They say there’s no better advice then the type that comes from the people who have achieved the goals that you want to reach. We’ve grabbed the most powerful quotes from five of our favorite self-made woman to fuel you with some inspirational drive for your week. What they’ve got to say and (the greater lessons embedded in them) are definitely words to live by.
Shonda Rhimes (screenwriter, director, producer)
“Dreams are lovely. But they are just dreams. Fleeting, ephemeral, pretty. But dreams do not come true just because you dream them. It’s hard work that makes things happen. It’s hard work that creates change.”
1) Everyone has that one thing that can’t stop thinking about: their dream of success. But dreams don’t become reality on their own. You will find that there are few people that are willing to “walk the walk” – the grind, the hours, the sacrifices for your dream is what will separate you from the rest. If you want to be that top director, the highest-paid actress, or a well-respected businesswoman then you’ve go to be willing to put in the sweat equity to get there. There’s truly no other way.
“I think a lot of people dream. And while they are busy dreaming, the really happy people, the really successful people, the really interesting, engaged, powerful people, are busy doing.”
2) Shonda makes success simple and easy for anyone to understand: if you want to make it happen, make it happen – stop talking, stop wishing, start doing.
Selena Gomez (actress, singer)
“All the people who knock me down only inspire me to do better.”
There is nothing greater than a hater. We know, that sounds counter intuitive but it’s not. Instead of fueling your anger towards people that want to see you fail and be miserable, convert their negative energy into power for yourself. Stunt on them and don’t let them see you sweat. Because when you finally arrive, and I mean FINALLY ARRIVE, the people that once talked shit about you will be your biggest fans. So yeah, girl —stop waisting minutes of emotion on people who want to drink your tear drops.
“You have every right to a beautiful life.”
Don’t let past mistakes or regret keep you from living the life you deserve. Let go of the “what ifs”, quit the things that entrap you in mediocrity, and get out there and start living. You have nothing to lose — start living today.
Lady Gaga (singer and songwriter)
“Some women choose to follow men, and some women choose to follow their dreams. If you’re wondering which way to go, remember that your career will never wake up and tell you it doesn’t love you anymore.”
Don’t allow a significant other to get in the way of your dreams. If that person is not there to support you in making your dreams a reality, then they aren’t the right one for you. Love is important, but self-love is even more important and if you aren’t seeking to make yourself happy on your own, you shouldn’t waste your time seeking that happiness in another person.
“You have to be unique, and different, and shine in your own way.”
Remember when it was cool to be like everybody else? To be a follower? To want to be accepted. (We’re taking you back to middle school…we know.) Ditch that idea pronto. Being yourself is what sets you apart. Own the uniqueness that is you and never let it go.
Iliza Schleslinger (comedian)
“This isn’t a bra, it’s body armor. And this isn’t make-up, it’s war paint.”
Own your femininity and don’t let anyone try to put you down for it. Women are much stronger than societal forces will make us believe. Don’t ever be intimidated by men — speak your mind and add your two cents in those business meetings. By being submissive and piping down, we continue to promote the stigmas that effect women daily. Be proud of your double X chromosomes and empower the strong woman inside of you.
“Passion always finds a way. Follow your passion and everything else will work work out.”
Your parents may have told you to follow the college degree that would lead to the largest paycheck in your bank account. They were right and wrong. You should aim for success (in whatever terms that may mean for you – financially, emotionally, etc), however, it should never be at the expense of your own personal happiness. Be smart and strategic when navigating your goals – it may not be easy to survive in New York City on $10 an hour as you pursue your dreams of becoming a musician. But if you’re able to find a job that pays your bills, doesn’t stress you out, and gives you the free time to live your passion after-hours then you’ll be on your way to swapping that day job out with your true full-time passion.
Adele (singer, songwriter)
“I kinda define power by having the confidence to make your own decisions and not to be swayed by the people.”
Everyone is going to have an opinion on your life and what you should do. But your gut instincts, that feeling you get in your stomach, the whispers you hear in your head, are the true roots of your internal power and confidence. Trust your intuition, analyze advice with critical thinking, and breathe life into the ideas that bring you the most solace in your heart. Only you know yourself the best — don’t lose your power by being a follower or a people pleaser.
“No matter what you look like, I think the key is to be happy with yourself.”
Take our words: confidence stems from who you are, not who you want to be. There will never be another you, another woman with your finite set of chromosomes and genes. Accentuate your strengths, own your flaws, and live life desiring to be you and only you.
