Sometimes we all need a little extra help to keep going and stay focused on the road ahead. If things are getting hard or tedious at work, it can be very easy to accept defeat and sink below the rising tide of pressure. This doesn’t mean giving up, it just mean you’re not giving it all you’ve got. Always aim to work to the edge of your ability, pushing boundaries and excelling. Here are words of wisdom from those who have thought long and hard about success and perseverance, and phrase their ruminations coherently and eloquently.  

 

 ‘It is never too late to be who you might have been’ – George Eliot

Also known as Mary Ann Evans, this famous writer didn’t publish her first book until the age of 40 and, constricted by the gender stereotypes of her age, received a fraction of the recognition she was to later accumulate. Nevertheless, she keeps looking ahead at what one has the potential to be.

 

‘The only way to do great work is to do what you love’ – Steve Jobs

Famous entrepreneur Steve Jobs hits the nail on the head with his advice – do what you love! You don’t have to want to be a world famous software developer to enjoy your job. Remember it’s not all about money; your happiness should always come first.

 

‘I walk slowly, but I never walk backward’ – Abraham Lincoln

Patience can be one of our greatest of assets, as founding father Abraham Lincoln here intones. Keep your head up and keep looking forwards. Progress and perseverance will see you through the hard times!  

 

‘Real integrity is doing the right thing, knowing that nobody’s going to know whether you did it or not’ – Oprah Winfrey

Whilst recognition and demonstrating your abilities at work are important, your confidence will stem from your own sense of self. Maintain your integrity, boost your confidence and you’ll see a corresponding improvement in your performance.

 

‘I don’t care what you think about me. I don’t think about you at all’ – Coco Chanel

Never let the opinions or words of others bring you down. Especially at work, small comments or misplaced opinions can be incredibly hurtful. Don’t dwell on improving how others view you – work on improving how you view yourself.

 

‘Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing about’ – Benjamin Franklin

Give yourself an aim; having a purpose, even if small, will give you something to work towards and  hugely increase your levels of motivation.

 

‘I never dreamt of success, I worked for it’ - Estee lauder

 The child of Hungarian Jewish immigrants, Estee Lauder was born into a working class family, and became interested in her uncles business as a chemist at a young age. This remarkable woman worked her way to international success at a time when few women were successful, and her words are a tribute to the effort put into achieving this dream. 

  

Alexandra Jane is the writer and editor of graduate careers advice for Inspiring Interns, a graduate recruitment agency. Check out their website to see which internships and graduate marketing jobs are currently available, as well as their graduate jobs Manchester page for further opportunities.