10 quotes that throw gasoline on my fire.

Iain Robertson
4 min readOct 3, 2021
A sign for a Beijing Comedy Club that is coming soon. Photograph by Iain Robertson.

It has not been the easiest of weeks but when it gets tough… the tough get going. Thank you, Mr Billy Ocean, for that inspirational quote. I like a good sentence, lyric or quote to keep me motivated, and the right words at the right time can change the tide of uneasiness.

In my journal today, I spent some time reflecting on the quotes that I have captured and refer to more often than others. I have an entire note entry of well over a hundred quotes in my notes app on my phone, where I capture and highlight the quotes that resonate with me.

I capture some words or a sentence of my own to link the quote to something tangible. ‘Write and think’ around the quote as my mentor would say. I recommend that you do the same if you are someone who likes to retain a deeper connection to the words from others.

I thought I would share the quotes that have been highlighted by me as I have moved through this year. It has been a year of discovery, and as I set myself on a path to something new, I have had to lean on some insights from others.

I share the words and the reason for taking them and putting them closer into my personal space… ‘Write and think around the quote’

Positive mental attitude in the face of frustration caused by others.

“We cannot change our past. We cannot change the fact that people act in a certain way. We can not change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude”

Charles R. Swindoll

I will keep working on my own self-development because that is what I can control.

“Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself”

Rumi

Constantly challenge yourself because the world is full of things to explore.

“You will enrich your life immeasurably if you approach it with a sense of wonder and discovery, and always challenge yourself to try new things.”

Nate Berkus

Don’t rely on anyone but you, others have the habit of surprising you with their commitment to themselves.

“I prayed for twenty years but received no answer until I prayed with my legs.”

Abolitionist, author, and runaway slave Frederick Douglass on taking action

Design the future that you want be having a party in.

“One reason people resist change is because they focus on what they have to give up. Instead of what they had to gain.”

Rick Godwin

It’s your choice to make, so always look on the bright side.

“Most people choose unhappiness over uncertainty”

Tim Ferris

Remove the fear by getting started and do not stop at creating things.

“Every artist was first an amateur”

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Time is not on your side so make the most of each day.

“My favourite things in life don’t cost any money. Its really clear that the most precious resource we all have is time”

Steve Jobs

People will criticise because it’s the easy option and it is just one person from a world of many.

“And these children that you spit on, as they try to change their worlds. Are immune to your consultations. They’re quite aware of what they’re going through.’

David Bowie, Changes.

You inspire others if you share without fear because many people don’t share because they are with fear.

I’ll leave you with this quote “by doing your thing — as opposed to what you think you ought to be doing — you kindle a fire that helps keep the rest of us warm.” Keep doing what you’re doing. It’s fab!

Hayley Christie

The last words were written by a friend on my Facebook who encouraged me and who probably does not know how their words picked me up the day that I read them.

Inspiration can come from anywhere and from any person. If you take the time to listen to what people say, I mean, listen and hear what is said, you will discover the wisdom of many ordinary people.

The correct words spoken or shared at the right time can make an impact on people. Speak more, share more and listen more.

When you hear something you like, recognise that, speak out your thank you. Take the note and write beside your entry what it means to you and why.

Only valid when we listen and allow our experiences to be affected before or after the event.

“Quot medicinae…tot sententiae’

Alec Booth

Originally published at http://getrichslowlylife.com on October 3, 2021.

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Iain Robertson

I live, love and work in Beijing in China and I write about leading teams and wrestling with personal development while I stumble my way to financial freedom.