Connect with us

Success Advice

Rethink Your Life: Words of Wisdom from 12 Influential Thought Leaders

Published

on

GNV-ReThink-Business-Quotes

This past week, I had the absolute pleasure of speaking alongside some incredibly talented authors, entrepreneurs, doers, and thinkers at Rethink GNV, a day centered around “rethinking” the Gainesville, FL entrepreneurial ecosystem. Developed by the team at Student Maid, a cleaning and concierge service in the college town that has quickly become a community leader, the event was started to encourage the community to come together for a day of inspiration, connection, and learning.

What was a smashing success for the Gainesville community last week could, and most definitely should, be shared with the entrepreneurial community at large, so I have gathered exceptional quotes shared from the crowd at the event (through #rethinkgnv on Twitter) that will help you rethink your own city, business, and life.

Here you go!

 

Jon-Gordon1)  Jon Gordon, author of the worldwide mega bestseller “The Energy Bus” and President of The Jon Gordon Companies

“I believe you shouldn’t have a plan B when you’re going after your dreams.”

 

 

Jessica Ekstrom2)  Jessica Ekstrom, Founder of Headbands of Hope

“Awareness is only skimming the surface of change.”

 

 

 

Greg Reid3) Greg S. Reid, #1 Bestselling Author (most recently of “Stickability”) and ambassador to the Napoleon Hill Foundation

“Our greatest success usually comes one step after our greatest setbacks.”

 

 

James Robilotto4) James T. Robilotta, Leadership Speaker and Coach

“Role models are tangible and transparent. Heroes are not.”

 

 

Nick Friedman5) Nick Friedman, Founder of College Hunks Hauling Junk and Author of “Effortless Entrepreneur”

“I tried finding the gap between wanting a job and knowing that ‘work sucks’.”

 

 

Tammy Tibbetts6) Tammy Tibbetts, Founder of She’s The First

“Leverage the power of your earlier self. It’s all about confidence over competence.”

 

 

Jared Kleinert7) Me! (Jared Kleinert), Co-Author and Co-Founder of 2 Billion Under 20

“There are many things that need fixing. If we all do a small part, we can really change the world.”

 

 

Peter Van Stralen8)Peter Van Stralen, CEO of Sunshine Brands

“Life is not a career. It’s a mission.”

 

 

Christina Wallace9) Christina Wallace, Program Director at the American Museum of Natural History

“Don’t be afraid to run for the bus.”

 

 

Charlie Hoehn10) Charlie Hoehn – Author of “Play It Away” and “Recession-Proof Graduate”

“Life is not something that you tip toe around. Life is something for you to lean into and embrace.” 

 

 

Antonio Neves11) Antonio Neves, Founder of THINQACTION and Co-Founder of The Ignition Lab

“If someone has ever asked you, “Hey, when did you get here?”, you don’t have charisma.”

 

 

Kristen Hadeed12) Kristen Hadeed, Founder of Student Maid 

“Word of advice: don’t mix ammonia and bleach.”

 

Jared Kleinert is an entrepreneur, TED and keynote speaker, and award-winning author who’s been named USA Today's "Most Connected Millennial" after spending years identifying and connecting hundreds of the world's smartest and most talented Millennials. His next book 3 Billion Under 30 is out now, and you can get 5 free stories from his new book atwww.3billionunder30.com. You can also say hi at jared@3billionunder30.com.

Advertisement
2 Comments

2 Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Success Advice

Inside the TikTok Resume Hack That’s Fooling Recruiters (For Now)

A viral TikTok resume trick promises interviews overnight, yet one wrong move could blacklist you from future jobs.

Published

on

AI resume hacks
Image Credit: Midjourney

Your job hunt has stalled out. After weeks of submitting online applications, you haven’t had a nibble. (more…)

Continue Reading

Life

9 Harsh Truths Every Young Man Must Face to Succeed in the Modern World

Before chasing success, every young man needs to face these 9 brutal realities shaping masculinity in the modern world.

Published

on

harsh truths for young men
Image Credit: Midjourney

Many young men today quietly battle depression, loneliness, and a sense of confusion about who they’re meant to be.

Some blame the lack of deep friendships or romantic relationships. Others feel lost in a digital world that often labels traditional masculinity as “toxic.”

But the truth is this: becoming a man in the modern age takes more than just surviving. It takes resilience, direction, and a willingness to grow even when no one’s watching.

Success doesn’t arrive by accident or luck. It’s built on discipline, sacrifice, and consistency.

Here are 9 harsh truths every young man should know if he wants to thrive, not just survive, in the digital age.

1. Never Use Your Illness as an Excuse

As Dr. Jordan B. Peterson often says, successful people don’t complain; they act.

Your illness, hardship, or struggle shouldn’t define your limits; it should define your motivation. Rest when you must, but always get back up and keep building your dreams. Motivation doesn’t appear magically. It comes after you take action.

Here are five key lessons I’ve learned from Dr. Peterson:

  • Learn to write clearly; clarity of thought makes you dangerous.

  • Read quality literature in your free time.

  • Nurture a strong relationship with your family.

  • Share your ideas publicly; your voice matters.

  • Become a “monster”, powerful, but disciplined enough to control it.

The best leaders and thinkers are grounded. They welcome criticism, adapt quickly, and keep moving forward no matter what.

2. You Can’t Please Everyone And That’s Okay

You don’t need a crowd of people to feel fulfilled. You need a few friends who genuinely accept you for who you are.

If your circle doesn’t bring out your best, it’s okay to walk away. Solitude can be a powerful teacher. It gives you space to understand what you truly want from life. Remember, successful men aren’t people-pleasers; they’re purpose-driven.

3. You Can Control the Process, Not the Outcome

Especially in creative work, writing, business, or content creation, you control effort, not results.

You might publish two articles a day, but you can’t dictate which one will go viral. Focus on mastery, not metrics. Many great writers toiled for years in obscurity before anyone noticed them. Rejection, criticism, and indifference are all part of the path.

The best creators focus on storytelling, not applause.

4. Rejection Is Never Personal

Rejection doesn’t mean you’re unworthy. It simply means your offer, idea, or timing didn’t align.

Every successful person has faced rejection repeatedly. What separates them is persistence and perspective. They see rejection as feedback, not failure. The faster you learn that truth, the faster you’ll grow.

5. Women Value Comfort and Security

Understanding women requires maturity and empathy.

Through books, lectures, and personal growth, I’ve learned that most women desire a man who is grounded, intelligent, confident, emotionally stable, and consistent. Some want humor, others intellect, but nearly all want to feel safe and supported.

Instead of chasing attention, work on self-improvement. Build competence and confidence, and the rest will follow naturally.

6. There’s No Such Thing as Failure, Only Lessons

A powerful lesson from Neuro-Linguistic Programming: failure only exists when you stop trying.

Every mistake brings data. Every setback builds wisdom. The most successful men aren’t fearless. They’ve simply learned to act despite fear.

Be proud of your scars. They’re proof you were brave enough to try.

7. Public Speaking Is an Art Form

Public speaking is one of the most valuable and underrated skills a man can master.

It’s not about perfection; it’s about connection. The best speakers tell stories, inspire confidence, and make people feel seen. They research deeply, speak honestly, and practice relentlessly.

If you can speak well, you can lead, sell, teach, and inspire. Start small, practice at work, in class, or even in front of a mirror, and watch your confidence skyrocket.

8. Teaching Is Leadership in Disguise

Great teachers are not just knowledgeable. They’re brave, compassionate, and disciplined.

Teaching forces you to articulate what you know, and in doing so, you master it at a deeper level. Whether you’re mentoring a peer, leading a team, or sharing insights online, teaching refines your purpose.

Lifelong learners become lifelong leaders.

9. Study Human Nature to Achieve Your Dreams

One of the toughest lessons to accept: most people are self-interested.

That’s not cynicism, it’s human nature. Understanding this helps you navigate relationships, business, and communication more effectively.

Everyone has a darker side, but successful people learn to channel theirs productively into discipline, creativity, and drive.

Psychology isn’t just theory; it’s a toolkit. Learn how people think, act, and decide, and you’ll know how to lead them, influence them, and even understand yourself better.

Final Thoughts

The digital age offers endless opportunities, but only to those who are willing to take responsibility, confront discomfort, and keep improving.

Becoming a man today means embracing the hard truths most avoid.

Because at the end of the day, success isn’t about luck. It’s about who you become when life tests you the most.

Continue Reading

Change Your Mindset

Work-Life Balance Isn’t a Myth: Here’s How to Actually Make It Happen

Work stress doesn’t have to win, here’s how to protect your peace and thrive in any workplace.

Published

on

workplace stress management techniques
Image Credit: Midjourney

Starting a new job often comes with excitement and ambition. Yet, beneath that initial enthusiasm, many employees quickly encounter the reality of workplace challenges, especially stress. (more…)

Continue Reading

Change Your Mindset

The Four Types of Happiness: Which One Are You Living In?

Most people chase success only to find emptiness, this model reveals why true happiness lies somewhere else.

Published

on

happiness model explained
Image Credit: Midjourney

In a world driven by rapid technological growth and constant competition, many people unknowingly trade joy for achievement. (more…)

Continue Reading

Trending