10 Powerful One-Sentence Quotes For A Productive 2023

After the shenanigans of the last three years, we need a W for 2023. Yet, the signs aren’t looking good. So expect the world’s narrative to change from ‘inflation’ to ‘recession,’ for instance, a final admission to what everyone has known for the greater part of a year. Expect more financial challenges. And expect more stress and uncertainty.

There are still several different narratives and issues swirling around to keep us glued to our phone screens and TVs.

It’s not that the world’s issues aren’t important, and we should not care.

It’s more that the world will always have issues, which are a sum of its parts. So to change the world is to change yourself.

I always look for a little spark from books, articles, and quotes to get me going at the start of the new year. We all have health, wealth, family, and several other goals. These goals can be even more challenging to achieve this year. But if you do hit your targets, they will be that much sweeter.

Here are ten one-liners to jump-start your January and keep you focused throughout the year. If one resonates with you, write it down and stick it on your bathroom mirror, desk monitor, or dashboard.

1. “The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today.” — Franklin D. Roosevelt

Don't doubt yourself this year. You can do whatever you put your mind to as long as you do the work that accompanies your desire to succeed.

2. “Don’t watch the clock; do what it does. Keep going.” — Sam Levenson

When we set goals, we can focus on how long it takes to get done rather than making sure we show up and show out every day (whatever that looks like). Staying consistent is much more important than reaching the goal itself. It builds you into a more productive, consistent person.

3. “The secret of getting ahead is getting started.” — Mark Twain

Weren't you going to start that business 5 years ago? Didn't you promise to start working out every day? There's a 2.0 version of you out there. The only way to catch up to them is to get started.

4. “I can’t change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.” — Jimmy Dean

This year will be filled with challenges. You may have a goal and lose track of it to put out some major fires. The goal is to keep adjusting. Even if you need to slow down or change course, do not stop.

5. “The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” — Steve Jobs

Find joy in the effort, not the destination. If you can prime your brain every day to enjoy the process, rather than marvel at the finished product, you'll be further ahead than most.

6. “Believe you can, and you’re halfway there.” — Theodore Roosevelt

Most goals die from a lack of belief. If you can transform your belief in yourself, your dreams will be realized.

7. “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.” — Chinese Proverb

Plan in decades and measure in years, but execute in days. If you have a massive goal, the best time to start is today.

8. “Success is not final; failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” — Winston Churchill

You'll have some wins this year. It's natural to want to bathe in that success and forget about the final goal. You'll also take some L's. It's natural to sit and stew in your failure and practice some self-loathing. In both cases, you have to keep going.

9. “The only limit to our growth is the size of the goal we set for ourselves.” — Unknown

Success coach Dan Sullivan often says, '10x is easier than 2x.' Set big goals as you're only limited to the goal you set for yourself.

10. “Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny.” — C.S. Lewis

Even a few days into the year, it can feel like everything’s against you. That’s ok. Every day is a day to raise your level, improve, and cross something off the list. It's preparing you for a fantastic future.

Keep going, enjoy the process, and believe this year is the year to get your stuff together.

Happy 2023!