Encouraging Quotes from Thomas Edison for Some Instant Motivation ...

1. No Such Thing as Failure

One of the most famous quotes from Thomas Edison is, “I haven’t failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” There is a reason this quote is so famous. It turns the idea of failure on its head. According to Edison, trying something and not succeeding is not failure, it is a lesson in what doesn’t work. Next time something you try doesn’t work out, just consider it a lesson and move on.

2. Hard Work

Being talented at something is wonderful, but having talent isn’t everything. Edison was obviously a very talented inventor, but he asserted, “Genius is one percent inspiration, ninety-nine percent perspiration.” Talent and genius will only get people so far, it is working hard that will help you achieve the most. So, if you are feeling like you aren’t the most talented, remember, talent isn’t everything.

3. Don’t Give up

Edison would have never invented so many things if he gave up when he was frustrated. He had to keep trying, and he knew that, “Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.” If you find yourself feeling frustrated as you are trying to reach a goal, keep trying. It is the only way you will eventually succeed.

4. What Causes Failure

Thomas Edison declared, “Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.” While Edison didn’t believe in failure if people kept trying, he did believe that real failure comes from giving up. Each time you try something, you are one step closer to achieving it. Keep this in mind as you go through life, and never stop trying.

5. Possibilities

Thomas Edison strongly believed that there are an infinite number of possibilities. To express this belief, Edison affirmed, “When you have exhausted all possibilities, remember this – you haven’t” Sometimes it feels like there are no other ways to solve a problem or reach a goal, but there is always another angle you can take. You just have to find it.

6. Capabilities

Most people don’t believe they are as capable as they actually are, and those close to them see their strengths much more clearly than they do. This is why Edison stated, “If we all did the things we are capable of doing, we would literally astound ourselves.” You are capable of so much more than you realize. Believe that you are capable of doing anything, and you will be.

7. Discouragement

Thomas Edison tried many inventions that did not work, but he did not get discouraged. Edison declared, “I am not discouraged, because every wrong attempt discarded is another step forward.” Try not to become discouraged when something doesn’t work. Instead, be encouraged that you just made one step forward!

Thomas Edison was a famous and successful man, who will forever be known as a great inventor. If Edison had not had the drive to keep trying, he may not have become so successful. Thankfully, Edison was persistent, and his persistence and success is a great source of encouragement when you are trying to succeed at something. Which of these quotes is your favorite?

biography.com, brainyquote.com