Inspirational quotes that will keep you pumped to meet year-end deadlines

As we come close to another year, it’s time to take stock of the year gone by and chase and push to complete goals before ringing in the new one. Entrepreneurs especially feel the pinch as the third quarter closes and they want to end the last quarter on a high.

Be it the final push to meet revenue targets to hanging deadlines, closing the year can be harrowing. Year-ends are overwhelming at startups, as time slips by faster and goals seem to look far away. During such times, some words of wisdom can help reignite the entrepreneurial zeal.

Nothing is impossible

Staring at a packed inbox or meeting close deadlines can be daunting, especially when you are running against time. But remember the passion that got you here and why you decided to start on your own.

“Never give in—never, never, never, never, in nothing great or small, large or petty. Never give in except to convictions of honour and good sense. Never yield to force; never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy.” – Winston Churchill

Tough times test your resolve to succeed

It is better to do things and then fail than not do them at all. You will only know what you are capable of once you take the plunge. Either you will swim or sink, but in the process, you will learn exactly what you are capable of.

“I’ve missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times I’ve been trusted to take the game’s winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life and that’s why I succeed.” – Michael Jordan

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbour. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” – Mark Twain

“It doesn’t matter how many times you fail. It doesn’t matter how many times you almost get it right. No one is going to know or care about your failures, and neither should you. All you have to do is learn from them and those around you because all that matters in business is that you get it right once. Then everyone can tell you how lucky you are.” – Mark Cuban

“Everyone has ideas. They may be too busy or lack the confidence or technical ability to carry them out. But I want to carry them out. It is a matter of getting up and doing it.” – James Dyson

Keep doing what you need to

Hard times test your determination to stay on track. So when you do get derailed, you need to learn how to pull yourself back up on your own.

“The media wants overnight successes (so they have someone to tear down). Ignore them. Ignore the early adopter critics that never have enough to play with. Ignore your investors that want proven tactics and predictable instant results. Listen instead to your real customers, to your vision, and make something for the long haul. Because that’s how long it’s going to take, guys.” – Seth Godin

So every time you hit rock bottom, know that the only way out is going up. The entrepreneurial pursuit is about the courage to face challenges and come out on top. When in need, use these evergreen quotes to draw strength.