I want to be your stranger across a crowded room.
Jeffrey ArcherRead
Never be frightened by those you assume have more talent than you do, because in the end energy will prevail. My formula is: energy plus talent and you are a king; energy and no talent and you are still a prince; talent and no energy and you are a pauper.
Interpretation
Self-belief and perseverance are more important than just talent.
This quote emphasizes that talent alone is not sufficient for success; instead, the combination of energy and talent is what truly leads to greatness. It encourages individuals not to feel intimidated by those who may seem more talented, as effort and enthusiasm, represented by 'energy,' ultimately determine one's achievements and potential in life.
In practice
In a motivational speech to encourage students to work hard despite facing competition.
I want to be your stranger across a crowded room.
I had this urge to play the game of football because so many people said I couldn't do it.
I learned the power of 'no.' No is really important. Entrepreneurs are told to say 'yes, yes, more, more.'
By striving to do the impossible, man has always achieved what is possible. Those who have cautiously done no more than they believed possible have never taken a single step forward.
There are those who advocate, and those who do. I'm not trying to slight my peers, but there is a difference between using a soapbox and actually getting your hands dirty. I've spent not only years and millions of dollars but hours and hours and hours of my time doing what I do, and that's very different from what anyone else is doing.
Progress comes to those who train and train; reliance on secret techniques will get you nowhere.
Startups are painful, stressful and at times demoralizing. You need to be a true believer in the vision of what you are doing. You need to passionate about it and love what you’re doing. If you don’t, there is no way you can sustain the hours, stress and disappointment. There’s no way you’re going to be able to convince investors, customers and most importantly recruit a world-class team if you not building something you think is going to change the world.
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