You know, you do need mentors, but in the end, you really just need to believe in yourself.
Years ago I wanted to buy an apartment in New York City. I was a single female - I had gone through my divorce - I had three children, I was in show business and black. It was, like, impossible.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote illustrates the challenges faced by a determined individual striving for success despite personal and societal obstacles.
Diana Ross reflects on her past struggle to purchase an apartment in New York City while juggling the responsibilities of being a single mother of three, navigating the entertainment industry, and confronting the difficulties associated with her identity as a black female. Her experience highlights the intersection of multiple challenges that can make achieving personal goals seem impossible, yet also showcases her resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could inspire young women pursuing careers in challenging environments.
More from Diana Ross
All quotes βI was looking at making a shift in my career. I've been so blessed I'd like to be able to give that back. If I could find young artists, young performers I can nurture to have a career I would really like that.
You can't just sit there and wait for people to give you that golden dream. You've got to get out there and make it happen for yourself.
I don't have to sit around and wait for the next movie to come along, I can go out and sing.
With the Supremes I made so much money so fast all I wanted to do was buy clothes and pretty things. Now I'm comfortable with money and it's comfortable with me.
My children come first and the career comes in around that.
Similar quotes
One's only security in life comes from doing something uncommonly well.
I'll drop something for a while, a year or maybe several years, and then pick it up again. I think that's the way successful innovators work. They keep juggling ideas, keeping them in the air, in the back of their mind, to inspire them or enable new recombinations.
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.
All I set out to do was to earn a living playing drums, you know? And as luck would have it, I've surpassed that.
The best way to succeed in this world is to act on the advice you give to others.
There is no evidence that success in business will make us happy people or allow us to have happy families.