Wrike-Up Wednesday: Favorite Motivational Quote! 💬

Don't let the muggles get you down.

My favorite quote is: “Your scientists were so preoccupied with whether they could, they didn't stop to think if they should.” - Dr. Ian Malcolm from Jurassic Park.

In my role, I do a lot of researching, building, and experimenting, so I’m always thinking about best practices and solid guidelines. But when I’m working with people who bring too big and ambitious ideas to the table, this quote often comes to mind. It helps me remember that just because we can do something doesn’t always mean we should.

“It always seems impossible until it’s done." Nelson Mandela

This one inspires me because it’s a simple reminder that even the toughest moments pass, and finishing strong is often just a matter of taking the next step. Never give up!

“One step at a time is still progress.”

This resonates with me because it reminds me that growth doesn’t have to be loud or fast to be meaningful. Especially in work centered on people, equity, and long-term change, small, consistent steps matter—and they add up. On days when the finish line feels far away, this keeps me grounded and moving forward with intention.

"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat. " T. Roosevelt

A previous boss of mine used to say "we don't do open heart surgery". It really helped younger me with her fear of failure and accepting w ecan make mistakes. (As long as I don't become a surgeon.)

He who fights with monsters should make sure that he does not thereby become a monster. And if you gaze long into an abyss, the abyss also gazes into you.

Not too Christmas-sy but still, one of the best!

"Do or do not. There is no try." - Yoda.

"It is one of the most beautiful compensations of life that no man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself" - Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” - Margaret Mead

I find this rings true in my local context and at larger scale, where every movement starts with a cadre. I want to contribute my best for the next generation.

"Happiness is reality minus expectations." -Oliver Burkeman

It's a great reminder that a lot of things aren't within our control. 

One of my favourite would be: "Nothing in this world that's worth having, comes easy"- Dr. Kelso from Scrubs.

It reminds me that even when things are difficult, it will pay off in the end in some way.

I got a fortune cookie one day that said, "You can't save the world on an empty stomach." 

It reminds me to take care of myself and not get lost in the sauce. 🥟

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." --Jeramiah 29:11

This bible quote reminds me that God has a plan and a purpose for me, no matter what my emotions are about how things are going in my life. He will take all that happens and use it for good. In other words, He's got my back!

"You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose." - Dr. Seuss

I like this reminder that we choose our own destiny and can make of ourselves whatever we want. 

Memento Mori. If you don't know what that means or understand it, I encourage you to look it up.

Also, Steve Jobs' 2005 Stanford Commencement Address is extremely motivating to me. Especially, the third story about death. Nothing has been more motivating!

📖 “Let all that you do be done in love.”

— 1 Corinthians 16:14

Simple and beautiful — our world is pretty amazing, so let's put as much goodness as we can back into it!!!!

"Be yourself; everyone else is already taken" - Oscar Wilde

"If you want children to improve, let them overhear the nice things you say about them". -Dr. Haim G. Ginot

Raised 5 and found ways to help them along the way, this one is near and dear.

No Guts, No Glory! It was something my dad always said.  I used it for my high school yearbook quote and also put it on my daughters belt buckle.

According to a Google web search:

The phrase "No Guts, No Glory" is widely attributed to U.S. Air Force Major General Frederick Corbin Blesse, who used it as the title for his influential 1955 manual on air-to-air combat tactics, popularizing the idea that great achievement requires significant risk and courage. 

audentes Fortuna iuvat  

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

"You can't win if you don't play" - maybe Babe Ruth, definitely the New Jersey Lotto

You might fail if you try something, but you definitely can't win if you never start - so go try something new!

With great power comes greater electricity bills.

"Deeds will not be less valiant because they are unpraised" -Aragorn 

"Just do it!"

Don't be a d***. (Stephen Colbert, when asked what his best life advice is.) 

It's funny, a bit crass, but it IS great advice. Above all else, be a good, kind human. You never know what someone else is going through. Empathy always. 

Something I remind myself often is simply to focus on what I can control, and let go of what you can't. I was a bit of a control freak early in my career and I've learned to let go for my mental health.

Pain is temporary. 26.2 miles is forever. 

One of the lines that encourages me most comes from The Lord of the Rings:

“All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.” — Gandalf

It reminds me that even when circumstances feel overwhelming, I still have agency. I can choose purpose, effort, and optimism, no matter what’s happening around me.