Do you have one? A simple, single statement that sums up your intentions, actions, current focus or your current goals. Something that reminds you why you do what you do, and how you intend to do it?  Its a statement that invokes action, that strengthens resolve, that picks you up when you are in your own personal version of a rut.

They are very often quotes, though they do not need to be, that resonate with you. They sum up either who you are or who you intend to be. They may also address a weakness, as in the case of mine – that belief in myself often is not backed up by my actions. As such I use this quote as a reminder that actions speak louder than words, even words that you do not utter allowed. I think they are essential to achieving actions of substance.

My personal mantra is:

We judge ourselves by what we feel capable of doing, while others judge us by what we have already done. - Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, US poet (1807 – 1882)

Below are some of my friends:

Francois Marais – Web Developer:

“Screw it lets do it!”- Sir Richard Branson

Quinn Da Matta – Filmmaker / Director:

“Once can resist the invasion of an army but one cannot resist the invasion of ideas.”
- Victor Hugo

Alwyn van Jaarsveldt – DotNet Developer:

“It’s better to have and not need, than to need and not have!”

“If you can’t do what you love, then love what you do!”

Vanessa Jean Brueton

“ Do what you want and say what you feel, those who mind, don’t matter and those who matter won’t mind”

Phyllis Dannhauser – Lecturer, Filmmaker

“Always connect”

“The best bridge between despair and hope is a good night’s sleep”.

Olivia Jane Herd – Geneticist (Oncology), PHD Candidate

“Think before you act, words cannot be unspoken”

Guy Kawasaki (@GuyKawasaki) has stated that one should tell a room full of would-be entrepreneurs, “Forget mission statements — they’re worthless; instead create a powerful mantra for yourself.” So do you have a mantra?

Comment Idea: If you’d like to share your mantra, leave a comment with your mantra included, and maybe its meaning to you if you like.