Six people of various ages, genders and races stand in a group with their arms folded. They're all wearing button-up shirts in a variety of colors and they have smiles on their faces.
If you're struggling with your business or with getting motivated, the best place to look is the wisdom of successful entrepreneurs who came before you. — Getty Images/VioletaStoimenova

Entrepreneurship is hard work, and no matter how successful you become, there will always be new challenges to work through. These 10 quotes can keep you motivated during a difficult season in your life and business.

[Read more: 10 Quotes from Entrepreneurs That Will Inspire You to Start a Business]

“Timing, perseverance and 10 years of trying will eventually make you look like an overnight success.”

Biz Stone, co-founder of Twitter

It’s easy to look at someone else’s success and wonder how it seemed to happen so quickly and easily for them. This quote is a good reminder that we’ll never fully understand all the hard work that goes into building a successful business.

“When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it.”

Henry Ford, founder of Ford Motor Company

Facing a difficult challenge may be the exact thing you need to achieve a breakthrough.

​​[Read more: 10 Warren Buffett Quotes Every Business Owner Needs to Hear]

“Do not be embarrassed by your failures, learn from them and start again.”

Richard Branson, founder of The Virgin Group

A failure is never a waste if you can learn from it and use it to get better.

“I had to make my own living and my own opportunity! But I made it! Don’t sit down and wait for the opportunities to come. Get up and make them!”

Madam C.J. Walker, entrepreneur and first female self-made millionaire in the United States

Madame C.J. Walker is famous for saying, “I got my start by giving myself a start.” Don’t wait around for the right opportunity to show up — choose to be a self-starter.

“I knew that if I failed I wouldn’t regret that, but I knew the one thing I might regret is not trying.”

Jeff Bezos, founder and executive chairman of Amazon

Most people only truly regret the opportunities they never went for.

[Read more: 10 Steve Jobs Quotes Every Business Owner Needs to Hear]

When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it.

Henry Ford, founder of Ford Motor Company

“Fearlessness is like a muscle. I know from my own life that the more I exercise it the more natural it becomes to not let my fears run me.”

Arianna Huffington, co-founder of The Huffington Post Media Group and founder and CEO of Thrive Global

Strength is a muscle, and the more you exercise it, the more you’ll see it grow.

“I’m convinced that about half of what separates the successful entrepreneurs from the non-successful ones is pure perseverance.”

Steve Jobs, American inventor and co-founder of Apple

Unsuccessful people give up when things get difficult, but the successful have found ways to continue pushing through.

“Show me a person who never made a mistake, and I will show you a person who never did anything.”

William Rosenberg, founder of Dunkin’ Donuts

It isn’t possible to start a business or do anything meaningful without making mistakes. Trying to be perfect will only hold you back.

“The most dangerous poison is the feeling of achievement. The antidote is to every evening think what can be done better tomorrow.”

Ingvar Kamprad, founder of Ikea

It’s easy to let complacency creep in once you feel like you’ve “made it.” This quote is a good reminder that there’s always something to improve and some area where you can grow.

“Don’t limit yourself. Many people limit themselves to what they think they can do. You can go as far as your mind lets you. What you believe, remember, you can achieve.”

Mary Kay Ash, founder of Mary Kay Cosmetics

Many people are only limited by their own vision and belief in themselves. If you believe you can accomplish something, you’ll find a way to make it happen.

CO— aims to bring you inspiration from leading respected experts. However, before making any business decision, you should consult a professional who can advise you based on your individual situation.

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