In June of 2009, I had an idea that it would be fun to share original ideas with friends in a place where we could all find them. I blogged it as Why #BeOriginal to let my friends know.
Over time, more and more people have shared great ideas. But Twitter search does not last forever, so I captured some of my personal favorites here. (These are what was still available on search starting 9/5/2009. There were many more that are now gone from search.) Some are my own quotes so I won’t forget them – but many are from my friends and colleagues who have joined in the fun of sharing original ideas. I hope you enjoy them!
Since September I have been collecting the “BeOriginals” each month, categorizing them, and sharing them with others to give credit to all of my friends who share their original ideas. You will find them all on the #BeOriginal Blog. Be sure to check it out and subscribe to the feed so you get the update each month.
Maybe you have favorite quotes from searching #BeOriginal too? Feel free to add them in the comments section at any time. (Special thanks to @mikemyatt who inspired me to do this with his personal quote list that you can find here.)
Here is a short selection of the thousands of #BeOriginal Quotes that have now been shared.
Originals on Life and Attitude
haforhope “It’s Your Life: Live Life with a Mission.” -Ha Tran #BeOriginal
haforhope: “If you don’t know your abilities and your limits, it’s much harder to make an honest promise and keep it.”-Ha Tran #BeOriginal
amilya: “Don’t settle for a broken cookie! Your life can be more than crumbs!” Amilya Antonetti #BeOriginal
amilya: “Things you should try to avoid. Knowledge on ice and ignorance on fire.” ~ Amilya Antonetti #BeOriginal
WaltHansmann Courage is about living true to yourself. #BeOriginal
WaltHansmann Our lives are determined by our choices. Choose well.#BeOriginal
KateNasser: Action replaces fear with insight and knowledge. Get active! ~Kate Nasser #BeOriginal
KateNasser: An authentic smile changes everything. ~Kate Nasser #BeOriginal
RickSherrell: “Every apology falls short of the mark, but grace is always on target.” #BeOriginal
WBAustin The first two years of college are vocabulary lessons. The second two years are spent learning who to ask & where to look it up. ~ Bill Austin
Chantified“You cannot become more than the thoughts you hold onto” ~ Chanty Lang-Vermaas #BeOriginal
Shannon_KB: “Remind me to hit my “pause” button more often.” ~ Shannon Koerber Bullard #BeOriginal
JeanieHollon : When you meet people with no happiness or hope, give them some of yours
JeanieHollon Defeat negativity by turning your attention to positive pursuits; negativity dies from neglect. ~ Jeanie Hollon
JDHenry09 “To become your greatest fan – learn to laugh at yourself. It makes life way more interesting!” -Jessica Henry #BeOriginal
eschreyer: There’s a reason you put your own oxygen mask on 1st. If you don’t take care of yourself, you diminish your value to others. ~ Erin Schreyer
DrSteveBroe Honor the teachers you meet in your world, in their many different forms. ~ Dr. Steve Broe #beoriginal
BrainZooming: Don’t refuse to smile at someone you think is nobody. It will make it easier when you realize later they are somebody. Mike Brown#beoriginal
judyrey : How you look at the world actually determines what you see. ~ Judy Rey Wasserman #BeOriginal
MarkOOakes: What we think we know has a tendency to come and go… but our wisdom will last a lifetime. #BeOriginal
joankw “The sooner we learn to ask for help – the sooner we reap the benefits.” Joan Koerber-Walker #BeOriginal
joankw “If you can find joy in the darkest days, imagine what you will find on bright ones!” Joan Koerber-Walker
joankw “Just when you think you are finished – Something good happens and you start all over again.” #BeOriginal
joankw “All we can be is who we are. Anything else is just too much work.” Joan Koerber-Walker
joankw “We each have an individual voice, but together we form a chorus whose music can change the world.” – Joan Koerber-Walker.
joankw “Making a Difference starts with Making an Effort.” Joan Koerber-Walker
joankw “As the sun rises each day, so must our hope for a better tomorrow.” #Beoriginal
joankw “Friends are like flowers – the more you have, the brighter your world.” Joan Koerber-Walker #BeOriginal
joankw “Sometimes you have to give in and rest – So you can start again bright and refreshed.” Joan Koerber-Walker #BeOriginal
Originals on Family
trina_willard: The pain of life’s passages are somehow tempered when a new little person joins the world. It’s a new beginning. #BeOriginal
MasterworksDsgn: The trouble with teaching your children to think for themselves is that they do. #BeOriginal So you live with interesting consequences…
KatheeSue: Warning to my teens as they headed for the evening: “Nothing good happens after midnight.” #BeOriginal
joankw “Talking with Teens: “I’ve had to tell you so many times. I sound like a broken record!” “Mom, What’s a record?” Joan Koerber-Walker
joankw “Budget Mgt. Advice for Parents of Teens || “I’d love to give you a twenty honey – but I never carry cash.” Joan Koerber-Walker #BeOriginal
joankw “Hockey Mom Math: 100 broken hockey sticks $15, 000, 1 ER visit $5,000, Watching your kid do what he loves – Priceless.” #BeOriginal
Originals on Leadership
douglasbrent: Always ask permission before offering feedback and you’re more likely to be helpful. Douglas Brent Smith #BeOriginal
douglasbrent: Leadership is sharing inspiration and responsibility with the courage it takes to achieve success.~ Douglas Brent Smith #BeOriginal
mikehenrysr : Just because I cleaned up the mess doesn’t mean I volunteer to be the janitor ~ Mike Henry Sr.
royatkinson: In times like these, a leader must dig down to a new level of commitment to the goals of the team, and move forward. #BeOriginal
royatkinson: A leader who is clueless will have a team that is glueless.
royatkinson: A leader must dig down to a new level of commitment to the goals of the team, and move forward. #leadership #BeOriginal
leadershipcoach: Some men are born leaders, and some leaders are born women. ~Joan Gustafson #BeOriginal
leadershipcoach: “A special leader lives within you. Determine what, when and how to lead.” ~Joan Gustafson #BeOriginal
JenniferVMiller: Take shortcuts with things, not with people, ~ Jennifer V. Miller#BeOriginal
JenniferVMiller: Push your own boundaries before someone pushes them for you.#BeOriginal
WaltHansmann: What qualities does it take to be a #leader? Look in the mirror. YOU are the key ingredient. #BeOriginal
mikemyatt: “There exists a season for all things, but decisive, prudent and principled leadership never goes out of season.” #BeOriginal #Quote
eschreyer: What makes a great leader? Not just striving 4 results, but also striving to build into people & impact their lives. ~Erin Schreyer #BeOriginal
eschreyer: When great leaders look in the mirror, they see integrity, selflessness and inspiration. ~ Erin Schreyer #BeOriginal
ldguymn: SHINE: Seek … 2 … Help … by … Inspiring … Nuturing … & … Encouraging. ~ Dave Brand #BeOriginal
ldguymn: GOAL: Giving … of … Oneself … 2 … Achieve … a … Legacy.
ldguymn: RISK: Ready … 2 … Invest … in … Something … 4 … Keeps. #BeOriginal
ldguymn: MODEL: Motivate … Others … Daily … by … Encouraging … Learning. #BeOriginal
ldguymn: The value derived from inspection is related to the time spent in reflection. Dave Brand #BeOriginal
ldguymn: Value a journey not only for it’s destination, but also by the path traveled ~ Dave Brand
LeadToday: Poor leaders tell. Good leaders explain. Superior leaders demonstrate. Great leaders inspire. Steve Keating #BeOriginal
LeadToday: The only followers that care what their leader thinks R the followers that know their leader cares. Steve Keating
JKWleadership: “If you want your people to lead, be sure to give them a great role model to follow.” Joan Koerber-Walker #BeOriginal
JKWleadership“Great leaders lead by example, inspiring new leaders by their actions.” Joan Koerber-Walker
JKWleadership “Choosing to lead is not always easy, but it IS always worth it.” Joan Koerber-Walker
JKWleadership “No one can hear you if you don’t speak up” Joan Koerber-Walker
JKWleadership “If you want people to follow you, demonstrate that you are worth following.” Joan Koerber-Walker
JKWleadership “Doing the right thing is not always convenient ; but, it is always right.” Joan Koerber-Walker
JKWleadership “Inspiring others to lead and watching them succeed is the best part of a leader’s journey.” Joan Koerber-Walker #BeOriginal
Originals on Innovation and Creativity
KateNasser: Creativity is #diversity of the mind. ~Kate Nasser #BeOriginal
cpschuster : “Different isn’t good or bad; it’s just different.” Camille Schuster, PhD
DeeMcCrorey “Play to your strengths. Reinvent everything else.” ~ Dee McCrorey #BeOriginal
JKWinnovation: Originality is an art that improves with practice. ~ Joan Koerber-Walker#BeOriginal
JKWinnovation: When the innovation train pulls away from the station, make sure you are on it. Or else you’ll get left behind. ~ Joan Koerber-Walker
Shannon_KB Is “Necessity the mother of Invention” ∙OR∙ is Invention/Innovation the mother of Necessity? Shannon Koerber Bullard
eaglesflite: Imagine if the ground was not open to new seeds? A closed mind isn’t fertile for the growth of new ideas & visions ~ Dale Lawrence #beoriginal
eaglesflite The river of life may be swift, but a persevering spirit will always find a way to cross to the other side~ Dale Lawrence , #beoriginal
DrBob4u: Do not deny your own mind. Encourage your own ideas and creativity. ~Dr Robert H. Schwenk #beoriginal
DrBob4u: Choose the good in all things and people. Dr Robert H. Schwenkker
JKWinnovation: “Creativity and Innovation is NOT always a good thing – just ask the folks on Wall Street.” Joan Koerber-Walker
JKWinnovation: “One spark of innovation can light up a world of new opportunities.” Joan Koerber-Walker #BeOriginal
JKWinnovation: “Sometimes a small tweak can lead to a big improvement. Don’t overlook small opportunities.” Joan Koerber-Walker #BeOriginal
Originals on Success, Business and Growth
amilya: Noodle Thought ||”You do not know what you don’t know. Be careful who you allow to fill in the blanks” ~ Amilya Antonetti #BeOriginal
amilya: Noodle Thought: Just because you “Can” doesn’t mean that you “should”. Amilya Antonetti.
amilya: Noodle:Those around you should help”lift” you up and “motivate” you to be your best. Not bitter,angry, and resentful people who will pull you down. Watch who you let in. Amilya Antonetti #BeOriginal
amilya: Noodle thought: “Destiny CAN'T be stolen but it CAN be abandoned.”#BeOriginal
amilya: Noodle Thought: Good managers oil squeaky wheels. Bad Managers replace them. Know your situation. #BeOriginal
RodKirby “I define success not by the amount of people that come in the door, but by how many leave impacted on their way out.” #BeOriginal
MoreClients: “The fear of success is often more paralyzing than the fear of failure.” – Peter George #BeOriginal
MoreClients: “Effective marketing is the by-product of consistent marketing.” Peter George #BeOriginal
royatkinson: Keep it up – and maybe, by day’s end, the opportunities will begin to outweigh the challenges. #BeOriginal
royatkinson: Change just is, and we need to wrap ourselves around it as well as we can. #BeOriginal
royatkinson: Decisions made without us are decisions made for us. #BeOriginal
royatkinson: Practice speedership every day. Anticipate coming changes and learn how to respond with lightning reflexes. #BeOriginal
royatkinson: Be in touch with the speed of change in your industry and within your organization—and understand the gap between the two. #BeOriginal
CorePurpose: Originality drives Success. ~ Joan Koerber-Walker
CorePurpose: Success is a choice each of us can make. Choose yours. ~ Joan Koerber-Walker
JKWgrowth: 4 steps for growth|| Ask Questions. Listen for Answers. Take action. Celebrate Success ~ Joan Koerber-Walker #BeOriginal
joankw: “How can we help each other?” Is one of the MOST powerful business questions you can ask! ~ Joan Koerber-Walker #BeOriginal
JKWgrowth: “Treasure your rainy days; they help to bring new growth…” ~ Joan Koerber-Walker
JKWgrowth: “Growth accelerates when you choose to focus on your positives.” Joan Koerber-Walker #BeOriginal
CoachJanet “Proactive people change the atmosphere and reactive people complain about it.” Janet Daughtry #BeOriginal
wjsalls: Every failure is just another step on your journey to the top. William J. Salls#BeOriginal
MeghanMBiro Experiment – Don’t Sell! Find something Meaningful + Create Value. #BeOriginal
KateNasser: Accountability is not about blame. It is commitment to excellence & ownership of all results. Kate Nasser #BeOriginal
KateNasser: “Collaboration defined — expanding everyone’s greatness”
KateNasser: In business, speak clever to attract; deliver value to keep.~Kate Nasser
KateNasser: Team Defined: Talent engaged in growth and change to achieve a common success. ~Kate Nasser #BeOriginal
JillKoenig: What you dwell upon long enough and strong enough becomes your reality. #BeOriginal
coachquips: Just when I think I’ve got it all together, something comes up that I’ve never had to deal with and I am humbled once again! Tricia Schulte#BeOriginal
jglass8 “Growth is a journey while success is the final destination.” Jamie Glass
jglass8 Hope is everlasting and fuels our determination to achieve more. Jamie Glass
Humorous Originals
converging: As I tell my friends when wrestling with fear or intimidation: “Pretty people poop too…” Robb Bingham
joankw: “At least when I tweet on Twitter SOMEBODY listens.” Joan Koerber-Walker #BeOriginal
joankw “My idea of exercise – THREE laps around Lord & Taylors.” Joan Koerber-Walker
joankw “It’s hard to take yourself seriously when you have just had a food fight in front of hundreds of people.” Joan Koerber-Walker
JeanieHollon “A politician and an IRS agent are drowning. You can only save one of the. Do you walk the dog or read a book?” Jeanie Hollon
JeanieHollon “Dear Lord, I been good today-I have’t gossiped or bad-mouthed no one. But I’m fixin’; to get up now and I’m gonna need your help.” Jeanie Hollon
JeanieHollon “Dear IRS, I no longer wish to belong to your organization. Please cancel my membership & remove my name from your mailing list.” Jeanie Hollon
wjsalls: “If life gives you lemons, trade them for limes, and make Margaritas.” William J. Salls #BeOriginal