William James Quotes for Leaders
William James was an American philosopher and psychologist. He was also the first educator to offer a psychology course in the United States. I became aware of William James years ago when I heard him referenced in Earl Nightingale’s audio recording of “The Strangest Secret”
The William James quotes in this article are intended to be viewed through the lens of a leader. They focus heavily on mindset and the power our thoughts have over our attitude and our actions.
I’m hopeful that you find these quotes useful to you as you prepare your mindset for the day or as you inspire your team or organization.
“Belief creates the actual fact.” – William James
“If you only care enough for a result, you almost certainly attain it. If you wish to be rich you will be rich, if you wish to be learned you will be learned. If you wish to be good you will be good. Only you must then really wish these things and wish them exclusively and not wish at the same time hundred other incompatible things just as strongly.” – William James
“Act if what you do makes a difference. It does.” – William James
“Our view of the world is truly shaped by what we decide to hear.” – William James
“It is our attitude at the beginning of a difficult task which, more than anything else, will affect its successful outcome.” – William James
“The greatest discovery of my generation is that human beings can alter their lives by altering their attitudes of mind.” – William James
“Be not afraid of life. Believe that it is worth living, and your belief will help create the fact.” – William James
“Nothing is so fatiguing as the eternal hanging on of an uncompleted task.” – William James
“We need only, in cold blood, act as if the thing in question were real and it will become infallibly real. By growing into such a connection with our life that it will become real, it will become so knit with habit and emotion that our interests in it will be those which characterize belief.” – William James
“The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another.” – William James
“The art of being wise is the art of knowing what to overlook.” – William James
“Pessimism leads to weakness, optimism to power.” – William James
“The deepest principle in human nature is the craving to be appreciated.” – William James
“We don’t laugh because we’re happy – we’re happy because we laugh.” – William James
“Whenever two people meet, there are really six people present. There is each man as he sees himself, each man as the other person sees him, and each man as he really is.” – William James
Which quote was your favorite? Recently, I’ve been focused on employee engagement. Dr. James’ quote about how we crave appreciation really hit home for me.
If you have any thoughts to share or want to share your own favorite leadership quote, please leave a comment.
Make it a great day!
