1. Mary Poppins
“In every job that must be done, there is an element of fun. You find the fun, and – SNAP – the job’s a game!”
Mary Poppins doled out many nuggets of wisdom, but this one is our favorite reminder to find something enjoyable about your work no matter what you do.
2. Obi-Wan Kenobi
“In my experience, there’s no such thing as luck.”
The force is strong with this movie mentor. This piece of sage advice reminds us to work for what we want, and be proud of what we’ve accomplished.
3. Glinda the Good Witch
“You’ve always had the power, you just had to learn it for yourself”
Though it can sometimes be easier to rely on others for answers or support, realizing your own strengths and utilizing them will empower you and allow you accomplish things you never thought possible.
4. Rafiki
“The past can hurt. But the way I see it, you can either run from it or learn from it.”
Though many of Rafiki’s expressions are somewhat opaque, this one really hits home – and not just because it comes after he literally hits Simba on the head with his walking stick.
5. Ron Swanson
“Don’t start chasing applause and acclaim. That way lies madness.”
Ron Swanson taught us many things; the only thing worse than lying is skim milk, it’s pointless to paint nature when you can just go outside and stand in it, any dog under fifty pounds is a cat…his fount of wisdom virtually endless. While some of those aphorisms aren’t exactly applicable to everyday life, this quote is solid gold.
6. Judge Judy
“Have you ever heard of the K.I.S.S. principle? ‘Keep It Simple, Stupid.'”
She may not be a typical ‘mentor’ figure, but Judge Judy has been famously sharp and no-nonsense since day one. Though this tidbit was probably directed originally at a litigant, it applies to anyone facing a challenge.
7. Albus Dumbledore
“It is our choices that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.”
You may not always have all the answers, and no one reasonably expects you to. What you’ll ultimately be remembered by are your values, work ethic, and choices.
8. Mr. Miyagi
“You trust the quality of what you know, not quantity.”
Though it’s virtually impossible to pick only one great piece of wisdom from Mr. Miyagi, we thought this one summed up an important career lesson – it’s better to really master one or a few disciplines than to have a limited understanding of many.
9. Leslie Knope
“Sometimes you have to make the hardest climb to see the most beautiful sunrise.”
Arguably one of the most inspiring characters to grace the small screen, Leslie Knope does not disappoint with this motivating guidance. Though the road to success can be filled with obstacles, those struggles make the reward all the more satisfying.
