Photo by Linda SamuelsI love collecting quotes. They inspire, delight, and connect our experiences with others. Since I’m writing this month about organizing success secrets, I wanted to share some of my favorite quotes about success with you.

1. Action- A lot of thinking, planning, and dreaming goes into the success we desire. Contemplating is not enough. Forward motion with actual steps is essential. We may wish to have less clutter in our lives, but without sorting that pile of clothes on the bedroom floor or stack of papers on the desk, the wish remains just that.

“Action is the foundational key to all success.”

 - Pablo Picasso

2. Attitude- Our self-talk and determination directly influence our success. Are you saying encouraging thoughts or is negativity and doubt getting in your way? Do you tell yourself that you’ve never been able to organize, so nothing will ever change? Or are you telling yourself that while you’ve been challenged in the past, you are working on moving forward with a different result?

“Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other.”

- Abraham Lincoln

3. Trust- We often become paralyzed by inaction because we’re waiting for all the i’s to be dotted and the t’s to be crossed. Sometimes we have to just trust that if we move forward towards our goals, despite the less than perfect conditions, we will be successful. Perhaps you’re waiting for days of uninterrupted time to start that organizing project. Learn to master the minutes and work in smaller increments. Work with what you do have to accomplish something.

“Don’t wait until everything is just right. It will never be perfect. There will always be challenges, obstacles and less than perfect conditions. So what. Get started now. With each step you take, you will grow stronger and stronger, more and more skilled, more and more self-confident and more and more successful.”

- Mark Victor Hansen

4. Perseverance- Instant success rarely exists. In this time where so many of us expect instant everything, remember that there will be mishaps and disappointments on the way to success. Do not give up. Use the difficulties for strength and learning. Especially if you’re organizationally challenged, setting up systems and creating the right balance will not be a straight trajectory. Expect the ups and downs along the way.

“Develop success from failures. Discouragement and failure are two of the surest stepping stones to success.”

- Dale Carnegie

5. Growth- We have the ability to learn, strive and grow. Hopefully we’re never really done. There will always be new paths to explore and ideas to incorporate. Be grateful for the journey.

“The road to success is always under construction.”

- Lily Tomlin

Do you have any favorite quotes about success? Please share them along with your thoughts about success.

There are many success secrets for life, feeling balanced and getting organized. Success is defined differently for each of us. This new month, a transition month marks the end of summer and the beginning of the school year. It’s a chance to start over and think about the successes we want to chase. In my book, The Other Side of Organized, chapter nine is exclusively about success secrets. One secret seems particularly pertinent right now. That is preparation.

Why is that on my mind? I’m thinking about how we just returned from dropping our youngest child off at college. Physical and emotional preparation was needed to get her there. Both were key in helping her have a successful launch and transition.

The preparation began early. From day one, we knew that our job as parents was to teach her what we could and simultaneously let go enough for her to learn on her own. We knew that the delicate balance between those was essential preparation for success in life.

Fast-forward 18 years and it was time for college. We researched, visited and discussed options. From there came her essay writing, applications and interviews. Each one of these helped prepare her for the next phase and create an environment for success.

After the acceptance letters arrived and she made her choice, the physical preparation began.  The past month was spent organizing, making lists, shopping and packing. All the while, we imagined and prepared ourselves emotionally for the next phase.

As we said our teary good-byes and I pulled tissues out of my bag, we knew that preparation eased the arrival of this juncture. Our hearts were full with emotions and pride in knowing our girl was ready. The stage has been set for a successful transition. The next part of our journey begins.

How are you preparing for success?