I am drawn to quotes as I find them inspirational and as I believe we are all leaders in some areas of our lives I find John Maxwell’s quotes on leadership inspiring. John Maxwell said, “leadership is not about titles, positions or flowcharts. It is about one life influencing another”. Imagine what sort of impact you could make if everyone in the world took this idea to heart. Influence and learn from each other.

When you were younger did you think or say, ‘when I am older I’m going to be just like you?‘
Naturally, the people you want to be like, inspires you. I used to love hearing travel stories from one of my aunts and I know that inspired me to travel.
There are many people around you and me who inspire us and without us knowing there are many people we inspire too. The people who inspire me today, are not people I get to see. I listen to them on podcasts, in courses or read their books. And, as I work towards my goals, I draw on the inspiration of quotes to help me stay focused on my journey.
Look no further than these inspiring quotes from author and leadership expert John Maxwell. Especially, if you are you developing leadership skills or looking for motivation and encouragement to reach your goals?
Quotes on change to become the leader you are destined to be.
These powerful quotes from John Maxwell really resonate with the idea of taking action rather than just talking about it. Change can be difficult due to our self-belief or the circumstances around us, but it’s important to remember that growth is not inevitable. We have to actively choose to grow and work towards gaining a deeper understanding of situations, expanding our skillset and reaching for higher goals and life goals even when faced with obstacles or discomfort.
“We cannot become what we need by remaining what we are.”
John C Maxwell
“Change is inevitable. Growth is optional.”
John C Maxwell
John Maxwell encourages people to move past the dream and into action. Dreams without actions inevitably fail, while actions without dreams miss the larger point. It takes work for good things to happen. It takes commitment to personal development to change and grow.
Quotes on relationships
John Maxwell reminds us of the importance of putting our actions before words. Many leaders make the mistake of prioritizing their goal-setting and desires without first connecting with a team on an emotional level. Caring for others, showing empathy and understanding, and displaying a willingness to help are all necessary for effective leadership. Without these qualities, it is unlikely that people or a team will develop trust or respect for its leader.
“Leaders must be close enough to relate to others, but far enough ahead to motivate them.”
John C Maxwell
“People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”
John C Maxwell
As you take action on your goals, remember your why. Your reason to take daily action towards your goal. Your reason needs to pull you along your journey.
Family and friendships are two of the greatest facilitators of happiness.
John C Maxwell
John Maxwell quotes about leading by example.
John Maxwell speaks to the importance of having a positive and supportive attitude when it comes to inspiring others to achieve their goals. People are naturally more likely to trust and follow someone who is passionate and enthusiastic — traits which come through in your attitude far more than in your words. If you want people to believe in you, show them that you believe in yourself.
“Leadership is not about titles, positions or flowcharts. It is about one life influencing another.”
John C Maxwell
“People may hear your words, but they feel your attitude.”
John C Maxwell
As a leader, the first person I need to lead is me. The first person that I should try to change is me.
John C Maxwell
A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way and shows the way.
John C Maxwell
Visualise the different areas of your life and how you lead in those life areas. Set your goals. Then, create a plan with the steps you need to take to reach your potential. Remember designing your life starts with a dream.
It all starts with a dream
Usually, our goals start with dreams. I know I dream about my life, my life goals, career and business goals and also how I would like my ideal day to be. Just dreaming or visualizing how you would like life to be is not going to make it happen. One of John Maxwell’s quotes on dreams is, “dreams don’t work unless you do.” You do need to take action, set the goal, create a plan and start taking action towards the goal.
“Dreams often come in one size too big so that we can grow into them.”
John C Maxwell
John Maxwell said, “if you’re not failing, you’re probably not really moving forward.” It does not feel good to fail and to continuously feel like you are failing and not achieving your goals can be discouraging. There are always reasons why you fail to achieve your goals. Me, I often self-sabotaged or focused on too many goals at once.
Failed plans should not be interpreted as a failed vision. Visions don’t change, they are only refined. Plans rarely stay the same, and are scrapped or adjusted as needed. Be stubborn about the vision, but flexible with your plan.
John C Maxwell
If you want to be successful, it’s best to view failure as just another learning curve, rather than something that completely defines your future. All successes start from small steps and those small changes can make all the difference.
Many people will have a dream for you. When you are a child, your parents have a dream for you. Coaches throughout your life can influence your vision for yourself. As an employee, you are sometimes pushed towards a different career path than you envisioned. I’ve found the actions and careers I’ve had have helped me define my way on my journey to fulfilling my dreams. Each day as I work on my current goal, I take one step closer to fulfilling my dream.
Dreams require down payments. Dreams are free, but the journey isn’t. There is a price to pay. First, you must pay the price of dealing with criticism from people who matter. Ralph Waldo Emerson said, ‘Whatever course you decide upon, there is always someone to tell you that you are wrong.’ Second, you must pay the price of overcoming your fears. Failure, rejection, and looking foolish are common fears – but they are just feelings that can be conquered and removed from your thoughts. Finally, you must be willing to pay the price of hard work in order to realize your dream.
John C Maxwell
To take action on your dreams, you need to create new habits. Your dreams are lots of little habits coming together, a little at a time, a day at a time. A person becomes a leader by investing in their life and their skills and sharing these with others.
John Maxwell quotes on life purpose.
John Maxwell emphasizes the importance of our attitude and approach to success. Desire is not just a wish or a goal — it’s a determination to succeed that drives us forward and keeps us focused on our goals despite any obstacles. To truly achieve success, we must be willing to keep striving no matter what comes our way.
”The size of our success is determined by the strength of our desire; the size of our dream; and how we handle disappointment along the way.”
John C Maxwell
“Success is…
John C Maxwell
knowing your purpose in life, growing to reach your maximum potential, and
sowing seeds that benefit others.”
This quote reminds us of the choices we need to make in life. Making decisions can be hard as every decision will lead to a different outcome. Sometimes what is a good decision that feels right one day, may feel like it was the wrong choice the next.
When my husband and I made the decision to return to Australia to live after returning and living for a brief time in both our home countries, it was not an easy decision. It was a thought-out decision, not an instant decision. We choose between good and better.
“To Stay Focused in Life:
You can’t know everyone
You can’t do everything
You can’t go everywhere
We have to pick and choose between good and a little bit better.” – John C Maxwell.
The rule of 5 things
I find the rule of 5 things interesting because many leaders talk about 5 things they do every day that helps them progress towards their goals. Hal Elrod has five actions with his miracle morning routine, positive ways to start the day that will transform your life. John Maxwell also has a rule of 5 activities to do every day. His activities are; reading daily, filing daily, thinking, asking questions and writing.
After reading the book the miracle morning I created the habit of journaling, visualising and reading. I also read and learn daily and enjoy sharing what I have learnt with others. I recently read how John Maxwell’s company established 5 rules within the organisation. The rules are core values with statements. Having core value statements for your personal life is a great filter for daily actions.
“If you start today to do the right thing, you are already a success even if it doesn’t show yet.”
John C Maxwell
“You will never change your life until you change something you do daily.”
John C Maxwell
People often talk about being in a rut. And, yes, it is easy to do the same thing day in, and day out, not taking action on your goals. Yet, it is only by taking action on your dreams and creating new healthy habits that change will happen. Start winning the day by choosing productive morning routine habits.
“If you don’t change the direction you are going, then you’re likely to end up where you’re heading…”
John C Maxwell
Reach your potential through personal growth
This quote by John Maxwell perfectly sums up the importance of small changes in forming a habit. Habits help set our routines and establish new thought patterns which guide us through life. By making small, daily changes to how you think or act, no matter how small, you are creating positive change that will slowly build until it reaches the outcome you want.
“The difference between success and failure might just be a few tweaks to our attitudes and beliefs.”
John C Maxwell
John Maxwell’s quote “learn to pay attention to the little details, run the extra mile and blow away expectations so that others see your potential.” encourages us to invest the necessary effort to not only meet our expectations but exceed them. Pushing beyond our boundaries shows how much we are capable of and gives a glimpse into our potential as individuals. Taking the time to focus on the little things is what makes great accomplishments and will help you achieve any desired outcome.
The first time you say something, it’s heard. The second time, it’s recognized, and the third time it’s learned.
John C Maxwell
Success requires hard work and a positive mindset. If you want to be successful, it’s best to view failure as just another learning curve, rather than something that completely defines your future. All successes start from small steps and those small changes can make all the difference.
Most people don’t like change. They question it, and revolt against it unless they can clearly see the advantage it brings. For that reason, when good leaders prepare to take action or make changes, they take people through a process to get them ready for it.
The Steps to Success
Learn how to develop yourself as a leader, break through creative blocks, and make the most of your life with these insightful words of wisdom from John Maxwell. “Seven Steps to Success 1) Make a commitment to grow daily. 2) Value the process more than events. 3) Don’t wait for inspiration. 4) Be willing to sacrifice pleasure for opportunity. 5) Dream big. 6) Plan your priorities. 7) Give up to go up.”
If you focus on goals, you may hit goals – but that doesn’t guarantee growth. If you focus on growth, you will grow and always hit goals.
John C Maxwell
Success is knowing your purpose in life, growing to reach your maximum potential and swoing seeds that benefit others.
John C Maxwell

These are only some John Maxwell quotes on leadership and growth. Look back to the rule of 5 things and decide what 5 things can you do to invest in your personal growth.
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