Richard Branson started his first business at just 16 and it marked the the first of many businesses Branson was behind. Today, Branson is a world-renowned businessmen, adventurer and philosopher.
As the founder of the Virgin Group, he is one of the richest individuals in the world. Yet, what makes this man so remarkable is not his personal wealth, but his desire to have a positive impact on the world.
He is an inspiration to millions of people because he lives life to the fullest and isn’t afraid to take chances. He has always been a dreamer, a schemer and a pioneer. He has failed so many times in life — most of which have given way to his many successes.
Entrepreneurship necessitates failure and Branson is a testament to the fact that you have to take risks in order to fulfill your greatest desires. Each quote below encompasses the immeasurable optimism that has led Branson to where he is today:
1. “Some 80 percent of your life is spent working. You want to have fun at home; why shouldn’t you have fun at work?”
So many people needlessly wake up every single day and say, “I hate my job.” Well, there’s a very simple solution to this: do something else. You are the master of your fate. Don’t trick yourself into thinking that you can’t get anything better, or that you are lucky to have that job because there are so many unemployed people.
The most successful people in the world are where they are because they were never completely satisfied. They keep fighting until they mold the world around them instead of letting the world mold them.
Life is short, so don’t waste it doing something that makes you miserable. If you want something, stop making excuses for not having it — and go after it. Sometimes you have to suffer in the short-term in order to be happy in the long run.
Life is meant to be enjoyed; work and play do not have to occur separately. Think about how wonderful it would be to wake up every day and be excited for work. You can make that a reality; you have the power to make it happen. Do what you love. Don’t waste your life. Because we only get one.
2. “You don’t learn to walk by following rules. You learn by doing, and by falling over.”
Be bold. Don’t live a prescribed lifestyle. Success does not come to those who follow the beaten track. You have to be an innovator. Remember that at one point the airplane was a mad dream. Today, we have conquered the skies. The greatest human achievements have all been products of insane ideas.
We all have to fail in order to grow as human beings. In order to rise, you first have to fall. Do not buy into the illusion that any failure is final. Keep fighting, keep working. Stay mentally tough.
A resilient mind requires unforgiving optimism — so don’t allow anyone or anything to fill you with negativity.
3. “I have always looked on my businesses not just as money-making machines, but as adventures that can, I hope, make people better off.”
Make your life and your work an adventure. Learn with each step you take. In the process, bring others along for the ride.
The most successful people in history have always improved the lives of those around them. You can’t take money and material goods with you when you die, but if you give back to the world, your legacy lives on. In the process, you will inspire others to be philanthropic in the future.
The world was never meant to be owned or ruled by one person — we’re supposed to share it. Build an empire, and then open your doors for all to share in its wonders.
4. “Good brands reflect the histories of the time and the group of people that made them. They can not be copied. They can not be recycled.”
Be unique; don’t attempt to find success by copying what others have already done. Remember that an individual is as much of a brand as a company is. You were born with qualities that only you possess, so don’t try to emulate others too often.
We can all learn from those who have come before us, but ultimately, success is about carving your own path in the world. Surround yourself with a team that fuels your creativity. Expel all naysayers and doubters. Positivity is everything.
5. “The brave may not live forever – but the cautious do not live at all.”
President Abraham Lincoln once stated, “In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.” Live your life to the fullest. Enjoy every single moment. Don’t be afraid to take risks and try new things.
If you do fear something, all the better reason to try it. What’s the point of being alive if you don’t do things that take your breath away? You can’t be too cautious or tentative if you want to make it to the top. Push yourself to the limit and don’t box yourself in.
6. “Screw it; let’s just do it.”
This is something you should say to yourself as often as possible. If you are reluctant to do something, go for it. Ultimately, you will regret all of the things you had the chance to do, but didn’t take advantage of.
The wisest people in the world have gained their knowledge and perspective by making a multiplicity of mistakes. Embrace all that life has to offer. We live in a big, random and exciting world — don’t let anyone take that away from you, especially yourself.