Orison Swett Marden

Put the uncommon effort into the common task… make it large by doing it in a great way.

Unless you have prepared yourself to profit by your chance, the opportunity will only make you ridiculous. A great occasion is valuable to you just in proportion as you have educated yourself to make use of it.

There can be no great courage where there is no confidence or assurance, and half the battle is in the conviction that we can do what we undertake.

Many a man has finally succeeded only because he has failed after repeated efforts. If he had never met defeat he would never have known any great victory.

The Universe is one great kindergarten for man. Everything that exists has brought with it its own peculiar lesson.

All who have accomplished great things have had a great aim, have fixed their gaze on a goal which was high, one which sometimes seemed impossible.