Inspirational Quotations

All of us have so much more time than we use well. How many hours in a life are spent in a way of which one might be proud, looking back?
—Walter Kaufmann (German-American Philosopher)

Paradise is surrounded by what we dislike; the fires of hell are surrounded by what we desire.
—Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi (Persian Muslim Mystic)

Even a stopped clock is right twice a day.
—Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach (Austrian Novelist)

True courage is not the brutal force of vulgar heroes, but the firm resolve of virtue and reason.
—Alfred North Whitehead (English Mathematician, Philosopher)

God loveth a cheerful giver.
—The Holy Bible (Scripture in the Christian Faith)

Decision is the spark that ignites action. Until a decision is made, nothing happens…. Decision is the courageous facing of issues, knowing that if they are not faced, problems will remain forever unanswered.
—Wilferd Arlan Peterson (American Author)

Trust, but verify.
—Russian Proverb

Learning is wealth to the poor, an honor to the rich, an aid to the young, and a support and comfort to the aged.
—Johann Kaspar Lavater (Swiss Theologian, Poet)

The moment of near despair is quite often the moment that precedes courage.
—Christopher Hitchens (Anglo-American Social Critic)

Words are a wonderful form of communication, but they will never replace kisses and punches.
—Ashleigh Brilliant (British Cartoonist)

Nothing is so beautiful as spring—when weeds, in wheels, shoot long and lovely and lush; Thrush’s eggs look little low heavens, and thrush through the echoing timber does so rinse and wring the ear, it strikes like lightning to hear him sing.
—Gerard Manley Hopkins (English Poet)

I think that one should recognize reality even when one doesn’t like it; indeed, especially when one doesn’t like it.
—Charlie Munger (American Investor, Philanthropist)

Intuition becomes increasingly valuable in the new information society precisely because there is so much data.
—John Naisbitt (American Trend Analyst)

God was invented to explain mystery. God is always invented to explain those things that you do not understand.
—Richard Feynman (American Physicist)

How prudently most men creep into nameless graves, while now and then one or two forget themselves into immortality.
—Wendell Phillips (American Abolitionist)

The course of true love never did run smooth.
—William Shakespeare (British Playwright)

People who make no mistakes lack boldness and the spirit of adventure. They are the brakes on the wheels of progress.
—Dale Turner (American Congregational Priest)

Knowledge is of no value unless you put it into practice.
—Anton Chekhov (Russian Short Story Writer)

Happy people are ignoramuses and glory is nothing else but success, and to achieve it one only has to be cunning.
—Mikhail Lermontov (Russian Novelist, Poet)

All achievement, all earned riches, have their beginning in an idea!
—Napoleon Hill (American Author)

Heaven and God are best discerned through tears; scarcely perhaps are discerned at all without them. The constant association of prayer with the hour of bereavement and the scenes of death suffice to show this.
—James Martineau (English Unitarian Theologian)

The wisdom of one generation will be the folly of the next, and yet we persist in making preceding generations dictate to the succeeding ones.
—Joseph Priestley (English Clergyman, Scientist)

The fool thinks himself alone and commits sin. But I know of no lonely place at all… . Of a bad action my “Self” is a witness far more sharp-sighted than any other person.
—The Jataka Tales (Genre of Buddhist Literature)

Everything is evil. I mean, everything that is, is wicked; every existing thing is an evil; everything exists for a wicked end. Existence is a wickedness and is ordained for wickedness. Evil is the end, the final purpose, of the universe…The only good is nonbeing; the only really good thing is the thing that is not, things that are not things; all things are bad.
—Giacomo Leopardi (Italian Poet)

Unrest of the spirit is a mark of life; one problem after another presents itself and in the solving of them we can find our greatest pleasure.
—Karl Menninger (American Psychiatrist)

Truth is the breath of life to human society. It is the food of the immortal spirit. Yet a single word of it may kill a man as suddenly as a drop of prussic acid.
—Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr. (American Physician, Essayist)

Care not for time and success. Act out thy part, whether it be to fail or to prosper.
—Sri Aurobindo (Indian Mystic, Philosopher, Poet)

Inspiration never arrived when you were searching for it.
—Lisa Alther (American Novelist)

The writer does the most good who gives his reader the most knowledge and takes from him the least time.
—Sydney Smith (English Preacher)

Listen, my friend! Your helplessness is your best prayer. It calls from your heart to the heart of God with greater effect than all your uttered pleas. He hears it from the very moment that you are seized with helplessness, and He becomes actively engaged at once in hearing and answering the prayer of your helplessness.
—Ole Hallesby (Norwegian Theologian)

Think of yourself as an incandescent power, illuminated and perhaps forever talked to by God and his messengers.
—Brenda Ueland (American Journalist Memoirist)

If there were dreams to sell, what would you buy?
—Thomas Lovell Beddoes (English Poet)

The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing. One cannot help but be in awe when he contemplates the mysteries of eternity, of life, of the marvelous structure of reality. It is enough if one tries merely to comprehend a little of this mystery every day. Never lose a holy curiosity.
—Albert Einstein (German-born Theoretical Physicist)

Long absent, soon forgotten.
—Common Proverb

Life is made up, not of great sacrifices or duties, but of little things, in which smiles and kindness and small obligations, given habitually, are what win and preserve the heart and secure comfort.
—Humphry Davy (British Chemist)

Attention is the most basic form of love. By paying attention we let ourselves be touched by life, and our hearts naturally become more open and engaged.
—Tara Brach (American Psychologist, Author)

One golden day redeems a weary year.
—Celia Thaxter (American Poet)

Tyranny cannot defeat the power of ideas.
—Helen Keller (American Author)

In many lines of work, it isn’t how much you do that counts, but how much you do well and how often you decide right.
—William Feather (American Author, Publisher)

Where slavery is, there liberty cannot be; and where liberty is, there slavery cannot be.
—Charles Sumner (American Statesman)

We are all failures—at least, the best of us are.
—J. M. Barrie (Scottish Novelist)

Maintaining positivity is a critical tool to boost your health. Research shows that positive thinking can promote mental and physical health in various ways. These include reducing stress and boosting self-confidence. If you are struggling with any illness or emotional distress, here is how a positive mindset can enhance your well-being.

The Science of Positivity

Repetitive setbacks or criticism can make the mind anticipate more setbacks and adopt a negative outlook. However, by recognizing our inner strength and recalling recent successes, our minds can shift our perspective and make challenges seem more manageable. That is where positive thinking comes in.

Positivity activates the body to release hormones like dopamine or serotonin. The hormones create a sense of pleasure and motivation, and a positive feedback loop that conditions people to seek more rewarding experiences. It also stimulates the prefrontal cortex, promoting cognitive functions such as problem-solving, decision-making, and emotional regulation. The increased activity helps individuals manage health crises and maintain a balanced perspective.

Positive Thinking and Health Crisis

Positive thinking reduces stress, depression, and anxiety by activating the release of feel-good hormones. These allow individuals to handle challenging situations with a growth-oriented perspective. They also eliminate symptoms of pre-existing issues like sadness by helping people focus on their strengths. Studies show that positivity can boost the immune system and assist the body in fighting illnesses and infections. This helps people with serious diseases like mesothelioma manage their conditions.

Mesothelioma can be costly to manage, from medical expenses to taking care of the patient’s family. To most people, filing for a mesothelioma lawsuit is the best alternative to get compensated for the financial and emotional stress. Fortunately, with positive thinking, those diagnosed with asbestos-related mesothelium can focus on their recovery progress rather than setbacks.

Practical Strategies to Cultivate Positivity During a Health Crisis

Creating a positive mindset is not just about hoping for the best. It is about implementing practical strategies to enhance mental clarity and overall well-being. Here are practical tips to boost positivity and reduce the risks of a health crisis.

• Gratitude and affirmation: Appreciating positive things can change your focus and create a more optimistic outlook. Similarly, affirmations can replace negative thoughts in the brain with constructive ones. It also enhances resilience and self-confidence.

• Mindfulness and meditation: Practicing mindfulness and meditation keeps the mind in the present moment. This reduces negative thoughts and anxiety, allowing you to face your health issues with clarity and calmness easily.
• Journaling: Noting positive experiences and thoughts can also help you create a positive mindset. Reflecting on these positive incidents is a powerful tool for combating challenges and promoting gratitude.
• Creating a social support network: Talking to family and friends promotes a sense of belonging and emotional stability. Positive conversations also promote satisfaction and allow the body to respond well to treatment.

Endnote

A positive mindset is an invaluable tool in facing any health crisis. While it cannot cure the illness alone, it promotes a sense of acceptance and mental resilience, which are vital in enhancing overall psychological and physical health. By practicing gratitude, affirmation, mindfulness, and meditation, you can positively navigate any health challenge.

In the world of freelancing, productivity remains a top priority for businesses and independent workers alike. Ensuring that your freelance team operates at peak efficiency can be a game changer. But how can companies support this goal while respecting the freelancers’ autonomy? This article delves into effective strategies that enhance the productivity of your freelance workforce.

Give them clear goals and expectations

The foundation of productive freelance work lies in setting clear goals and expectations. When goals are ambiguous or poorly communicated, freelancers may struggle to meet objectives, wasting precious time and resources. To prevent this, make sure to provide detailed briefs, outline specific milestones, and establish deadlines.

Communicating these elements clearly promotes better task management and helps freelancers understand project priorities. Regular check-ins can also maintain alignment, ensuring that everyone stays on track.

Promote work-life balance and define boundaries

Work-life balance is vital for sustained productivity. Stress and burnout are common issues among freelancers due to the lack of separation between work and personal life. Encourage them to engage in self-care activities like exercise, hobbies, or spending time with family and friends.

You may even think about providing them opportunities to utilize facilities designed for recreation and wellbeing, such as indoor tennis court buildings. Such facilities can encourage a healthy lifestyle, further boosting productivity. Providing information and resources on self-care practices can be beneficial. Offer webinars on mental health, newsletters with wellness tips, or short courses on stress management.

Setting clear boundaries between work and personal time is essential. Advise freelancers to establish a dedicated workspace separate from their living area. Also, discuss acceptable work hours, emphasizing the importance of taking breaks and time off. A healthy work-life balance improves overall well-being and prevents fatigue, leading to more consistent and higher-quality output.

Provide them with an optimal workspace environment

A freelancer’s productivity is heavily influenced by their workspace. While most freelancers work remotely, you can still influence their work environment positively. Providing them with access to project management software, communication tools, and other relevant resources ensures smoother collaboration and enhances efficiency.

Another innovative approach is to offer freelancers access to your company’s physical facilities. Allowing them to use sport and well-being amenities not only boosts morale but also promotes a balanced lifestyle that can lead to higher productivity. A comfortable workspace combined with wellness options can significantly enhance focus and motivation.

Teach them time management techniques

Encouraging freelancers to adopt structured routines and schedules can be beneficial. Suggest they follow specific time management techniques such as the Pomodoro Technique or time blocking. These methods break tasks into manageable intervals, reducing burnout and improving concentration.

While structure is key, flexibility is equally important. Offering some leeway with deadlines can relieve stress and promote a more relaxed yet productive work environment. Open discussions about timelines allow freelancers to manage their workload effectively without compromising quality.

Come up with motivation and incentives

Recognition plays an essential role in keeping freelancers motivated. Regularly acknowledge their hard work and celebrate successes, whether through verbal praise, bonuses, or public recognition during team meetings. Showing appreciation boosts their enthusiasm and drives overall performance.

Building a sense of belonging among freelancers can greatly enhance their commitment and productivity. Encourage social interaction through virtual coffee breaks, online games, or collaborative projects. Creating a friendly atmosphere helps them feel part of the company, despite the remote nature of their work.

One thing is clear to me, that no indulgence of passion destroys the spiritual nature so much as respectable selfishness.
—George MacDonald (Scottish Poet, Novelist)

The trick is growing up without growing old.
—Casey Stengel (American Sportsperson)

We do not know why we are born into the world, but we can try to find out what sort of a world it is—at least in its physical aspects.
—Edwin Hubble (American Astronomer)

God’s gifts put man’s best dreams to shame.
—Elizabeth Barrett Browning (English Poet)

Those that say they despise riches are saints or liars.
—Austin O’Malley (American Aphorist, Ophthalmologist)

We forget all too soon the things we thought we could never forget. We forget the loves and the betrayals alike, forget what we whispered and what we screamed, forget who we were.
—Joan Didion (American Essayist, Novelist, Memoirist)

The person who exalts himself … will be humbled, because a person who considers himself to be good, intelligent, and kind will not even try to become better, smarter, kinder. The humble person will be exalted, because he considers himself bad and will try to become better, kinder, and more reasonable.
—Leo Tolstoy (Russian Novelist)

Never kiss an ugly girl; she will tell everyone.
—Hebrew Proverb

The essence of love is getting out of oneself and into others. When we care less about our feelings, our rights, our happiness, our security, etc., and begin to concern ourselves with the feelings, rights, happiness, and security of others, we will have found the true power of love.
—Leo Buscaglia (American Motivational Speaker)

Many do with opportunities as children do at the seashore; they fill their little hands with sand, and then let the grains fall through, one by one, till all are gone.
—Thomas Jones

Power tends to confuse itself with virtue and a great nation is peculiarly susceptible to the idea that its power is a sign of god’s favor.
—J. William Fulbright (American Politician)

Though reason is not to be relied upon as a guide universally sufficient to direct us what to do, yet it is generally to be relied upon and obeyed when it tells us what we are not to do.
—Robert South (English Theologian)

The essence of a quote is the compression of a mass of thought and observation into a single saying.
—John Morley, 1st Viscount Morley of Blackburn (British Statesman)

Generosity takes many forms—we may give our time, our energy, our material possessions, our love. All are expressions of caring, of compassion, of connection, and of renunciation—the ability to let go.
—Joseph Goldstein (American Buddhist Teacher)

Success seems to be connected with action. Successful men keep moving. They make mistakes, but they don’t quit.
—Conrad Hilton (American Hotelier)

If you want to succeed in the world you must make your own opportunities as you go on. The man who waits for some seventh wave to toss him on dry land will find that the seventh wave is a long time coming. You can commit no greater folly than to sit by the road side until someone comes along and invites you to ride with him to wealth or influence.
—John Bartholomew Gough (American Temperance Orator)

There is an electricity about a friendship relationship. We are both more relaxed and more sensitive, more creative and more reflective, more energetic and more casual, more excited and more serene. It is as though when we come in contact with our friend we enter into a different environment.
—Andrew M. Greeley (American Priest, Author, Sociologist)

Begin to act from your dominion. Declare the truth by telling yourself that there is nothing to be afraid of, that you no longer entertain any images of fear.
—Ernest Holmes (American New Thought Writer)

Jesus wept; Voltaire smiled. From that divine tear and from that human smile is derived the grace of present civilization.
—Victor Hugo (French Novelist)

Gentle and true, simple and kind was she, Noble of mien, with gracious speech to all, And gladsome looks a pearl of womanhood.
—Edwin Arnold (English Poet)

Nothing is more expensive than penuriousness, nothing more anxious than carelessness, and every duty which is bidden to wait returns with seven fresh duties at its back.
—Charles Kingsley (English Clergyman)

The grace of God is a wind which is always blowing.
—Ramakrishna Paramahamsa (Indian Hindu Philosopher)

Fame’s pedestals are revolving; no wonder great celebrities act queerly when invited to come off them.
—Minna Antrim (American Writer, Epigrammist)

A cask of wine works more miracles than a church full of saints.
—Italian Proverb

I’m an idealist. I don’t know where I’m going, but I’m on my way.
—Caroline Schoeder (American Aphorist)

I feel convinced that every man has given him of God much more than he has any idea of, and that he can help on the world’s work more than he knows of. What we want is the single eye that will see what our work is, the humility to accept it, however lowly, the faith to do it for God, the perseverance to go on till death.
—Norman Macleod (Scottish Priest, Social Reformer)

Real poverty is lack of books.
—Colette (French Novelist, Performer)

Unless a man is master of his soul, all other kinds of mastery amount to little.
—Theodore Roosevelt (American Head of State)

There are no signposts in the sky to show a man has passed that way before. There are no channels marked. The flier breaks each second into new uncharted seas.
—Anne Morrow Lindbergh (American Author, Aviator)

One realizes the full importance of time only when there is little of it left. Every man’s greatest capital asset is his unexpired years of productive life.
—Paul W. Litchfield (American Industrialist)

Leaders are people who do the right thing. Managers are people who do things right … a profound difference.
—Warren Bennis (American Management Consultant)

When an individual is kept in a situation of inferiority, the fact is that he does become inferior.
—Simone de Beauvoir (French Philosopher)

A perfect human being: Man in search of his ideal of perfection. Nothing less.
—Pir Vilayat Inayat Khan (British Sufi Mystic)

You cannot go on ‘explaining away’ for ever: you will find that you have explained explanation itself away. You cannot go on ‘seeing through’ things for ever. The whole point of seeing through something is to see something through it.
—C. S. Lewis (Irish-born Author, Scholar)

Hatred is active displeasure, envy passive. We need not wonder that envy turns so soon to hatred.
—Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (German Poet)

Better be wise by the misfortunes of others than by your own.
—Aesop (Greek Fabulist)

If you’ve ever done anything related to cryptocurrency, and especially trading, then you know exactly how stressful rapid fluctuations in the prices of the assets you trade and the risks associated with them can be. That is why, in order for you to maximize your chances of success and become a more profitable trader, it is important for you to first learn how to cope with stress.

Understand how stress manifests itself during trading

Such stress usually includes physical and emotional reactions such as palpitations, rapid breathing, muscle tension, and even a tendency to excessive risk. These reactions can be triggered by emotions such as anxiety, pressure, or fear of unsatisfactory work, financial loss, or disappointment, as well as other feelings.

One of the factors that can increase stress in trading is the complexity of certain trading concepts like pips trading, where small fluctuations in price can lead to significant financial outcomes. A pip is the smallest price movement a currency pair can make, and understanding how to manage trades based on pip movements is crucial. Mismanagement of pip-based strategies can amplify stress, especially for new traders trying to navigate volatile markets.

Knowing how stress manifests itself during your trading sessions, you will be able to quickly and effectively apply stress management methods adapted to your situation and your personality (meditation, breaks, walking, motivation with phrases, etc.).

Set realistic and achievable goals

If your goals are realistic and understandable, then this is good news, which means that trading will not cause you as much stress as it could. The thing is that when the goals are simple and achievable, it is much easier to avoid unrealistic expectations about the results of your trading.

And when your goals, on the contrary, are too ambitious or unattainable, the pressure becomes so strong that it often causes increased anxiety and forces you to take reckless risks to achieve these goals.

Trade based on your trading profile

Each trader has his own trading style and risk tolerance based on his trading knowledge and experience.

Thus, choosing a trading strategy tailored to your profile is an effective approach to managing stress in trading, as it allows you to know that you are making the right decisions. Then it will be easier for you to better manage your emotions (especially during stressful situations).

By taking into account your personality as a trader and aligning your trading style with your trading profile, you optimize your decision-making process and thereby cope with periods of high volatility or uncertainty.

Always follow your trading plan

It is definitely certain that in order to succeed, each trader must have his own clear trading plan that he must follow. After all, if you know your risk management criteria, then stress will not become an obstacle for you.

The thing is that when you stick to your trading plan, you create a clear and predictable basis for your trading, thereby of course reducing uncertainty and associated stress. And of course, this way you become more disciplined, which is an additional advantage.

Keep a trade journal

By regularly writing down in a trading journal what you do and feel during a trading session, you create a useful tool for understanding your reaction to the markets, which can reduce your stress.

This allows you to take a step back and objectively analyze your past decisions. Then it will be easier for you to identify your behavioral and emotional habits, which will allow you to gradually improve, thereby reducing the stress associated with uncertainty.

Thus, a trade journal can be considered as an emotional preparation tool for stress management. By better understanding your reactions and building confidence, you will be able to trade more calmly and argumentatively, reducing stress and improving your results.

Learn to take breaks

If you learn to take breaks during trading, it will greatly reduce the level of tension and negative emotions that you have accumulated during trading sessions. They also allow you to temporarily step away from screens to better control your emotions and avoid making impulsive decisions.

Stress Management for Successful Traders

Traders often face high levels of stress due to the inherent uncertainty of the markets, where quick decisions can make or break their success. By identifying stress triggers and setting realistic goals that align with a personal trading style, traders can significantly lower stress levels and maintain clarity in decision-making.

Greatness is only one of the sensations of littleness.
—George Bernard Shaw (Irish Playwright)

Good is the enemy of great. And that is one of the key reasons why we have so little that becomes great. We don’t have great schools, principally because we have good schools. We don’t have great government, principally because we have good government. Few people attain great lives, in large part because it is just so easy to settle for a good life.
—Jim Collins (American Management Consultant)

It seems to me that we generally do not have a correct measure of our own wisdom.
—R. K. Narayan (Indian Novelist, Short-story Writer)

Eat and drink to live; live not to eat and drink, for thus do the beasts.
—The Talmud (Sacred Text of the Jewish Faith)

You can really have everything you want, if you go after it, but you will have to want it. The desire for success must be so strong within you that it is the very breath of your life—your first though when you awaken in the morning, your last thought when you go to bed at night…
—Charles E. Popplestone (American Author)

Unwritten thought is an incomplete thought.
—Edgar V. Roberts (American Scholar)

Men who know themselves are no longer fools; they stand on the threshold of the Door of Wisdom.
—Havelock Ellis (British Essayist, Physician)

We are ne’er like angels till our passion dies.
—Thomas Dekker

Crime seems to change character when it crosses a bridge or a tunnel. In the city, crime is taken as emblematic of class and race. In the suburbs, though, it’s intimate and psychological—resistant to generalization, a mystery of the individual soul.
—Barbara Ehrenreich (American Social Critic)

Filthy water cannot be washed.
—African Proverb

The deeper the experience of an absence of meaning—in other words, of absurdity—the more energetically meaning is sought.
—Vaclav Havel (Czech Dramatist, Statesman)

Good taste and humor are a contradiction in terms, like a chaste whore.
—Malcolm Muggeridge (English Journalist)

Example is leadership.
—Albert Schweitzer (French Theologian)

In bed we laugh; in bed we cry; in bed are born; in bed we die; the near approach the bed doth show, of human bliss to human woe.
—Isaac de Benserade (French Poet, Dramatist)