life.

Matt Lally – Founder of TheGiftYak

Essentialism (…) is about making the wisest possible investment of your time and energy in order to operate at our highest point of contribution by doing only what is essential. – Greg McKeown

Starting out my business, like many, I got sucked into trying to get as many things done by myself as possible.

I’ve now learned to step back and delegate the ‘trivial many’ tasks to others, often more suitable people while putting more time and effort into the ‘vital few’ that really makes a difference in driving my business forward in the long run.

Tim Sutton – Founder with CoffeeGeek TV

 Someday, your life will flash right before your own eyes. Make sure it’s worth watching. – Gerard Way

My grandfather who was a successful small business owner would always tell us this and it has got me to where I am today.

Lucas Travis, CEO of Inboard Skate

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Entrepreneur Quotes Motivational – One of a Kind

The average gives the world its substance, the exceptional gives it its value. – Oscar Wilde.

In my experience, everything that is not standard sticks in people’s minds. Everything that stands out from the market and maybe started with a vision has made history. My personal drive to place this withdrawal criterion in the market and to connect it with my personality.

Stephanie Kubik – Managing Director of SK Hotels and Venues

You were born original, don’t die a copy.

I feel every entrepreneur should live by this quote in one way or another, as it’s easy to fall into the trap of wanting to do what everyone else is doing.

Especially with everything being so public and heavily shared on social media – but it’s important to sometimes take a step back and think “is this in line and relevant to my brand?” And if the answer is no – finding a creative & more strategic alternative that fits your unique needs.

Sílvia Pinho – Social Media Manager & Online Educator

It is better to fail in originality than to succeed in imitation. -Herman Melville.

We want to show off who we are, how we act, and what we have to say. However, it is essential to remember that sacrificing oneself to please others is a failure.

But in my perspective, if your beliefs are correct, you should stick to them. It is not a good idea to change oneself to impress people in life, whether it is in your work, with your life partner, or even with a stranger.

Paul Ryan – Founder of Abstract Roofing & Construction

It’s kind of fun to do the impossible. – Walt Disney

 I had a rough start like most business owners and my stress level was deadly high.

Then I realised that instead of resigning from something that seems to be too difficult, I can make it into funny challenge and act like a crazy scientist, who is trying to rule the world *Muhahaha*

It reduced my stress just by thinking differently.

Dima Suponau – Co-Founder of Number For Live

This could also interest you: 39 Best Tree Quotes about Life and Business

Quotes about Resilience – Adapting

Package the same idea differently, and the result can be truly spectacular. – Dr Raman K Attri

When I was 6 months old, I contracted polio and lost the ability to walk. Though I walked with the help of walking aids, the one thing that I lacked was speed.

I used my immobility as leverage to sit for hours and immerse myself in the world of learning. And that’s what has taken me where I am today. The same mantra is applicable in business or any other aspect of life. When one idea fails, repackage it differently, and results can be incredible.

Dr. Raman K Attri – KLA Corporation

Business opportunities are like buses, there’s always another one coming. – Richard Branson

I truly believe in this because opportunities are unlimited, especially in business there are a lot of potential ideas that we can use and it is a never-ending innovation in business.

Adrian Oliver – Founder of Home Grown Roof

If you do what you’ve always done, you’ll get what you’ve always gotten. – Tony Robbins.

This quote from Tony Robbins spoke to me and pushes me to try new things, take a leap, and continue to expand on my efforts. You should never sit still or the things chasing you will catch up and eventually pass you. Keep moving, keep pushing, and aim higher in life and business.

Yeelen Knegtering – CEO and Co-Founder of Klippa

Today is the opportunity to build the tomorrow that you want. – Ken Poirot

All of us have dreams and at some point, we have doubts and fear. But, upon hearing this I was moved and encouraged despite the hardships especially during the beginning of my business. Those words thought me to be brave and take on the first step today if I want a different tomorrow for my business and my life.

Lynda Le – Nail Technician and Founder of Polish Perfect

The most powerful force for change resides within you. The key to change is to help you find, strengthen, and act on it. – Dr. Allan Zuffoff

Reading this quote was a light switch moment for me. I was in a time when I really felt the need for things to shift. This quote made me realize that for change to happen, all I needed to do was to trust myself.

Michelle Davies – Co-Founder & Editor-In-Chief at The Best Ever Guide To Life

Be the change you wish to see. – Mahatma Ghandi

This served me well during my time as a volunteer in law school, helping those in need to get the legal aid they needed. I saw people at the end of their rope, sorely in need of justice and only barely hoping to find a path to get it.

Alejandro Uriarte – Personal Injury Attorney

Entrepreneur Quotes Motivational – About Failure

I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.― Thomas A. Edison

As a self-employed insurance agent, I’ve tried many different marketing techniques that haven’t gotten me anywhere to reaching my goals. Each time I fail, I try to take the positive from it and move on to the next attempt. The point is—don’t give up, follow your passion, and you will reach your goals eventually!

Brian So – Brian So Insurance

“The real test is not whether you avoid this failure, because you won’t. It’s whether you let it harden or shame you into inaction, or whether you learn from it; whether you choose to persevere.” – Barack Obama

When I saw this quote I realized that it was okay to make mistakes and even fail; it’s all about how you react to failure and persevere through everything.

We went through some failures and made mistakes, which only made us stronger in the end because it made us stronger in the end.

Lindsey Allard – CEO and Co-Founder of PlaybookUX

Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up. – Thomas Edison

I came across this quote when I was struggling with my first company and almost wanted to throw the towel in.

These words gave me the strength to persevere through the tough times until I made a success of my business. Today I keep this quote framed above my desk as I work.

Brad Touesnard – Founder & CEO of SpinupWP

Inspirational Life Quotes Short

Find our compilation of inspirational life quotes short – right here.

If it is to be, it is up to me.

My dad, who was told he would never walk because of polio, taught himself to walk and even built a very successful freight business.

He always used to say to me ‘if it is to be, it is up to me’. These words have helped me build my own business and brand and even though I have employees, I will never forget that at the end of the day, it is always up to me as to how well I and my business do.

Shaun Taylor – Owner of Moriti Private Safaris

Everything you’ve ever wanted is on the other side of fear. – George Addair

What you want to ignite in others, must first burn inside yourself. – Aurelius Augustinus

Everything I have ever done has started small. – Jeff Bezos

Business opportunities are like buses, there’s always another one coming. – Richard Branson

Screw it, let’s do it.- Sir Richard Branson

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

If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito. – Dalai Lama

It’s kind of fun to do the impossible. – Walt Disney

The most effective way to do it, is to do it. – Amelia Earhart

I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.― Thomas A. Edison

Appreciation is one of the most beautiful forms of recognition. – Ernst Ferstl

If everyone is thinking alike, then no one is thinking. – Benjamin Franklin

Be the change you wish to see. – Mahatma Ghandi

If you don’t ask, you don’t get. – Mahatma Ghandi

Opportunities don’t happen – you create them. – Chris Grosser

If plan “A” fails — remember you have 25 letters left. – Chris Guillebeau

Ordinary people think merely of spending time; but the wise think of saving it. – John Maxwell

It is better to fail in originality than to succeed in imitation. – Herman Melville

Today is the opportunity to build the tomorrow that you want. – Ken Poirot

If you do what you’ve always done, you’ll get what you’ve always gotten. – Tony Robbins

Do what you can, with what you have, where you are. – Theodore Roosevelt

If you don’t have a competitive advantage — don’t compete. – Jack Welch

Famous Steve Jobs Quotes

You just came here for the famous Steve Jobs Quotes? Here you go:

I’m convinced that about half of what separates the successful entrepreneurs from the non-successful ones is pure perseverance.

If you really look closely, most overnight success took a long time

Everything around you that you call life was made up by people that were no smarter than you. And you can change it, you can influence it.

Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart.

We’re all in this together

Everything you see around you, was at one point an idea. A small seed in someone’s mind.

We all have them from time to time: ideas about what could make the world a better and easier place. 

But only a couple of people sow their seeds into soil and nurture them until they grow into a beautiful tree – We call those people entrepreneurs.

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