Amateurs wait for inspiration. The rest of us just get up and go to work.

- Chuck Close

I don’t really think in terms of obstacles. My biggest obstacle is always myself.
~ Steve Earle

All the adversity I’ve had in my life, all my troubles and obstacles, have strengthened me… You may not realize it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world for you.

~ Walt Disney

It takes a little courage, and a little self — control. And some grim determination, If you want to reach the goal. It takes a deal of striving, and a firm and stern-set chin. No matter what the battle, If you really want to win. There’s no easy path to glory, There’s no road to fame. Life, however we may view it, Is no simple parlor game; But it’s prizes call for fighting, For endurance and for grit; For a rugged disposition and don’t know when to quit.
~ Anonymous

It is not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves.
~ Sir Edmund Hillary

In each age men of genius undertake the ascent. From below, the world follows them with their eyes. These men go up the mountain, enter the clouds, disappear, reappear, People watch them, mark them. They walk by the side of precipices. They daringly pursue their road. See them aloft, see them in the distance; they are but black specks. On they go. The road is uneven, its difficulties constant. At each step a wall, at each step a trap. As they rise the cold increases. They must make their ladder, cut the ice and walk on it., hewing the steps in haste. A storm is raging. Nevertheless they go forward in their madness. The air becomes difficult to breath. The abyss yawns below them. Some fall. Others stop and retrace their steps; there is a sad weariness. The bold ones continue. They are eyed by the eagles; the lightning plays about them: the hurricane is furious. No matter, they persevere.

~ Victor Hugo

“Experience fails to teach where there is no desire to learn.”

~ George Bernard Shaw

Continuous improvement is better than delayed perfection.

~Mark Twain

“Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it.”

~Goethe

“Surround yourself with only people who are going to lift you higher.”

~ Oprah Winfrey