7 Quotes From some of the Greatest Minds to Help Guide You Through Life’s Struggles

We all have struggles in life. It can be in big decisions, career or life changes and sometimes small everyday events that challenge us to the core. But what all great minds strive for is to rise above these struggles, remind ourselves that we are capable and stay motivated to keep going, no matter what.

Take solace knowing that some of the greatest minds have also faced struggles, which they used to reach their greatness. To further boost your morale, here are 7 quotes from some of the greatest minds:

• “When everything seems to be against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it.” —Henry Ford
• “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose.”– Dr. Seuss
• “Success is not final; failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” —Winston Churchill
• “If you can dream it, you can do it.” —Walt Disney
• “The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.” —Ralph Waldo Emerson
• “You just can’t beat the person who never gives up.” —Babe Ruth
• “It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.” —Confucius

1. Napoleon Hill’s Advice on Using Adversity as Fuel

One of the greatest minds, Napoleon Hill, was able to rise to success through his struggles. He firmly believed that all failure is success disguised and that these struggles can be used as fuel to succeed. Hill famously said that, “Every adversity, every failure, and every heartache carries with it the seed of an equivalent or greater benefit.” It is all about keeping a positive outlook and knowing that each struggle is eventually going to lead you to success. That is why you must acknowledge your struggles and not ignore them, to succeed and realize your potential.

It is easy to let negative thoughts take control, but if you take Hill’s advice, you can use these moments to realize that struggle will ultimately make you stronger. The quote “Whatever the mind of man can conceive and believe, it can achieve”, perfectly captures his thoughts on adversity and success. All you have to do is come up with a plan, believe in it and execute it. Truly, it is all about how you see the struggles that shape your path.

2. Marcus Aurelius’ Wisdom of Looking Within

Stoic philosopher Marcus Aurelius is famous for his writings in Meditations and his unwavering confidence and faith even in the face of struggles. He advises to look for solution, understanding and acceptance of our struggles within ourselves. He says that “The universe is change; our life is what our thoughts make it,” and to fight the turbulence of life, we must stop searching solutions in the external and look deep within ourselves.

Sometimes, life throws us a curveball, no matter how much we try. But we must never forget, that the goal is to make peace with our circumstances, accept our struggles and learn to rise above them. These are important life lessons to remember in order to keep on keeping on in life. The more we accept our struggles, the lesser their impact will be on us. Only by looking deep into ourselves, can we find the core of our being, and the strength to take steps forward.

3. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Strength in Perseverance

Perhaps the greatest minds spoke about their struggles the most, since we seek strength in knowing that even the strongest had to encounter hardships. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. also went through struggles and said that, “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”

It is important to remember that while dealing with the harshest of adversities, the strength of your character will remain intact if you persevere. He also said that, “If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.” So it is important to keep in mind that even when you are in the thick of hardships and despair, you must stay focused and keep going on the path to success.

4. Eleanor Roosevelt’s Kindness towards Your Struggles

The former first lady and ex-First Lady of the United States Eleanor Rooseveltalso experienced life struggles. She firmly believed that compassion towards our struggles is the key to success. Even in the middle of our troubles, kindness always help us keep going and succeed. As Roosevelt said that, “You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face.”

She advises to bravely face your challenges and not hide away from them, but face them with kindness. Kindness towards our struggles are trust in our inner strength and the reassurance that we can achieve greater than the situation at hand. If you take it one step at a time, eventually you will find the candle of hope and strength to achieve greater ways.

5. Buddha Belief of Life as a Journey

The founder of Buddhism, Buddha, is known for his compassionate and wise words. He also met his share of struggles but famously said that “Life is a journey, not a destination.” The idea there is that life is rarely a linear path and it is filled with challenges, trials and highs and lows.

He advises us to not succumb to struggles, rather embrace them and view them as a part of your journey towards success. The only way to move up is to take the risks associated with these struggles, assess them and make decisions. It is okay to be vulnerable and to open up to disappointment and setbacks, as long as you are painting a grey canvas to greatness with every decision that you make.