I think the reason I was successful is that I was never cynical.
Interpretation
Success comes from maintaining a positive and open-minded attitude.
In this quote, Carol Burnett attributes her success to her refusal to adopt a cynical mindset. By remaining optimistic and adaptable, she suggests that one can navigate challenges and seize opportunities more effectively, ultimately leading to success in various endeavors.
In practice
Using this quote in a motivational speech about overcoming obstacles.
My grandmother and I followed my mother here, to a house a block north of Hollywood Boulevard but a million miles away from Hollywood, if you know what I mean. We would hang out behind the ropes and look at the movie stars arriving at the premieres.
You have to have faith that there is a reason you go through certain things. I can't say I'm glad to go through pain, but in a way one must, in order to gain courage and really feel joy.
It's also selfish because it makes you feel good when you help others. I've been helped by acts of kindness from strangers. That's why we're here, after all, to help others.
I've always been optimistic. And I have a feeling that it happened because of going to all those movies with my grandmother in the '40s because there was no cynicism.
Edgy is fine - I'm not a prude by any stretch of the imagination - but what's wrong with a good ol' belly laugh? I miss that.
My favourite comedian, of course, is Tim Conway. He has a way about him - being that belly-laugh kind of funny, and he has the improvisational skills, too. I've never seen anybody better.
I am going to spend my time today just thanking the people that played a role in my career, because I truly do believe that I was blessed by a lot of people that paths crossed mine as I went down the road in my career.
You don't have to specialize - do everything that you love and then, at some time, the future will come together for you in some form.
I don't feel like a wealthy person. Other people think of me as a wealthy person, but I don't. I feel the same as when I was a fifth-year associate trying to make partner at Lehman Brothers. I haven't changed.
You can have X's and O's, you can have talent, but if you don't have a vision, it won't work.
It is the combination of reasonable talent and the ability to keep going in the face of defeat that leads to success.
I aim for the stars, and winning a world title will not be a fulfilment of a dream for me. It never has been.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.