“Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.” Maya Angelou
Women’s History Month is a great time to look at the words of Maya Angelou and the lessons they have for entrepreneurs. This quote has 3 lessons for entrepreneurs. These lessons are:
- No one can define success for you
- Find a way to do what you like
- Do work that makes you proud
No one can define success for you
One of the first lessons an entrepreneur must learn is that no one can define success for you. For some entrepreneurial success is creating a Fortune 500 company. For others, success is earning enough money to pay for extra treats for the children. If both these entrepreneurs reach their goals, they are both successful. There is no one definition for success. An entrepreneur must learn to define success for herself and then to work diligently to achieve that success.
Find a way to do what you like
There is something wonderful about being able to find work that one likes to do. Most people must work. People work for money, personal satisfaction or even to alleviate boredom. It doesn’t matter what kind of work a person does, if you must work, find a way to do work that you enjoy. When you work, it is important to put forth your best efforts at all times. Entrepreneurs who do this are more likely to be successful. It is easier to work hard, day after day when one is doing the type of work that one enjoys. So, while you set out to work, find a way to do work you like. Even if the work you do is hard or unpleasant, find something in it that brings you joy.
Do work that makes you proud
One should always make an effort to do her best work so that she can be proud of what she does. There is something good and wonderful about being able to do a good job and hold one’s head up with the pride of success and accomplishment. When you are proud of the work you do, you are more likely to find the strength to get up and do the work day after day after day. When you are proud of the work you do, you are more likely to know the value of your work. Pride in what one does and what she is able to accomplish also helps one push forward towards the success she desires.
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They say those who ignore history are doomed to repeat it. Entrepreneurs who want to succeed should ABL aka Always be Learning. So, the question for you this terrific day is, what lesson do you think a smart entrepreneur can learn from today’s quote?
I love Maya and all her work. She inspires me to do and be better every day!
I just love Maya. Thanks so much for sharing her inspiration in your post.
I like everything you mentioned here and I am 100% agree with you, that no one can define your success, only you can define it.
Those are some great tips on what success is. I like liking what you do!
So many great women are out there. They are great role models for all of us.
I couldn’t agree more with Maya Angelou’s quote. Success isn’t just about having more money or being so powerful. It’s about being happy on whatever you’re currently doing.
What this post means to me is that following your passion really does lead to your success. Success isn’t about having a boatload of money. It’s about being happy.
I procrastinate. If I enjoy what I am doing I am less likely to procrastinate.
I am really not an entrepreneur but I like your quote at the top of this post. You can apply it to anything really – for me it is a reminder to keep pressing forward no matter how hard the circumstance.
I really love the flexibility in your definition of success. I have zero desire to be the head of my department, but I do want to be good at what I do. I agree that it’s important for everyone to determine what success looks like for themselves.
When you have wise words from a wise woman they remain relevant and impactful for life!!
Thank you!
Maya Angelou is so inspiring. I love this quote too “Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.” I’m making a note of it.