5 Quotes About Success, Debunked

While leafing through the still-glossy pages, I came across my graduating class’s pictures and read through the quotes that resonated with us most that we were asked to include. The quotes, etched in tiny black ink, would live on forever next to our young faces, an eternal reminder of who we hoped to become. 

As I read each one, my heart ached for our younger selves. Some of the quotes were about friendship and love, but it was surprising to see how many were about success. It made me realize the very high expectations we set for ourselves at such a young age, and it got me thinking about the fine line between expecting a lot out of our lives and putting so much pressure on ourselves that we eventually crumble. 

Looking back, I’ve been walking that thin line for many years. I put unrealistic expectations on myself at such a young age. At 21, I thought that by the time I turned 30, I would be the Vice President of Communications at a major company (spoiler, I’m 31 and not a VP of Communications). I didn’t understand the ebbs and flows of a career, and that it’s okay to not follow a linear path to success. Not to mention, I had to figure out what success even meant to me. 

Five Quotes About Success—And Why We're Debunking Them 

If I could go back in time and speak to my younger self, I would tell her to enjoy the ride, enjoy all the lessons that come with time and experience, and trust that whatever challenges come her way, she will rise up to meet them with the help of her friends and family. (And maybe find quotes about success that are rooted in a bit more compassion and realism.)

Now, I’m not saying that these popular quotes can’t help motivate you. Rather, I’m suggesting that you find ones that lift you up rather than make you doubt your self-worth. 

While setting goals for yourself is important, putting too many unrealistic expectations on yourself can be a slippery slope. Let’s normalize doing the best we can! And to make us all feel better about where we are and motivate us to reach our goals, here are five quotes about success, debunked—and some different ones you can write on your Post-Its instead. 

Quote #1: "Successful people do what unsuccessful people are not willing to do. Don't wish it were easier; wish you were better." 

This quote by entrepreneur Jim Rohn is basically a model for every MLM shame-based model ever. 

Why it Doesn’t Work:

This is a potentially toxic quote that could lead people to feel like they’re not good enough if they experience a setback or failure. No matter what, we should remember that we are good enough. And if something isn’t meant for us at that moment in time, we are still worthy of achieving it. 

Instead, Consider This Quote:

“Whatever your calling, it’s already rooted within you, and those roots can be trampled or tugged at but never removed. They grow stronger only when tended, nurtured—and, most important, shared with others.” – Oprah Winfrey, Talk Show Host, Producer, Actress, Author, and Philanthropist

Quote #2: "If you can dream it, you can do it.” – Walt Disney, Entrepreneur, Animator, Writer, Voice Actor, and Film Producer

Don't worry, Disney fans. Walt has lots of other quotes you can rely on! 

Why it Doesn’t Work:

While this quote is nice in theory, it’s not very realistic. Dreaming is great, but have you considered what it takes to actually do it? The tools and resources you need to make your dreams come true? If you want to reach your goals, consider the steps you need to take and the network you need to create to get there. 

Instead, Consider This Quote:

“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.” – Shonda Rhimes, Television Producer, Screenwriter, and Author

Quote #3: "Don't be distracted by criticism. Remember, the only taste of success some people get is to take a bite out of you."

This quote, by author and motivational speaker Zig Ziglar, seems to urge you to ignore feedback and consider it jealousy or backstabbing. 

Why it Doesn’t Work:

Bosses or employers who do not take criticism well typically do not retain talent long-term. Taking constructive criticism, especially from people who work for you, is key to being a successful leader. 

Instead, Consider This Quote:

“Be open to growth. When people stop giving you feedback, start to worry.” – Amanda Pouchot, Entrepreneur

Feedback = growth. Period. Even when it's tough to hear or completely unfounded. Feedback and criticism teaches you about yourself and about others. Always listen. 

Quote #4: “Fake it until you make it! Act as if you had all the confidence you require until it becomes your reality.” 

We've all heard this one before, right? And...we have definitely given this advice before (guilty!). But here's the thing about this famous quote from Brian Tracy, Motivational Speaker, and Self Development Author: it doesn't really work.

Why it Doesn’t Work:

I used to mutter “fake it until you make it” to myself before meetings, but I realized I was doing it for all the wrong reasons. I doubted myself way too much and didn’t need to fake it! I knew what I was doing and I was hired to do it.

"Faking it" can be used as a bandage, but you shouldn't rely on this as a mantra. 

Instead, Consider This Quote:

“Confidence comes not from always being right, but from not fearing to be wrong.” – Peter T. Mcintyre, Painter and Author

Quote #5: “Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right.” 

This quote, by Henry Ford, is just plain limiting. 

Why it Doesn’t Work:

A little self-doubt is healthy. Working through it is where the magic happens.

Just because you doubt yourself doesn't mean you are not capable of achieving success. Sometimes it takes a little bit more time and effort to find the confidence we need, but with practice and by surrounding ourselves with people who lift us up, we can figure out what success looks like for each of us. 

Instead, Consider This Quote:

“If everything was perfect, you would never learn and you would never grow.” – Beyoncé