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49 Legendary John Wayne Quotes

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John Wayne was an American film actor, director, and producer. He starred in 142 pictures and won an academy award. 

John Wayne was among the top box office draws for three decades. He is an American icon and epitomized rugged masculinity especially in his western films. In 1999, he was selected as one of the greatest male stars in classic America cinema by the America Film Institute. 

Here are 49 legendary John Wayne quotes:

1. “Courage is being scared to death… and saddling up anyway.” – John Wayne

2. “Tomorrow is the most important thing in life. Comes into us at midnight very clean. It’s perfect when it arrives and it puts itself in our hands. It hopes we’ve learned something from yesterday.” – John Wayne

3. “A man deserves a second chance, but keep an eye on him.” – John Wayne

4. “All battles are fought by scared men who’d rather be some place else.” – John Wayne

5. “I won’t be wronged. I won’t be insulted. I won’t be laid a hand on. I don’t do these things to other people and I require the same from them.” – John Wayne

6. “I have tried to live my life so that my family would love me and my friends respect me. The others can do whatever the hell they please.” – John Wayne

7. “When you stop fighting, that’s death.” – John Wayne

8. “I’m the stuff men are made of.” – John Wayne

9. “A man’s got to have a code, a creed to live by.” – John Wayne

10. “I define manhood simply: men should be tough, fair, and courageous, never petty, never looking for a fight, but never backing down from one either.” – John Wayne

11. “I’m responsible only for what I say, not what you understand.” – John Wayne

12. “What’s the secret of success? Right decisions. How do you make right decisions? Experience. How do you get experience? Wrong decisions.” – John Wayne

13. “When you come against trouble, it’s never half as bad if you face up to it.” – John Wayne

14. “I’d like to know why the well-educated idiots keep apologizing for lazing and complaining people who think the world owes them a living.” – John Wayne

15. “Life is tough, but it’s tougher if you’re stupid.” – John Wayne

16. “Tomorrow hopes we have learned something from yesterday.” – John Wayne

17. “If everything isn’t black and white, I say, ‘Why the hell not?’” – John Wayne

18. “Everybody that I was in school with had an uncle or father in the law, and I started to realize that I was going to end up writing briefs for about ten years for these fellows who I thought I was smarter than. And I was kind of losing my feeling for that.” – John Wayne

19. “The worst part of it has been, I think, the adverse effect on family life. It kills off family conversation. And it’s harder to get your children to read books. I became a confirmed reader when I was growing up in Glendale. I’ve loved reading all my life. Now I’ve got this daughter, Aissa, a very bright young lady — but it is a hard job to get her to read. Television’s just too easy.” ― John Wayne

20. “I’m not the sort to back away from a fight. I don’t believe in shrinking from anything. It’s not my speed; I’m a guy who meets adversities head on.” – John Wayne

 

john wayne quotes
 

21. “I suppose my best attribute, if you want to call it that, is sincerity. I can sell sincerity because that’s the way I am.” – John Wayne

22. “Talk low, talk slow and don’t say too much.” – John Wayne

23. “Real art is basic emotion. If a scene is handled with simplicity – and I don’t mean simple – it’ll be good, and the public will know it.” – John Wayne

24. “I was sure I’d set the world on fire, and it was hard for a young feller like me to realize the truth – that I hadn’t set the world on fire, and I was totally unprepared to handle the consequences if ‘The Big Trail’ had been a success and launched me as a star.” – John Wayne

25. “All I’m for is the liberty of the individual.” – John Wayne

26. “In westerns, you meet a hardy bunch of characters. There is no jealousy on such pictures.” – John Wayne

27. “I’d read up on the history of our country and I’d become fascinated with the story of the Alamo. To me it represented the fight for freedom, not just in America, but in all countries.” – John Wayne

28. “When you come to see a picture of mine, I want you to know that I’m not going to do anything that will make you uncomfortable. I want you to know that you won’t be disappointed in me.” – John Wayne

29. “I never have really become accustomed to the ‘John.’ Nobody ever really calls me John… I’ve always been Duke or Marion or John Wayne. It’s a name that goes well together, and it’s like one word – John Wayne.” – John Wayne

30. “All the screen cowboys behaved like real gentlemen. They didn’t drink, they didn’t smoke. When they knocked the bad guy down, they always stood with their fists up, waiting for the heavy to get back on his feet. I decided I was going to drag the bad guy to his feet and keep hitting him.” – John Wayne

31. “Nothing is so discouraging to an actor than to have to work for long hours upon hours in brightly lighted interior sets.” – John Wayne

32. “I was ashamed to admit I was hipped to the idea of acting. That’s why I started in with the props.” – John Wayne

33. “Nobody should come to the movies unless he believes in heroes.” – John Wayne

34. “In my acting, I have to identify with something in the character. The big tough boy on the side of right — that’s me.” – John Wayne

35. “Never apologize and never explain – it’s a sign of weakness.” – John Wayne

36. “You’re short on ears and long on mouth.” ― John Wayne

37. “I’ve always followed my father’s advice: he told me, first to always keep my word and, second, to never insult anybody unintentionally. If I insult you, you can be goddamn sure I intend to. And, third, he told me not to go around looking for trouble. ” ― John Wayne

38. “A man’s got to do what a man’s got to do.” ― John Wayne

39. “A goal, a love and a dream give you total control over your body and your life.” ― John Wayne

40. “I would like to be remembered, well … the Mexicans have a phrase, “Feo fuerte y formal”. Which means he was ugly, strong and had dignity.” ― John Wayne

41. “A man who won’t stand for what he believes isn’t a man!”― John Wayne

42. “Life is getting up one more time than you’ve been knocked down.” ― John Wayne

43. “A man ought to do what he thinks is right.”― John Wayne

44. “A goal, a love, and a dream give you total control over your body and your life.”― John Wayne

45. “Get off your butt and join the Marines.”― John Wayne

46. “There’s right and there’s wrong. Y’gotta do one or the other, do the other and you may be walking around, but you’re dead as a beaver hat.”― John Wayne

47. “Hurry it up. We’re burning daylight!”― John Wayne

48. “You can take everything a man has as long as you leave him his dignity.” ― John Wayne

49.Life is hard; it’s harder if you’re stupid.”― John Wayne

What’s your favorite John Wayne quote? Share it with us below!

Yale Middleton is a Revenue Specialist for Hilton Worldwide. He is passionate about personal development, leadership, and entrepreneurship. Yale also works as a team member for the top self development website Addicted2Success. You can also follow him on his Facebook.

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10 Hidden Psychological Barriers That Are Killing Your Success

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Image Credit | Joel Brown

Sure, success often gets credited to hard work, talent, and a sprinkle of luck. But dive into psychology, and you’ll find sneaky mental patterns and behaviors messing with your progress.

Here are ten fascinating insights into these hidden barriers, along with some tips to kick them to the curb:

 

1. Unconscious Mental Processes and Performance

Our unconscious mind is like a backstage crew, controlling much of the show without us even knowing. It’s tricky because we can’t always tell if it’s one thought or a gang of them messing with our performance.

  • Why It Happens: Our brain is a multitasking machine, processing loads of info behind the scenes to keep us functioning. This can sometimes trip us up without us realizing it.
  • Example: Imagine prepping for a big presentation. Despite being ready, you feel super anxious. Those jitters could be old memories of past screw-ups haunting you.
  • How to Overcome It: Get into mindfulness and self-reflection. Techniques like journaling can help you spot and deal with these sneaky influences.

 

2. All or Nothing Thinking

Ever see things in black-and-white? That’s a cognitive distortion called all-or-nothing thinking. No gray areas, just extremes.

  • Why It Happens: Our brain loves to simplify stuff, even if it means being unrealistic. It’s like a shortcut that often leads to stress.
  • Example: Thinking you have to be perfect at your job or you’re a total flop. It’s all or nothing, no middle ground.
  • How to Overcome It: Challenge those extreme thoughts. Find the balance and remind yourself that effort and progress matter, even if things aren’t perfect.

 

3. Self-Limiting Beliefs

These pesky beliefs sneak in from past experiences and hold us back. They’re like invisible chains.

  • Why It Happens: Our brain likes to stick to the familiar to avoid failure. These beliefs get formed early and dig in deep.
  • Example: Bombed a math test once and now think you’re doomed to suck at math forever? That’s a self-limiting belief in action.
  • How to Overcome It: Spot these beliefs and question them. Replace them with positive affirmations and look for evidence that proves them wrong.

 

4. Habit Formation and Unconscious Behavior

We’re creatures of habit, with a lot of our actions running on autopilot.

  • Why It Happens: Our brain automates routines to save energy. Handy, but not always helpful.
  • Example: Procrastinating? That’s a habit that can tank your productivity and success.
  • How to Overcome It: Build new, positive habits. Set small, doable goals and track your progress with habit trackers.

 

5. Normative Unconscious Processes

These processes keep us stuck in our comfort zones, resisting necessary changes.

  • Why It Happens: Familiarity feels safe, so our brain resists change even when it’s good for us.
  • Example: Sticking with a job you hate because it’s familiar, even though it’s not what you want.
  • How to Overcome It: Push yourself out of your comfort zone with specific, actionable goals. Get a mentor or coach for support.

 

6. Violation of Social Norms

Going against the grain can be seen as abnormal, but sometimes it’s just what’s needed.

  • Why It Happens: Society’s unwritten rules can be strict, and breaking them can lead to judgment.
  • Example: An entrepreneur taking wild risks might seem reckless, but those risks can lead to big breakthroughs.
  • How to Overcome It: Own your unique approach and find places that value diverse perspectives. Explain your rationale to others and seek support.

 

7. Statistical Rarity and Abnormal Behavior

Just because something is rare doesn’t mean it’s wrong. Context is key.

  • Why It Happens: What’s unusual can be misunderstood, especially without considering cultural and situational factors.
  • Example: Preferring solitude might seem antisocial, but in some cultures, it’s a respected trait.
  • How to Overcome It: Respect cultural differences and find communities that appreciate your uniqueness.

 

8. Personal Distress and Behavior

Behaviors that stress you out can be markers of deeper issues, but not always.

  • Why It Happens: Distress signals can be about deeper problems or just responses to tough situations.
  • Example: Chronic stress from overworking can lead to burnout, tanking your performance and well-being.
  • How to Overcome It: Take care of yourself. Get help if you need it and practice stress management techniques like exercise and meditation.

 

9. Maladaptive Behaviors

These are survival strategies gone wrong, sticking around when they’re no longer useful.

  • Why It Happens: Behaviors that once helped you cope can become harmful if you keep using them in new situations.
  • Example: Avoiding conflict might have been useful before, but now it hinders effective communication.
  • How to Overcome It: Learn new coping strategies that fit your current situation. Practice being assertive and communicating openly.

 

10. Impact of Labels on Behavior

Labels can stick like glue, influencing how we see ourselves and how others see us.

  • Why It Happens: Labels simplify things but can reinforce negative patterns and limit potential.
  • Example: Being called “lazy” can crush your self-esteem and motivation, even if it’s not true.
  • How to Overcome It: Reject negative labels and focus on your strengths. Surround yourself with people who see your potential and support your growth.

 

Understanding these hidden psychological barriers can help you develop better strategies for success.

Recognizing and tackling these unconscious patterns can unlock your full potential and set you on a path to personal and professional growth.

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