If you’ve ever tried to drive a vehicle on empty, you know it’s not going anywhere fast. “Running on fumes” is something we should avoid for our cars and our daily lives. I don’t know about you, but it’s a challenge to feel motivated and inspired when we have nothing left to give.
There’s merit in looking to the advice and success of those around us. If you want to recharge your mind and your motivation, look no further than these thought-provoking quotes from businesspeople, entrepreneurs, and forward-thinkers.
8 Quotes to Recharge Your Entrepreneurial Mind
“For good ideas and true innovation, you need human interaction, conflict, argument, and debate.” – Margaret Heffernan
Human beings don’t typically like conflict. In fact, many of us tend to be conflict-avoidant. However, conflict, arguments, and debate are not only beneficial, but they are necessary. It’s a natural part of the human experience. The key is that we, amid these tense moments, are willing to listen and explore ideas and perspectives we have not yet encountered.
“There is no innovation and creativity without failure. Period.” – Brene Brown
Failure is essential. None of us enjoy failing – it feels bad. However, failure opens us up to innovation. It forces us to explore new solutions and new ways to move forward. If we never fail, we will never be pushed to come up with novel solutions.
“Exploration is the engine that drives innovation. Innovation drives economic growth. So let’s all go exploring.” – Edith Widder
Natural curiosity is a gift. Never make the mistake of believing that you know it all or know enough. Exploration these days looks less like machetes in the jungle and more like spending time with new knowledge. Spend time on yourself, engaging in new ways to grow and learn.
“Innovation is taking two things that already exist and putting them together in a new way.” – Tom Freston
Don’t feel pressured to create something from nothing. As much as we want to rely on our own inner thoughts and creativity, innovation more often comes from that which already exists. We just have to think about these things in new ways that address human needs and desires.
“Innovation is hard. It really is. Because most people don’t get it. Remember, the automobile, the airplane, the telephone, these were all considered toys at their introduction because they had no constituency. They were too new.” – Nolan Bushnell
The entrepreneur can become easily discouraged, particularly when their career and financial stability depend on flourishing. It might feel as though no one “gets it” or wants what you are trying to accomplish. Persevere. Innovators face rejection, roadblocks, and misunderstandings all the time. It takes time to get your footing, to earn trust, and to grow that necessary constituency to succeed.
“The only way you survive is you continuously transform into something else. It’s the idea of continuous transformation that makes you an innovation company.” – Ginni Rometty
Change is scary. Companies and individuals alike tend to want to stick to what already works. But innovation doesn’t happen when we stick to the status quo. Be willing to change, transform, and grow into something new – something remarkable.
“I think frugality drives innovation, just like other constraints do. One of the only ways to get out of a tight box is to invent your way out.” – Jeff Bezos
You might feel as though you don’t have “enough” to realize your entrepreneurial vision. Enough money, enough time, enough knowledge, enough experience. Whatever you feel you are lacking, you don’t have to let it hold you back. Don’t let it be an excuse. Nothing breeds innovation like need, limits, and desperation. Allow your limitations to inform new ways of thinking, problem-solving, and innovating.
“A dream will not become an innovation if there is no realization.” – Ciputra
The difference between a dreamer and a doer is action. You might be wary of taking the necessary risks to accomplish your vision, but you must. Otherwise, dreams will stay dreams. What’s holding you back from taking the next step? If you find yourself stuck in the “brainstorming” stage of creativity and innovation, figure out what steps you need to take to move closer towards realization.
What quote on innovation or entrepreneurship inspires you to keep moving forward? Share in the comments.