"Surround yourself with people who take their work seriously, but not themselves, those who work hard and play hard."

Motivation

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Insight & Reflection

This reflection on motivation by Colin Powell resonates across generations. It highlights a fundamental truth about human nature: our continuous search for meaning in motivation is what ultimately defines our character and our path forward.

About Colin Powell

Colin Luther Powell was an American U.S. Army general, diplomat, and statesman who served as the 65th United States secretary of state from 2001 to 2005, being the first Black American to hold the office, and was the highest-ranking Black American in the federal executive branch in American history until the election of Barack Obama as president in 2008. Initially politically independent, Powell joined the Republican Party in 1995, but left it in 2021 following the January 6 United States Capitol attack. He was the 15th national security advisor from 1987 to 1989, and the 12th chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from 1989 to 1993.

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Editorial Note: This quote is curated and fact-checked by the Quotes Archive Editorial Team. Verified Literature Specialist.

More by Colin Powell

"Don't let your ego get too close to your position, so that if your position gets shot down, your ego doesn't go with it."

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More about Motivation

"I never know when I am being funny, and the other way too. I don't think you can think about that. I don't think you can try to be funny. Some people are just funny."

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"Strive today so that tomorrow may stand upon solid ground. For where clarity resides, peace inevitably follows."

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