From The Straits Times    |

We live in a tough and competitive society where it’s not always easy to keep a positive attitude towards life. The constant challenges we are dealt with —from our work, friends, family— can take a toll on our mental health and resilience. 

In times of hardship or self-doubt, quotes can come in handy because they are great reminders of positive things we already know about ourselves that we might have forgotten along the way. This affirmation is a great boost of confidence that can empower us to never give up and continue our sprint towards success.

Who better to hear it from than the accomplished and stylish women that have achieved incredible success? Just like you and me, these strong successful women have also experience despair and low points in their lives. 

Yes, even the strongest of women need a pick-me-up from time to time. Here are 17 quotes that will inspire, elevate and empower you. 

“I didn’t get there by wishing for it or hoping for it, but by working for it.” – Estee Lauder, businesswoman 

“One of the lessons that I grew up with was to always stay true to yourself and never let what somebody else says distract you from your goals. And so when I hear about negative and false attacks, I really don’t invest any energy in them, because I know who I am.” – Michelle Obama, First Lady of the United States

‘We all have our imperfections. But I’m human, and you know, it’s important to concentrate on other qualities besides outer beauty.’ – Beyonce Knowles, artiste and pop star

“True beauty is not related to what colour your hair is or what colour your eyes are. True beauty is about who you are as a human being, your principles, your moral compass.” – Ellen DeGeneres, artiste


Image: Louis Vuitton

“There are two different groups of people in the world. There is the ones that are very lucky and happened to be at the right place at the right time, and there is the ones that have to work extremely hard but a lack of luck often prevents them to win. I belong to the latter…I have no doubt about my own performance just because I have not won.” – Carina Lau, actress

“I learned to always take on things I’d never done before. Growth and comfort do not coexist.” – Ginni Rometty, chairwoman, president, and CEO of IBM

“Don’t let what you don’t know scare you, because it can become your greatest asset. And if you do things without knowing how they have always been done, you’re guaranteed to do them differently.” – Sara Blakely, businesswoman and founder of Spanx

“It is impossible to live without failing at something unless you live so cautiously that you might as well not have lived at all, in which case you have failed by default.” – J. K. Rowling, author


Image: Her World

“You are the one who possesses the keys to your being. You carry the passport to your own happiness.” – Diane von Furstenberg, fashion designer

“You inspire the girl to believe if I take care of myself, if I buy the right things, and I educate myself, tomorrow will be better.” – Angelica Cheung, editor-in-chief of Vogue China

“The most courageous act is still to think for yourself. Aloud.” – Coco Chanel, fashion designer

“You can’t have everything you want, but you can have the things that really matter to you.” – Marissa Mayer, president and Chief Executive Officer of Yahoo!

“You cannot do something just for the money. You have to do things you believe in and eventually, you will make money.” – Miuccia Prada, fashion designer


Image: Getty Images

“There is a time for everything and you do different things at different ages.” – Fan Bingbing, actress

“Each job I had wasn’t necessarily the perfect job, but I always talk to young women about how you really have to take certain things from each job and learn from that and then move on to something you really want to do.” – Tory Burch, businesswoman 

“There is no perfect fit when you’re looking for the next big thing to do. You have to take opportunities and make an opportunity fit for you, rather than the other way around. The ability to learn is the most important quality a leader can have.” – Sheryl Sandberg, Chief Operating Officer of Facebook

“Women in Singapore have certainly come a long way, and the journey must continue.” – Dr. Suda Nair, woman of the year 2016