Drive & Willpower: English Vocabulary List

used to imply that one should not prematurely assume the outcome of a situation, but rather remain persistent and open-minded, as there may still be opportunities for success

"Don't give up yet."

"Despite being behind by two goals, the team continued to fight, knowing it is not over until it is over."

used to imply that success is achieved through hard work, perseverance, and determination, highlighting the importance of resilience and persistence in accomplishing one's goals

"Persistence achieves what talent alone cannot — it is dogged that does it."

"She lacked natural talent but outworked everyone else — it is dogged that does it."

used to imply the more one consumes or experiences something, the more one desires it

"The more you have the more you want — appetite comes with eating."

"Once the company started expanding, the ambition grew rapidly — appetite comes with eating."

used to imply that challenging tasks can be accomplished with effort and determination, and that seemingly impossible goals are still achievable but may require more time, patience, perseverance, and effort

"Challenges can be overcome."

"The team successfully completed the complex project ahead of schedule; difficult is done at once, the impossible only takes a little longer."

used to suggest that it is important to prove oneself worthy of something through hard work, dedication, and effort, before feeling entitled to it

"Earn the right before asking for it — first deserve, then desire."

"She built her skills for three years before asking for a senior role — first deserve, and then desire."

used to emphasize that starting a task or project can be difficult due to fear and uncertainty, but taking the first step is essential to building momentum and achieving success

"Starting is the hardest."

"He procrastinated for weeks, but once he began the assignment, he found that the first step is always the hardest."

used to imply that to achieve a desired outcome or goal, one must be willing to put in the necessary effort, take risks, and face challenges

"You must work hard."

"To achieve his dream of becoming a successful entrepreneur, he knew that he that would eat the fruit must climb the tree."

used to imply that it is preferable to live an active and engaged life, even if it leads to exhaustion, rather than leading an idle and unfulfilling life, which can result in physical and mental decline

"Be active, not lazy."

"She continued to volunteer and pursue her hobbies vigorously in retirement, believing it is better to wear out than to rust out."

used to imply that success or good fortune is often the result of hard work, persistence, and consistent effort over time

"Hard work creates its own luck — diligence is the mother of good luck."

"Every so-called lucky break she received had been preceded by years of preparation — diligence is the mother of good fortune."

used to suggest that hard work and effort are necessary for success and that where people are actively engaged in work, there will be a favorable outcome or reward

"Work brings rewards."

"The startup team was incredibly dedicated and productive, and soon their efforts paid off – where bees are, there is honey."

used to suggest that engaging in productive activity, such as work, is generally beneficial to a person's well-being and should be embraced rather than avoided

"Work is good for you."

"She encouraged her children to take on responsibility early, insisting that work never hurt anybody."

used to suggest that regardless of how bad a situation may seem, it is always possible to make amends or improve the situation through positive action and effort

"It is never too late to improve — it is never too late to mend."

"He returned to education at fifty, reminding himself it is never too late to mend."

used to imply that if one works hard and diligently to maintain one's business, it will provide for one and help to achieve financial stability and success

"Work hard for money."

"She dedicated herself to her small business, always remembering that keep your shop and your shop shall keep you."

used to suggest that once someone has committed to a course of action, it is better to fully commit and take additional risk or expense rather than giving up halfway through

"Commit to the end."

"They had already invested so much money into the project that they decided to go all the way – in for a penny, in for a pound."

used to encourage people to take action and put in the necessary effort to achieve their goals, rather than simply waiting for success to come to them

"Work for your goals."

"To achieve true success in this competitive field, you must remember that he that would eat the kernel must crack the nut."

used to emphasize the importance of persistence and patience in achieving goals and not being discouraged by setbacks or mistakes

"Keep trying, it's okay."

"Don't worry about making mistakes; just keep working on it, because do and undo, the day is long enough."

used to suggest that that creating or mastering a particular art or skill can be a lifelong pursuit, and that one should use their time wisely to pursue their passions and achieve their goals

"Art takes a long time."

"She dedicated her entire existence to perfecting her violin technique, understanding that art is long and life is short."