1. Steve Jobs

Co-Founder, Apple

Quote: “Being the richest man in the cemetery doesn’t matter to me. Going to bed at night saying we’ve done something wonderful, that’s what matters to me.”

Takeaway: In this quote, Jobs makes it clear that what he does with his life isn’t for the love of money. Instead, he gets satisfaction out of knowing that he’s done something worthwhile. In other words, ask yourself if what you’re doing will make the world a better place. It doesn’t necessarily need to be anything mind-blowing (e.g. a cure for cancer). An app that helps people stay organized or get work done more efficiently can definitely have a positive impact. On the other hand, coming up with an easier way to spam email isn’t something you’d likely want to be remembered for.

2. Aaron Patzer

Founder, Mint

Quote: “Observe the world around you — everything you do, and especially everything you hate to do.”

Takeaway: If you’re plagued by a lack of ideas, pay attention to your daily life. Take mental notes of the problems and solutions you come across. It’s especially important to notice when there’s something you absolutely hate doing. If it bothers you, chances are there are plenty of others who feel the same way. Now, ask yourself, what would make the situation more pleasant?

3. Hugh Hefner

Founder, Playboy

Quote: “Life is too short to be living somebody else’s dream.”

Takeaway: Forget about your peers. You’re your own person and you should act accordingly; whether it’s being told to go to college, or having your finances or business criticized. As long as you’re prepared to take responsibility for your decisions–both good and bad–then you should chase your own dreams.

4. Gary Vaynerchuk

Co-Founder, VaynerMedia

Quote: “If you live for weekends or vacations, your shit is broken.”

Takeaway: It takes a certain kind of person to be an entrepreneur. Not everyone is cut out for it. Are you genuinely passionate about what you’re doing, or are you more concerned about money, big houses, fast cars, and time at the beach? The truth is, a real entrepreneur puts in a lot of work… not because they have to, but because they want to.

5. Bill Gates

Co-Founder, Microsoft

Quote: “Success is a lousy teacher. It seduces people into thinking they can’t lose.”

Takeaway: So you’ve achieved a few goals. Now the question is, what are you going to do next? Allowing complacency to creep in is a bad idea. Rather than pat yourself on the back, continue to grow, improve, and expand on your successes.

6. Thomas Edison

Co-Founder, General Electric

Quote: “Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.”

Takeaway: If you’re waiting for success to fall in your lap, good luck. Your competition is going out each and every day, and putting in the work necessary to make the most of their opportunities.

7. Seth Godin

Founder, Squidoo

Quote: “Waiting for perfect is never as smart as making progress.”

Takeaway: Perfectionists can relate to this statement all too well. Let’s be clear, “perfect” doesn’t exist. And perfect now might not be perfect next month. Focus on making progress and launch your business now, not in 10 years.

8. Paul Graham

Co-Founder, Y Combinator

Quote: “It’s hard to do a really good job on anything you don’t think about in the shower.”

Takeaway: Once again, this statement comes down to passion. You either love what you do, or you don’t. Is success on your mind, morning, noon, and night? If you’re not brainstorming in the shower, you might want to question your commitment.

9. Henry Ford

Founder, Ford Motor Company

Quote: “Don’t find fault. Find remedy. Anyone can complain.”

Takeaway: Anyone can complain. Anyone. But complaining doesn’t get us anywhere. Use your energy to do something constructive, like taking action and implementing change.

10. Reid Hoffman

Co-Founder, LinkedIn

Quote: “You jump off a cliff and you assemble an airplane on the way down.”

Takeaway: There are a lot of unknowns and potential risks you will face as an entrepreneur. You have to meet these head on, and without fear. Go ahead, jump off that cliff, and then improvise.

11. Joe Kraus

Founder, Excite

Quote: “The cost of hiring someone bad is so much greater than missing out on someone good.”

Takeaway: All it takes is one person, one mistake to cause havoc. If you’re not 100% sold on hiring someone to represent you and your business, then don’t do it. This wisdom is more relevant today than ever before. How many Facebook friends and online reviews will one dissatisfied customer reach? Sure, you can always fire a bad employee, but the damage will be done, and you’ll be stuck cleaning up the mess.

12. Oprah Winfrey

Founder, OWN

Quote: “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.”

Takeaway: Why limit yourself? Believe that the impossible is possible, and then go out and prove it.

13. Richard Branson

Founder, Virgin Group

Quote: “Business opportunities are like buses, there’s always another one coming.”

Takeaway: Missing out on an opportunity can be demoralizing, but the good news is that opportunities have never ceased to exist. You’ll get another chance, so rather than moping around, get ready for the next bus.

14. Bob Parsons

Co-Founder, GoDaddy

Quote: “When you’re ready to quit, you’re closer than you think.”

Takeaway: Talk to successful entrepreneurs and you’ll likely discover a trend. Too many were so close to giving up, only to later find out that success was right around the corner. Perseverance is what distinguishes the gifted entrepreneurs from the mediocre ones.

15. Biz Stone

Co-Founder, Twitter

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

Takeaway: Despite what the movies and media portray, being an “overnight success” isn’t as immediate as it might sound. Those who travel down the road of entrepreneurship will soon come to realize that it takes hard work and dedication. But it’s those challenges that eventually make the success that much more rewarding.