24 Quotes on Success From Oprah Winfrey

Oprah's rise from impoverished, abused teenager to wealth and esteem is among the most inspiring American success stories.

learn more about Grace Bluerock

By Grace Bluerock

Leonard Zhukovsky | Shutterstock.com
Oprah Winfrey

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Oprah Winfrey was born on this date -- January 29 -- 62 years ago. She is among the most successful entrepreneurs of all time with a net worth of $3 billion. Life magazine has named Oprah the most influential woman of her generation. Business Week has named her the greatest African-American philanthropist in American history.

Oprah was was born in poverty to an unmarried teen mother. She was sexually abused throughout her childhood and became a troubled, rebellious adolescent. She ran away from home at age 13.

Despite her difficult upbringing, Oprah did not allow her past to determine her future. She demonstrated that regardless of the obstacles we face, we can achieve anything through passion, determination and hard work. Here are 24 of her greatest quotes on life and success to inspire and empower you.

1. Find your calling.

"Everybody has a calling. And your real job in life is to figure out as soon as possible what that is, who you were meant to be, and to begin to honor that in the best way possible for yourself."

2. Dreams.

"The key to realizing a dream is to focus not on success but on significance -- and then even the small steps and little victories along your path will take on greater meaning."

3. Luck.

"I feel that luck is preparation meeting opportunity."

4. Vision.

"Create the highest, grandest vision possible for your life, because you become what you believe."

5. Make a difference.

"You have to know what sparks the light in you so that you, in your own way, can illuminate the world."

6. Do your best.

"My philosophy is that not only are you responsible for your life but doing the best at this moment puts you in the best place for the next moment."

7. Know your purpose.

"You know you are on the road to success if you would do your job and not be paid for it."

8. Wealth.

"The reason I've been able to be so financially successful is my focus has never, ever for one minute been money."

9. Celebrate life.

"The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate."

10. Follow your own path.

"Often we don't even realize who we're meant to be because we're so busy trying to live out someone else's ideas. But other people and their opinions hold no power in defining our destiny."

11. Choose excellence.

"The choice to be excellent begins with aligning your thoughts and words with the intention to require more from yourself."

12. Keep good company.

"Surround yourself with only people who are going to lift you higher."

Related: 10 People Who Became Wildly Successful After Facing Rejection

13. Possibility.

"Understand that the right to choose your own path is a sacred privilege. Use it. Dwell in possibility."

14. Do what you love.

"Passion is energy. Feel the power that comes from focusing on what excites you."

15. Be the artist of your life.

"With every experience, you alone are painting your own canvas, thought by thought, choice by choice."

16. Leave your comfort zone.

"I believe that one of life's greatest risks is never daring to risk."

Related: 8 Hugely Successful People Who Didn't Graduate College

17. Make a difference.

"What material success does is provide you with the ability to concentrate on other things that really matter. And that is being able to make a difference, not only in your own life but in other people's lives."

18. Stay positive.

"I know for sure that what we dwell on is who we become."

19. Authenticity.

"I had no idea that being your authentic self could make me as rich as I've become. If I had, I'd have done it a lot earlier."

20. Be limitless.

"Every time you state what you want or believe, you're the first to hear it. It's a message to both you and others about what you think is possible. Don't put a ceiling on yourself."

21. Take risks.

"Do the one thing you think you cannot do. Fail at it. Try again. Do better the second time. The only people who never tumble are those who never mount the high wire. This is your moment. Own it."

22. Growth.

"Turn your wounds into wisdom."

23. Follow your passion.

"What I know is, is that if you do work that you love, and the work fulfills you, the rest will come."

24. Take action.

"The big secret in life is that there is no big secret. Whatever your goal, you can get there if you're willing to work."

Related: Protect Your Brand, Oprah Style: 5 Legal Strategies She Uses (And You Should, Too)

Grace Bluerock
Grace Bluerock was a federal employee and social worker who now is a blogger, coach and online entrepreneur who enjoys the freedom of a life she has always dreamed of. Her mission to help people create happier, freer, more fulfilling lives by doing work they love. Get a free copy of her mini-course, to uncover your natural talents and passions and turn them into your perfect work. Join her at Seeking Increase and on Facebook.

Related Topics

Editor's Pick

Everyone Wants to Get Close to Their Favorite Artist. Here's the Technology Making It a Reality — But Better.
The Highest-Paid, Highest-Profile People in Every Field Know This Communication Strategy
After Early Rejection From Publishers, This Author Self-Published Her Book and Sold More Than 500,000 Copies. Here's How She Did It.
Having Trouble Speaking Up in Meetings? Try This Strategy.
He Names Brands for Amazon, Meta and Forever 21, and Says This Is the Big Blank Space in the Naming Game
Thought Leaders

The Collapse of Credit Suisse: A Cautionary Tale of Resistance to Hybrid Work

This cautionary tale serves as a reminder for business leaders to adapt to the changing world of work and prioritize their workforce's needs and preferences.

Growing a Business

The No.1 Most Bankable Skill You Must Have to Succeed in 2023

If you don't foster this skill, you'll fall behind the pack financially and professionally in 2023.

Business News

I'm a Former Google Recruiter. Here's How to Land a Job in Tech — and What Can Blow Your Interview

A former Google recruiter says layoffs may be trendy, but tech workers are always needed. Here's how to land a job at a major tech company.

Business Ideas

55 Small Business Ideas To Start Right Now

To start one of these home-based businesses, you don't need a lot of funding -- just energy, passion and the drive to succeed.

Starting a Business

Is Your Start Up Safe? Here Are 7 Reminders On How To Protect It

Your start-up company is your baby. Whether you have a company or are thinking about starting one, don't forget these seven ways that it can be easily attacked without proper precautions.

Starting a Business

5 Ways Entrepreneurship Can Help Teenagers Overcome Negative Peer Pressure

Here are some of the positives teenage entrepreneurship can have concerning peer pressure.