These 10 Powerful Quotes Will Inspire You Into Action
We all have dreams and goals for ourselves, and a vision of how our best lives could be. Dreaming is the easy part. But where do we begin?
Except, it's a trick question. In truth, the very act of beginning is itself the only thing that really matters in the long run. When we're paralyzed by uncertainties, doubts or fears as to what step to take first, we plunge ourselves into a quicksand of inertia that sucks us in deeper every day, sapping our confidence, time, and energies, all while teaching us nothing at all that will take us closer to our goals.
The moment we muster the courage to take action, any action, the moment we embrace the mistakes we are bound to make and run towards them with the eagerness to learn from each misstep -- that is the very moment our journey towards success truly begins.
But don't take it from us. Here, from a diverse array of successful figures, are our Top 10 Quotes to Inspire You Into Action.
Do you want to know who you are? Don’t ask. Act! Action will delineate and define you.- Thomas Jefferson
You don't have to be great to start, but you do have to start to be great.- Zig Ziglar
Dream big, start small, but most of all, start.- Simon Sinek
Small deeds done are better than great deeds planned.- Peter Marshall
Take the first step in faith. You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (read more quotes)
Success seems to be connected with action. Successful people keep moving. They make mistakes but don't quit.- Conrad Hilton
The only impossible journey is the one you never begin.- Tony Robbins (read more quotes)
There are only two rules for being successful. One, figure out exactly what you want to do, and two, do it.- Mario Cuomo
You are what you do, not what you say you do.- Carl Jung
Take action! An inch of movement will bring you closer to your goals than a mile of action.- Steve Maraboli
Military Dad Defends His 4 Little Daughters When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Military Dad of 4 Daughters Defends His Girls When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Austin von Letkemann is the military officer strangers feel "sorry" for — and the reason is infuriating.
Whenever the devoted father leaves the house with his four children, strangers can't help but notice the officer in uniform is holding hands with 4 adorable little girls. They will tell the traditionally "masculine" and "all American" dad they feel sorry for him, because he has no sons. This dad makes one thing very clear: They are his daughters, they aren't a burden.
In a passionate video, von Letkemann took to Instagram to share with his followers that the only thing that's "difficult" about being a girl dad — is clapping back to these sexist remarks over and over again.
They Mock His Daughters To Their Face
When strangers approach Austin von Letkemann and his four daughters, they don't always realize that their comments are being overheard. They seem oblivious to the fact that his girls understand every word. Von Letkemann describes how people will approach him and, without thinking, make remarks like "I'm sorry" or even joke about his lack of sons. What they don't realize is that these comments, intended to be light-hearted or humorous, can be deeply hurtful to his daughters. These strangers are not just disrespecting von Letkemann's choices as a father; they're also sending a message to his daughters that their presence is something to be pitied. It’s a message that von Letkemann won't stand for, and he's speaking out to defend his girls from these insensitive remarksSaying "Get Your Shotgun" Isn't Funny — It's Sexist
Another common comment that Austin von Letkemann encounters is the old "better get your shotgun ready" trope, often delivered with a smirk or a wink. This line is typically intended to suggest that a father with daughters should be on high alert to protect them from potential "suitors," implying that they are objects to be guarded rather than individuals with agency.
Von Letkemann finds this line of thinking outdated and sexist. In his viral Instagram video, he points out that these jokes are not just stale — they're damaging.
By suggesting that his daughters require armed protection, the joke reinforces the idea that women are inherently vulnerable and need to be shielded from men. Von Letkemann argues that instead of promoting this narrative, society should focus on teaching respect and consent, challenging these sexist tropes at their source.
Watch Austin von Letkemann's Video:
"If I Had A Fifth Child, I'd HOPE It Was A Girl" — One Dad's Message For Other Parents
Despite the constant remarks about his lack of sons, Austin von Letkemann is clear: He wouldn't trade his daughters for anything.
In fact, he told his Instagram followers that if he were to have a fifth child, he would hope for another girl. This declaration isn't just about doubling down on his pride in his family — it's a pointed response to those who see fathering daughters as a misfortune.
Von Letkemann's stance is a powerful one, rejecting the notion that a family is incomplete without sons. He encourages others to question the assumptions behind these comments and to appreciate the joy and fulfillment that his daughters bring. By sharing his story, von Letkemann hopes to create a more inclusive perspective on fatherhood, one that values daughters just as much as sons.