Every founder wakes up with challenges waiting.
Some days feel like a sprint; others feel like a storm.
That’s why anchoring your mind with the right words matters.
Powerful quotes act like mental checkpoints reminding you of your vision, discipline, and why you do what you do.
They reframe problems.
They reset your energy.
And they often say what you need to hear, better than your inner critic does.
Reading one quote daily doesn’t take time.
But it can shift your entire focus.
It’s a low-effort, high-return practice and many of the world’s top leaders rely on it.
15 Powerful Quotes Every Founder and CEO Should Read
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“Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t – you’re right.” – Henry Ford
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“Success is not final; failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” – Winston Churchill
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“The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.” – Walt Disney
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“Don’t be afraid to give up the good to go for the great.” – John D. Rockefeller
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“If you’re not a little scared, you’re not pushing hard enough.” – Elon Musk
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“It always seems impossible until it’s done.” – Nelson Mandela
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“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life.” – Steve Jobs
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“I’m convinced that about half of what separates successful entrepreneurs from the non-successful ones is pure perseverance.” – Steve Jobs
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“Move fast and break things. Unless you are breaking stuff, you are not moving fast enough.” – Mark Zuckerberg
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“Opportunities don’t happen. You create them.” – Chris Grosser
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“Do one thing every day that scares you.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
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“I never dreamed about success. I worked for it.” – Estée Lauder
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“Be so good they can’t ignore you.” – Steve Martin
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“Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it.” – Henry David Thoreau
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“Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment.” – Jim Rohn
How Founders Can Use These Quotes Effectively
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Read one every morning as part of your routine.
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Write them on sticky notes near your workspace.
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Pair them with journaling to internalize the message.
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Share them with your team to build a motivated culture.
Don’t just read — reflect.
Each quote that CIO Views listed becomes more valuable when tied to action.
Also read: Exclusive interview with Cassie Gruber
