I'm a sucker for inspirational quotes. I understand the predilection to cheesy-ness when it comes to memorable catch phrases and mantras. However, on several occassions, I have found myself literally powered by a well-thought out phrase of encouragement or advice. The CLUTCHMagazine series, Wise Words, has literally been giving me life. It would be a crime not to reshare their latest quote from American playwright and screenwriter, Neil Simon.

Don’t listen to those who say, “It’s not done that way.” Maybe it’s not, but maybe you will. Don’t listen to those who say, “You’re taking too big a chance.” Michelangelo would have painted the Sistine floor, and it would surely be rubbed out by today. Most importantly, don’t listen when the little voice of fear inside of you rears its ugly head and says, “They’re all smarter than you out there. They’re more talented, they’re taller, blonder, prettier, luckier and have connections…” I firmly believe that if you follow a path that interests you, not to the exclusion of love, sensitivity, and cooperation with others, but with the strength of conviction that you can move others by your own efforts, and do not make success or failure the criteria by which you live, the chances are you’ll be a person worthy of your own respect."