Success is a concept that means something different to everyone; for some it’s climbing the career ladder, owning an expensive sports car, and for others it’s simply finding enjoyment in the everyday life.
Through her speeches, interviews, and writing, Oprah has shared powerful insights on what it means to succeed. The following quotes bring together some of our favourites, each one offers inspiration and a fresh perspective on pursuing a life that truly feels successful to you.
Create the highest, grandest vision possible for your life, because you become what you believe.
Oprah Winfrey
This advice was delivered by Oprah Winfrey in 1997 at a commencement speech at Wellesley College. The speech was aimed at new graduates, encouraging them to dream big and have a bold vision for their lives. The message stems from Oprah as a child, where she imagined a life “bigger, greater than what I saw”, becoming the foundation for her journey toward success.
Think like a queen. A queen is not afraid to fail. Failure is another stepping stone to greatness.
Oprah Winfrey
This quote was included in Oprah’s own magazine, O, in May 2001. It’s an encouragement to readers to approach challenges fearlessly. This quote is known as one of Oprah’s most famous motivational lines, a clear message of self-worth and resilience.
There is no such thing as failure. Failure is just life trying to move us in another direction.
Oprah Winfrey
In a Harvard commencement address in 2013, Oprah included this inspirational quote as a part of her speech, despite the challenges she was facing in everyday life. Her newly launched TV network (OWN) was struggling and was highly criticized publicly. This message told graduates that even when things seemingly go wrong, “there is no such thing as failure”. Not only is this one of Oprah’s most notable quotes, but it was also the standout moment of the speech, resulting in cheers and applause from the audience.
Luck is a matter of preparation meeting opportunity.
Oprah Winfrey
This powerful quote has been widely recited on social media, interviews and inspirational websites. Oprah’s luck quote is one of the most motivational when trying to succeed, whether that’s in your career or in life, Oprah encourages you to always work hard for what you want to achieve and stay ready for opportunities, then the luck you’re hoping for will find you.
It’s an empowering idea. One that puts you in control of your own destiny, reminding you that success isn’t about chance but about showing up prepared when the moment comes.
You know you are on the road to success if you would do your job and not be paid for it.
Oprah Winfrey
This thought-provoking quote sets a clear benchmark to help you to know when you’re close to success in your career. It’s a great philosophy to have, and encourages the view of success to be enjoyment of a role, rather than via financial gains or promotion. Oprah has openly said it’s taken her a while to find her purpose, but encourages others to keep searching for it. Whilst this sounds like a tiresome journey, she also claims that once you’ve found your purpose in life, you’re “fuelled by the energy of your work”.
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.
Oprah Winfrey
So the key to success is not to chase it? That’s what Oprah believes. Concentrating on meaningful tasks and focusing on the value or impact of your work will result in a more rewarding journey to success. With this quote comes a strong message about mindset that’s frequently quoted in leadership circles; instead of always thinking of an end goal of success, shifting that mindset into thinking about finding meaning in the day-to-day will soon result in success all on its own.
Surround yourself with only people who are going to lift you higher.
Oprah Winfrey
This quote from Oprah Winfrey offers timeless advice, not just for achieving success, but for living a grounded everyday life. This quote often appears as one of Oprah’s most impactful. One of the most influential people in her circle was the legendary poet and author Maya Angelou, whom Oprah lovingly referred to as her “mentor-mother-sister-friend”. Maya not only celebrated Oprah’s success but also offered tough love when needed, setting Oprah straight if she was at risk of making poor decisions.
The truth is, success is a process, you can ask anybody who’s been successful.n’t just give up.
Oprah Winfrey
Oprah delivered this insight during her commencement speech at Colorado College, in 2019. It’s a powerful reminder that success doesn’t happen overnight, it unfolds gradually through consistent effort. This quote emphasises the need not to rush success, nor for it to be the sole goal, but to put one step in front of the other and the success will follow. There is a broader message in the commencement speech, Oprah encourage graduates to focus on making intentional decisions and serving others. Her message is clear, when you lead with purpose and stay true to your values, success becomes a byproduct.
Seen a quote that resonates with you? Save it, along with other inspiring quotes in the Quotivated app.
