Joking aside, one study indicates that 87% of parents with children under 18 report feeling stressed during the back-to-school season. Another shows that 60% of parents are driven to tears and spend just over two entire work days coordinating family schedules. Additionally, more than half of parents struggle to balance their personal and professional responsibilities during the back-to-school chaos. 

To prepare for this chaotic time of year, working parents can secure products now that make life easier before they are a month into the school year, neck deep in homework help and trying to take a conference call from the other room at the same time. 

“The truth is, stress multiplies when decisions pile up. And during seasons like back-to-school, everything feels urgent. That’s why a little prep—paired with the right tools—can go a long way in making things feel more manageable,” says Laura Hunter, co-founder of Moms on Call, pediatric nurse and mom of five.  

Back-to-school clothes

They say getting dressed is half the battle. Here are some products that will help you win. 

Stitch Fix: A styling service for kids 

They are still figuring out who they are—and how to express themselves through clothes. Meanwhile, you don’t have time to go to seven stores to help them determine just what that looks like. Enter: Stitch Fix for kids, where you help your kid take a quiz, skip the store and get access to a first box of styles for free. You only pay for the items you decide to keep, and send the rest back. From there, you can determine your delivery frequency and budget for clothes. 

Kiziks’ hands-free shoes

You can now literally squeeze and pop on your baby’s and toddlers’ shoes. Your elementary-age kids can also slide right into their shoes while they race outside for the bus—no tying required. Eliminating difficult shoes that need loosening, double-knotting or help from a parent might be the best gift working parents give themselves this season. Be warned, though—you’ll want a pair of your own, too.

Toddlers who dress themselves with Carter’s new line, Otter Avenue

One of the biggest time sucks is getting toddlers dressed in the morning. Many parents have missed an older kid’s bus, or their first meeting, while negotiating with a toddler over whether their pants are on backwards (pro tip: skip the battle!). The new line from Carter’s called Otter Avenue seeks to empower toddlers to solve their clothing conundrums with a cute “F” bubble letter on the front of clothes, larger and easier-to-navigate buttons and other accessibility features that mean more time for parents to get ready.

The perfect working mom jumpsuit

If you haven’t jumped on the jumpsuit train yet, you are missing out on some serious ease when it comes to getting dressed on busy mornings. Boden’s Gwen Slash Neck Jumpsuit and Anthropologie’s Shirting Parachute Jumpsuit will both have you ready to run as a working mom juggling all the things.

Food

To pack or to buy? That is the question.

Personalized lunch boxes from Bentgo

You are going to want a personalized Bentgo Modern Lunch Box, as are your older kids. Younger kids might have more fun with the Pop Lunch Box. But all can be personalized, preventing mix-ups and making lunch prep much easier.  

Cerebelly fruit and veggie smoothie pouches

Who says fruit and veggie pouches are just for babies? Cerebelly’s sweet potato banana blueberry smoothie offers even teens a grab-and-go option when they need something to hold them over between the last bell and band practice. These smoothies have no added sugar and also work well as a quick morning breakfast.

B. Box’s spill-resistant drink bottle

Durable and easy to use, this spill-resistant bottle is great for keeping kids hydrated throughout the school day without extra cleanup. There are a variety of sizes suitable for kids, but make sure to get yourself the 23-ounce insulated spill-resistant bottle for carpool and the office. Also consider removable labels for these and other supplies.

Organization tools for back-to-school

Calendars and schedules and apps and plans and meetings, oh my.

A 2025-2026 Clever Fox academic student planner

The Clever Fox planner’s monthly and weekly pages help keep elementary through college-aged students on top of their assignments during the academic year. The planner has room for their endless schedules, goal tracking, and even has stickers (which you’re never too old for!). Your student couldn’t ask for a better tool to keep them organized.

Coordinated digital or magnetic calendar

“Whether it’s a shared Google calendar or a family-style dry-erase board on the fridge, having one central hub where caregivers, spouses and family can view and update the weekly schedule takes so much pressure off your mental load,” Hunter says. She recommends Cozi, a family organizer app to easily color code and manage every school, extracurricular and family life event. 

ARTKIVE’s solution to paper overload

You are about to get inundated with papers. If you haven’t found a book report or drawing from your kid’s elementary school mixed in with one of your work papers recently, are you even parenting in 2025? ARTKIVE’s solution is to turn the most keepsake-worthy papers into a book to preserve what you want to save, and give yourself permission to recycle the rest.

Technology to ease the transition

The home phone—hold the spam, from Tin Can

Picture this. You’re racing home from your last meeting, but you know the bus is going to beat you by five minutes. Your kids are too young to have phones (or you don’t want them to have smartphones yet), and you need to get ahold of them. However,  traditional home phones have a serious spam call problem. Enter the Tin Can Flashback. This phone doesn’t need Wi-Fi and won’t allow spam calls. Rather, it only permits calls from numbers approved by you and your kids. This innovative yet simplistically retro device connects directly to your internet router. We also can’t wait for their new style coming soon.

The Good Inside app: A parenting coach in your pocket

From bullies to grades, back to school season isn’t just about logistics and schedules. Instead, it’s rife with emotional needs and big feelings from kids of all ages. Created by clinical psychologist Dr. Becky Kennedy, Good Inside is an app that helps you parent on the go. It provides feedback in the moment, whether dealing with teens slamming doors and telling you to go away or younger kids with oversized tantrums. You’ll find tangible takeaways such as what to do when you get triggered that your kid is being super rude.

A reusable digital notebook 

For older kids, consider the Rocketbook. It’s a reusable notebook, meaning students won’t need to keep track of different notebooks for each class. Rather, notes can be uploaded to a laptop. It just might be the trick to convincing any reluctant notetaker to be a bit more involved this semester. Beware: You might end up wanting one for work, too, when you see how it works.

Hunter also says to remember that “the point isn’t to do everything perfectly. It’s to set yourself up so the little things don’t constantly demand your attention. When we take care of the basics and lean into tools that support our routines, we free ourselves up to be more present with the people who matter most. And when we approach it all with grace, we find a rhythm that’s peaceful, not perfect—and that’s enough.”

Photo by Evgeny Atamanenko/Shutterstock.com

The post 13 Products to Make Back-to-School Easier for Working Parents and Their Kids appeared first on SUCCESS.

While power can be used to dominate or harm, it also has the potential to inspire, uplift and drive progress. History is full of examples where power was abused, but also, where it was used responsibly to lead, protect and improve lives.

Looking at how individuals throughout history have understood and used power can help us understand its many facets. Often, real power isn’t about control, but rather, acting with integrity and staying true to your values. When we reflect on power in this way, we can harness it to create something better, whether in our work, our relationships, or our communities. Peruse the following power quotes to gain motivation toward bettering ourselves—and the world around us.

What Power Is: Quotes to Make Us Think

People often debate the definition of power. It can represent control over others, the ability to influence events or even an internal force that drives personal growth and resilience. By exploring different perspectives on what power truly means, we can broaden our understanding, challenge preconceived ideas and view the concept of power through a more thought-provoking lens. The following power quotes are just the beginning.

• “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Great men are almost always bad men.” —Lord Acton
• “The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any.” —Alice Walker
• “Power is not a means; it is an end. One does not establish a dictatorship in order to safeguard a revolution; one makes the revolution in order to establish the dictatorship.” —George Orwell, Nineteen Eighty-Four
• “Power is given only to those who dare to lower themselves and pick it up. Only one thing matters, one thing: to be able to dare!” —Fyodor Dostoevsky
• “Power is of two kinds. One is obtained by the fear of punishment and the other by acts of love. Power based on love is a thousand times more effective and permanent than the one derived from fear of punishment.” —Mahatma Gandhi
• “It is by acts and not by ideas that people live.” —Anatole France, La Vie littéraire 
• “The ultimate weakness of violence is that it is a descending spiral begetting the very thing it seeks to destroy. Instead of diminishing evil, it multiplies it.” —Martin Luther King Jr.
• “Real leaders must be ready to sacrifice all for the freedom of their people.”—Nelson Mandela
• “Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.” —Abraham Lincoln

Related: Power Doesn’t Come From a Title

Famous Quotes About Power to Look Get a New Perspective

Throughout history, countless thought leaders, philosophers and political figures have pondered the nature and impact of power. Their famous words offer a multitude of perspectives, showing how the concept of power has been understood, pursued and criticized across different eras and cultures. 

Some of the best quotes about power are from experts and influential individuals across the globe. They can help us to look at power in a new way, moving beyond simple definitions to appreciate the real implications for human behavior and society.

• “Knowledge is power.” —Francis Bacon
• “Power is the ability to do good things for others.” —Brooke Astor
• “The strong do what they can and the weak suffer what they must.” —Thucydides, History of the Peloponnesian War
• “Power without love is reckless and abusive, and love without power is sentimental and anemic.” —Martin Luther King Jr.
• “People do not lack strength; they lack will.” —Victor Hugo
• “The measure of a man is what he does with power.” —Plato
• “The true price of leadership is the willingness to place the needs of others above your own.” —Simon Sinek, Leaders Eat Last: Why Some Teams Pull Together and Others Don’t
• “Concentrated power is not rendered harmless by the good intentions of those who create it.” —Milton Friedman, Capitalism and Freedom
• “Nothing in life is more exhilarating than to be shot at without result.” —Winston Churchill, The Story of the Malakand Field Force
• “Power is the great aphrodisiac.” —Henry Kissinger

Related: Why You Have to Take Control of Your Thoughts

Motivational Power Quotes to Tap Into Your Strength & Leadership Abilities

Having power in a positive sense—whether it’s the power to lead, to inspire or to overcome challenges—often requires hard work and motivation. These inspirational power quotes emphasize the connection between personal strength and effective leadership. They can highlight how cultivating your inner resolve can grow your capacity to make an impact. 

• “The path to success is to take massive, determined action.” —Tony Robbins
• “The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today.” —Franklin D. Roosevelt
• “Comfort will never make you proud.” —Tony Robbins
• “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” —Eleanor Roosevelt
• “Our greatest fear is not that we are inadequate, but that we are powerful beyond measure.” —Marianne Williamson
• “Where focus goes, energy flows.” —Tony Robbins
• “Leadership is not about being in charge. It is about taking care of those in your charge.” —Simon Sinek
• “The quality of your life is the quality of your relationships.” —Tony Robbins
• “If more people understand power, they will be better able to handle the responsibility.” —Roxanne Gay
• “Unleash the power within.” —Tony Robbins

Original Inspirational Power Sayings That Can Make an Impact

Accessing your inner power, whether it leads to a leadership position or simply empowers you to live authentically, isn’t always easy. Yet it can be a journey that helps people achieve their goals and move ahead in life. This section offers a collection of original, inspirational sayings written by the SUCCESS® team. They can act as simple affirmations or reminders of the strength you possess. These power quotes for women, men or anyone looking for inspiration might make you think or take a step forward.

• “True power is quiet—loud enough to change, not to boast.”
  
• “Power used well builds; power abused breaks.”
  
• “Control fades, but influence lasts.”
  
• “Real strength is choosing restraint when force is easy.”
  
• “Power reveals who we are, not who we pretend to be.”
  
• “To lead with fear is easy; to lead with trust is power.”
  
• “Power grows when it’s shared, not hoarded.”
  
• “The most powerful voice often whispers.”
  
• “Dominance impresses; integrity endures.”
  
• “Power without purpose is just noise.”

The Power of Self and Inner Strength

Beyond external authority, some of the most profound power resides within ourselves. This internal strength is our ability to overcome adversity, maintain resilience and lead with conviction, even when faced with significant challenges. It’s the power of self-belief and the unwavering spirit that allows us to not only endure but to thrive. Cultivating this inner power is essential for personal growth and for inspiring positive change in our communities and the world. Use these inspirational quotes about power to tap into your inner strength.

• “Success comes through the application of power, and power is attained through the cooperative efforts of other people.” ―Napoleon Hill, Think and Grow Rich
• “The most powerful weapon on earth is the human soul on fire.” —Ferdinand Foch
• “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.” —Marianne Williamson, A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of “A Course in Miracles”
• “You have power over your mind—not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.” —Marcus Aurelius
• “Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” —Confucius
• “The only real prison is fear, and the only real freedom is freedom from fear.” —Aung San Suu Kyi
• “It is not because things are difficult that we do not dare; it is because we do not dare that they are difficult.” —Seneca
• “To handle yourself, use your head; to handle others, use your heart.” —Eleanor Roosevelt
• “You cannot be lonely if you like the person you’re alone with.” —Wayne Dyer
• “The moment you accept responsibility for everything in your life is the moment you gain the power to change anything in your life.” —Hal Elrod

Embracing Your Power

These quotes show that power has many sides. It can be seen in leadership and influence, but can also come from inner strength and self-belief. Power can attempt to control others or to help them. By thinking about these different views, it can be easier to understand how power works in your life and the world around you.

True power doesn’t just come from having authority, but rather, from being honest and putting the effort in to make a positive difference. Whether you would like to grow in your career, improve yourself or just understand life better, let these powerful sayings and words of wisdom remind you to use your power for good.

Photo courtesy of maxbelchenko/Shutterstock

The post 50 Quotes on Power From Thought-Provoking to Inspiring appeared first on SUCCESS.

Meaningful Quotes on the Power of True Friendship

A true friend is someone who sees you at your best and sticks with you at your worst. They’re the ones who listen without judgment, support without expecting anything in return, and celebrate your wins like their own. A true friend tells you the truth—even when it’s hard—and stands beside you even when life gets messy. Share one of these inspirational friendship quotes today. 

• “Friendship … is born at the moment when one man says to another, ‘What! You too? I thought that no one but myself…’” —C.S. Lewis, The Four Loves 
• “Words are easy, like the wind; / faithful friends are hard to find.” —William Shakespeare, Passionate Pilgrim
• “Growing apart doesn’t change the fact that for a long time we grew side by side; our roots will always be tangled. I’m glad for that.” —Ally Condie, Matched
• “Courage. Kindness. Friendship. Character. These are the qualities that define us as human beings, and propel us, on occasion, to greatness.” —R.J. Palacio, Wonder
• “We cannot tell the precise moment when friendship is formed. As in filling a vessel drop by drop, there is at last a drop which makes it run over, so in a series of kindnesses there is at last one which makes the heart run over.” —Ray Bradbury, Fahrenheit 451
• “Friendship is everything. Friendship is more than talent. It is more than the government. It is almost the equal of family.” —Mario Puzo, The Godfather

• “Friendships take minutes to make, moments to break, years to repair.” —Pierce Brown, Golden Son
• “A real friend isn’t capable of feeling sorry for you.” —Jodi Picoult, My Sister’s Keeper
• “The language of Friendship is not words, but meanings.” —Henry David Thoreau, A Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers
• “Without friends, no one would want to live, even if he had all other goods.” —Aristotle, The Nicomachean Ethics
• “Some people need a red carpet rolled out in front of them in order to walk forward into friendship. They can’t see the tiny outstretched hands all around them, everywhere, like leaves on trees.” —Miranda July, No One Belongs Here More Than You
• “Friends ask you questions; enemies question you.” —Criss Jami, Healology
• “If you have but one friend, make sure you choose her well.” —Muriel Barbery, The Elegance of the Hedgehog

Related: Why You Should Devote Time Every Day to Aimless Joy

Interesting Friendship Quotes to Keep Your Connection Strong

Every friendship is one of a kind, shaped by shared moments, unique chemistry and a rhythm all its own. No two friendships look exactly alike—some are built on deep talks, others on spontaneous adventures and many on a mix of both. What makes each one special is the unrepeatable connection between two people who just click in their own way. 

• “There is nothing I would not do for those who are really my friends. I have no notion of loving people by halves, it is not my nature.” —Jane Austen, Northanger Abbey
• “Friendship—my definition—is built on two things. Respect and trust. Both elements have to be there. And it has to be mutual. You can have respect for someone, but if you don’t have trust, the friendship will crumble.” —Stieg Larsson, The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo
• “Never leave a friend behind. Friends are all we have to get us through this life—and they are the only things from this world that we could hope to see in the next.” —Dean Koontz, Fear Nothing
• “I got you to look after me, and you got me to look after you, and that’s why.” —John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men
• “If you care about somebody, you should want them to be happy. Even if you wind up being left out.” —Stephen Chbosky, The Perks of Being a Wallflower

• “Friendship is always a sweet responsibility, never an opportunity.” —Khalil Gibran, Kahlil Gibran, The Collected Works
• “One friend with whom you have a lot in common is better than three with whom you struggle to find things to talk about.” ―Mindy Kaling, Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?
• “New friends can often have a better time together than old friends.” —F. Scott Fitzgerald, Tender Is the Night
• “A doubtful friend is worse than a certain enemy. Let a man be one thing or the other, and we then know how to meet him.” —Aesop, Aesop’s Fables
• “It’s all very well to tell us to forgive our enemies; our enemies can never hurt us very much. But oh, what about forgiving our friends?” —Willa Cather, My Mortal Enemy

Related: How to Use Your Hidden Connections for Success

Witty & Funny Friendship Quotes You’ll Want to Share 

Sharing humor is one of the strongest threads in the fabric of friendship. Inside jokes, silly memes or just laughing until your stomach hurts—these moments create connection and lighten even the heaviest days. Humor builds trust, eases tension and reminds us not to take life too seriously. These funny friendship quotes are perfect for sharing with friends. 

• “Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art…. It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things which give value to survival.” —C.S. Lewis, The Four Loves
• “The capacity for friendship is God’s way of apologizing for our families.” —Jay McInerney, The Last of the Savages
• “A snowball in the face is surely the perfect beginning to a lasting friendship.” —Markus Zusak, The Book Thief
• “There is nothing like puking with somebody to make you into old friends.” —Sylvia Plath, The Bell Jar
• “My old grandmother always used to say, summer friends will melt away like summer snows, but winter friends are friends forever.” —George R.R. Martin, A Feast for Crows
• “It’s not love or anything, but I think I like you, too.” —Chuck Palahniuk, Fight Club

• “Cutting people out of your life is easy, keeping them in is hard.” —Walter Dean Myers, Slam!
• “You had to know a person well to make them laugh like that.” —Cassandra Clare, Clockwork Prince
• “If I had to choose between betraying my country and betraying my friend, I hope I should have the guts to betray my country.” —E.M. Forster, What I Believe and Other Essays
• “You only really fall apart in front of the people you know can piece you back together.” —Sarah Dessen, Saint Anything

Short Friendship Sayings That Make Perfect Captions 

Nurturing friendships can be a lot of work, but it’s worthwhile. If strong friendships are something you’re striving for, find your favorite of these original friendship quotes by SUCCESS® contributors. They’re perfect to add to your journal pages or your Instagram captions. 

• “True friends show up when the world walks out.”
• “A good friend hears even what’s left unsaid.”
• “Friendship is built in small, consistent moments.”
• “A true friend never counts favors.”
• “Real friends laugh until everything feels lighter.”
• “Friends catch you before you hit rock bottom.”
• “Distance doesn’t dim a strong friendship.”
• “Trust turns acquaintances into true friends.”
• “Friendship means growing, even when it’s hard.”
• “A friend believes in you, especially when you don’t.”
• “One honest friend is worth a thousand polite smiles.”
• “Friendship thrives on effort, not just convenience.”
• “Loyal friends hold space for your messy days.”
• “Real friends celebrate your weirdness without flinching.”

Beautiful Quotes to Share on Friendship Day 

Friendship Day is a time to celebrate and nurture the people who bring joy, support, and meaning to our lives simply by being there. It’s a reminder to appreciate those bonds we sometimes take for granted. On this day, many people share friendship sayings to put feelings into words—whether it’s a heartfelt line, a funny reminder or a simple “thank you.” Quotes help us express what friendship means when we can’t quite say it ourselves, and sharing them is a small but powerful way to show someone they matter.

• “If you live to be a hundred, I want to live to be a hundred minus one day so I never have to live without you.” —Joan Powers, Pooh’s Little Instruction Book
• “When someone loves you, the way they talk about you is different. You feel safe and comfortable.” —Jess C. Scott, The Intern
• “You can’t stay in your corner of the Forest waiting for others to come to you. You have to go to them sometimes.” —A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh
• “Why did you do all this for me?’ he asked. ‘I don’t deserve it. I’ve never done anything for you.’ ‘You have been my friend,’ replied Charlotte. ‘That in itself is a tremendous thing.” —E.B. White, Charlotte’s Web
• “It is more fun to talk with someone who doesn’t use long, difficult words but rather short, easy words like ‘What about lunch?’” —A. A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh
• “It is an absolute human certainty that no one can know his own beauty or perceive a sense of his own worth until it has been reflected back to him in the mirror of another loving, caring human being.” —John Joseph Powell, The Secret of Staying in Love
• “A friend may be waiting behind a stranger’s face.” —Maya Angelou, Letter to My Daughter
• “Time doesn’t take away from friendship, nor does separation.” —Tennessee Williams, Memoirs

• “When friendships are real, they are not glass threads or frost work, but the solidest things we can know.” —Ralph Waldo Emerson, Essays, First Series
• “An acquaintance merely enjoys your company, a fair-weather companion flatters when all is well, a true friend has your best interests at heart and the pluck to tell you what you need to hear.” —E.A. Bucchianeri, Brushstrokes of a Gadfly
• “Of all the means to ensure happiness throughout the whole life, by far the most important is the acquisition of friends.” —Epicurus, A Guide to Happiness
• “The only true test of friendship is the time your friend spends on you.” —John Marsden, Circle of Flight

Related: The Power of Strong Friendships in Strengthening Well-Being

Cute Friendship Phrases to Bring on the Smiles

Sometimes a song, a funny meme or a random memory pops up, and your first instinct is to send it to your friend, because sharing it makes it better. It’s a way of saying, ‘I thought of you,’ even when you’re far apart. These little moments, shared through texts or laughter, keep the connection alive and remind you both that friendship thrives in the everyday details. Share one of these sweet friendship quotes with your bestie today. 

• “Life is an awful, ugly place to not have a best friend.” —Sarah Dessen, Someone Like You
• “I am glad you are here with me. Here at the end of all things, Sam.” —J.R.R. Tolkien, The Return of the King
• “Tis the privilege of friendship to talk nonsense, and to have her nonsense respected.” —Charles Lamb, The Life, Letters and Writings of Charles Lamb Volume 3
• “It gives me strength to have somebody to fight for; I can never fight for myself, but, for others, I can kill.” —Emilie Autumn, The Asylum for Wayward Victorian Girls
• “There’s not a word yet, for old friends who’ve just met.” —Jim Henson, Favorite Songs From Jim Henson’s Muppets
• “The pain of parting is nothing to the joy of meeting again.” —Charles Dickens, Nicholas Nickleby
• “There is no happiness like that of being loved by your fellow creatures, and feeling that your presence is an addition to their comfort.” —Charlotte Brontë, Jane Eyre
• “Friendships between women, as any woman will tell you, are built of a thousand small kindnesses… swapped back and forth and over again.” —Michelle Obama, Becoming
• “Nobody steals books but your friends.” —Roger Zelazny, The Guns of Avalon

Sayings to Share With Friends Keep Your Bond Strong 

Missing a long-distance friend is a quiet kind of ache—a mix of gratitude for the bond you share and longing for the moments you’re missing. Time zones and miles may separate you, but the connection stays strong through late-night messages, inside jokes and memories that still make you smile. These meaningful friendship quotes show that true friendship doesn’t fade with distance—it adapts, endures, and patiently waits for the next hello.

• “Only a true best friend can protect you from your immortal enemies.” —Richelle Mead, Vampire Academy
• “There are no faster or firmer friendships than those formed between people who love the same books.” —Irving Stone, Clarence Darrow for the Defense
• “We always see our worst selves. Our most vulnerable selves. We need someone else to get close enough to tell us we’re wrong. Someone we trust.” —David Levithan, Naomi and Ely’s No Kiss List
• “It is not often that someone comes along who is a true friend and a good writer.” —E.B. White, Charlotte’s Web
• “No friendship is an accident. ” —O. Henry, Heart of the West
• “I hold this to be the highest task of a bond between two people: that each should stand guard over the solitude of the other.” —Rainer Maria Rilke, Letters to a Young Poet
• “A wise man gets more use from his enemies than a fool from his friends.” —Baltasar Gracian, The Art of Worldly Wisdom: A Pocket Oracle
• “What do you most value in your friends? Their continued existence.” —Christopher Hitchens, Hitch 22: A Memoir

• “True friends are those who came into your life, saw the most negative part of you, but are not ready to leave you, no matter how contagious you are to them.” —Michael Bassey Johnson, The Infinity Sign
• “To throw away an honest friend is, as it were, to throw your life away.” —Sophocles, Oedipus Rex
• “A real relationship is two-way.” ―Sophie Kinsella, Can You Keep a Secret?
• “A hunted man sometimes wearies of distrust and longs for friendship.” —J. R. R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings
• “Never hold resentments for the person who tells you what you need to hear; count them among your truest, most caring, and valuable friends.” —Mike Norton, Just Another War Story

Sayings About Friendship and Love  

Love and friendship are two of life’s deepest connections, often intertwined in the most meaningful relationships. While love can bring passion and intensity, friendship offers steadiness and understanding. Together, they create a bond built on trust, laughter and shared vulnerability. In true friendship, there’s love without condition; in lasting love, there’s always friendship at its core. These sayings about love convey this sentiment. 

• “It’s bull*** to think of friendship and romance as being different. They’re not. They’re just variations of the same love. Variations of the same desire to be close.” —Rachel Cohn, Naomi and Ely’s No Kiss List
• “You are my best friend as well as my lover, and I do not know which side of you I enjoy the most. I treasure each side, just as I have treasured our life together.” —Nicholas Sparks, The Notebook
• “Why are old lovers able to become friends? Two reasons. They never truly loved each other, or they love each other still.” —Whitney Otto, How to Make an American Quilt
• “He experienced the singular pleasure of watching people he loved fall in love with other people he loved.” —Hanya Yanagihara, A Little Life

• “Nearly everything I know about love, I’ve learnt from my long-term friendships with women.” —Dolly Alderton, Everything I Know About Love
• “Give your friendships the magic you would give a romance. Because they’re just as important. Actually, for us, they’re way more important.” —Alice Oseman, Loveless
• “When you feel someone else’s pain and joy as powerfully as if it were your own, then you know you really loved them.” —Ann Brashares, Girls in Pants: The Third Summer of the Sisterhood
• “So long as we love we serve; so long as we are loved by others, I would almost say that we are indispensable; and no man is useless while he has a friend.” —Robert Louis Stevenson, Lay Morals
• “You can love somebody without it being like that. You keep them a stranger, a stranger who’s a friend.” —Truman Capote, Breakfast at Tiffany’s and Three Stories
• “You know why people pair up into couples? Because being a human is fucking terrifying. But it’s a hell of a lot easier if you’re not doing it by yourself.” —Alice Oseman, Loveless

What Friendship Teaches Us About Life and Love

Friendship isn’t just about fun times or shared memories—it’s about showing up, being seen and offering each other the kind of support that lasts through all seasons of life. These quotes remind us how friendship shapes our stories and strengthens our sense of belonging. Whether you’re missing a faraway friend, celebrating one who’s always there or reflecting on what these connections mean, the right words can say what the heart already feels.

Photo by StratfordProductions/Shutterstock

The post 91 Heartfelt Friendship Quotes to Celebrate the Power of True Connection appeared first on SUCCESS.

You’re not alone in this struggle. With so many distractions, it’s easy to lose focus on what really matters for financial stability—sticking to a budget. That’s where the YNAB app comes in.

YNAB (You Need a Budget) helps you break free from that never-ending cycle of overspending. Regardless of your earnings, the YNAB app keeps you on track and makes sure your spending aligns with your financial goals. It helps you look ahead and plan your finances so you can stay in control.

YNAB Is More Than a Budgeting App 

Budgeting isn’t exactly the most exciting topic. It’s tempting to think about all the things you could buy or experiences you could have instead of worrying about numbers. But, budgeting is just part of adult life, and those numbers aren’t going away. As the saying goes, “A penny saved is a penny earned.” So, planning and accounting for your spending is an important part of managing your money wisely.

Here’s the irony: Why pay for a budgeting app when all it promotes is budgeting? Why not just save that subscription money and budget yourself?

YNAB’s Unique Approach to Money Management 

However, the YNAB app is more than a budgeting app. We conducted a YNAB app review to help share the ins and outs of this popular app. While there are a variety of budgeting and finance apps that can work for different people, YNAB has some unique aspects to money management. This app is:

• Customizable to fit your unique financial situation
• A finance planner focused on achieving your financial goals, not just tracking expenses
• Empowering, helping you turn financial challenges into opportunities

A Practical Tool for Zero-Based Budgeting 

One powerful benefit is that the YNAB app uses the zero-based budgeting (ZBB) system. If you’re not familiar with it, don’t worry—it’s easier than it sounds. The app simplifies zero-based budgeting with its first rule: “Give Every Dollar a Job.”

So, how does this work in real life? With zero-based budgeting, you assign every dollar you earn to a specific task. Let’s say you’re paying bills, buying groceries, adding to your savings or treating yourself to dinner. Each dollar is assigned to a particular task or spending bucket. YNAB’s method ensures no money is left sitting around or spent on a whim. Instead, you plan and decide exactly where each dollar will go before spending. This keeps you in control and assures your money is working for you.

This method helps you move from reacting to your expenses to actively managing your money. Instead of being surprised by unexpected costs or wondering where your money went at the end of the month, you’re taking control so your spending aligns with your goals.

What Are YNAB App’s Key Features?

By now, you might be wondering what features really set this tool apart and make it worth the investment. The YNAB app is worth considering for its unique features. Here are some key elements that make YNAB a powerful money management tool. 

Real-Time Syncing

With YNAB, everything you need is at your fingertips wherever you are. You can sync your phone, tablet and computer so they stay updated with your latest transactions and adjustments. If you’re out and about and want to make a quick purchase, you can update your budget on the spot. No more waiting until you get home or worrying about forgetting expenses.

To make managing finances even more enjoyable, YNAB Together lets you team up with your partner or family. Instead of handling everything solo, everyone gets their own secure account to create, plan and tweak budgets. You’ll stay updated in real time, and if you want, you can share your budget with family members. This ensures everyone is on the same page, leading to more open and positive conversations about money.

This feature helps beyond just planning finances. It can also help turn financial management into a collaborative and positive process.

Goal Tracking

Just like a runner needs to stay on course to reach the finish line, tracking your financial goals is key to achieving financial success. The YNAB app’s goal-tracking feature helps you clarify what you want and keeps you focused on making it happen.

You can set clear priorities so you can see precisely how much you need to save and how close you are to achieving your personal budgeting goals. No more guessing or guilt—just a straightforward plan for your money.

Tracking your progress becomes easy with visual cues, like color-coded bars that show how close you are to reaching your goals. Whether saving for a down payment on a house, planning a dream vacation or putting aside money for an emergency fund, this tool lets you adjust your savings targets as needed. And if life throws you a curveball, you can pause your goals without stress and pick up right where you left off. This way, you’re always moving forward, building healthy habits and turning your financial dreams into reality.

Detailed Reporting

Understanding how you spend your money is critical to managing your finances, and YNAB’s detailed reporting feature makes it easy.

Here’s how the YNAB app’s reports help you stay on top of your financial game:

Net Worth Report

Think of this report as a snapshot of your financial health over time. It tracks the balance between what you own (like savings and investments) and what you owe (like credit card debt or loans). For instance, seeing your credit card balance decrease while your savings increase can be incredibly motivating. It shows you’re making progress and that your budgeting efforts are paying off. This report helps you visualize how far you’ve come and encourages you to keep pushing toward your bigger financial goals.

Spending Report

This gives you a detailed breakdown of your expenses. You can see exactly how much you’re spending in different categories (like groceries, dining out, or entertainment), across various accounts (such as your checking account or credit cards), and over different time periods (like this month or the past year). This breakdown helps you identify spending patterns, spot areas where you might be overspending and adjust your budget to save more or better allocate your funds.

Income vs. Expense Report

This report shows how your income stacks up against your spending. It gives you a clear view of whether you’re earning enough to cover your expenses or if you need to make adjustments. This clear comparison shows how your income measures up to your spending and lets you see just how well you’re sticking to your budget.

Age of Money Report

This shows how many days, on average, your money sits in your budget before you spend it. It gives you a clear view of your cash flow and helps you understand your financial stability. For instance, if you see your money sitting around longer, it means you’re getting better at managing your finances and can handle unexpected expenses more comfortably.

These reports help you easily identify areas for improvement. They can pinpoint where to focus your efforts and help you take actionable steps to enhance your financial health. This approach makes it simpler to set clear goals, monitor progress and make adjustments, as needed, to stay on track with financial plans.

The YNAB Method: Four Rules to Financial Success

To fully understand how the YNAB app and its budgeting system work, it’s helpful to understand its method. The approach demonstrates that budgeting doesn’t have to be a rigid, one-size-fits-all system. Instead, YNAB’s rules guide you in creating a personalized budget that fits your unique life situation.

Let’s explore these four essential rules and see how they can reshape your approach to budgeting and lead you to financial success.

Rule 1: Give Every Dollar a Job

It might sound a bit far-fetched, but it’s actually quite simple. Think of your money as players on a sports team. Each player (or dollar) needs a specific position and role to contribute to the overall game plan.

Instead of letting your money drift without purpose, assign each dollar a clear task or category—whether paying the bills, saving for that dream vacation, or treating yourself to something special. This way, when you spend, you’ll know exactly how every dollar is helping you reach your financial goals.

This ensures you’re not just managing your money but aligning your spending with your financial goals. No need for extra funds or surprises—just a clear plan, where every dollar has a purpose.

Rule 2: Embrace Your True Expenses

Life is full of surprises, and it’s important to be ready for the unexpected twists. When you’re budgeting, it’s easy to get caught up in the usual monthly stuff, like streaming services, groceries and your daily coffee runs. But the real challenge is handling those surprise costs, like a sudden home repair or an unforeseen holiday expense. Without any preparation, this surprise can throw your budget off balance.

Rule Two suggests setting aside money each month for these irregular but significant expenses to avoid this. Gradually saving for these expenses prepares you for when they arise, helps to keep your budget on track and sidesteps unexpected financial stress.

Rule 3: Roll With the Punches

Flexibility is key in any budget. Life is unpredictable, and sometimes our priorities shift or unexpected expenses surface. The YNAB method encourages you to adapt your budget as needed. If something unanticipated comes up, like a flash sale at your favorite boutique or a last-minute weekend getaway with friends, don’t stress.

Instead, adjust your budget by reallocating funds from less urgent categories. For example, if you’ve set aside money for dining out but then decide to join your friends for a quick trip out of town, you might trim your dining budget for the month to cover the travel costs. Rolling with the punches means your budget evolves with your life, acting as a flexible tool that adjusts to new priorities and unforeseen events rather than a strict set of rigid rules.

Rule 4: Age Your Money

The goal is to make your money last longer, so you’re not just scraping by from one payday to the next. Imagine getting to a point where you’re spending money that’s been sitting in your account for a while. This means creating a financial cushion so your current income is set aside to cover next month’s expenses, giving it time to “age” before you use it.

Start by saving up and gradually building a buffer of one month’s expenses. As you follow the other YNAB rules, you’ll find yourself spending the money that’s been in your account for a while rather than waiting for your next paycheck to cover your immediate needs. This shift allows you to plan ahead, reduces financial stress and gives you the freedom to make better financial decisions without the pressure of living from one paycheck to the next.

The YNAB Community

YNAB understands the impact of community, which is why it makes it easy for users to connect. They’ve created a vibrant network, where YNAB app enthusiasts can come together, share experiences and support one another on their financial journeys.

With a range of platforms and resources at your fingertips, like YNAB webinars, you can easily find tips, inspiration and friendly advice from fellow users who are just as invested in the YNAB method as you are.

To connect on social media, check out Facebook groups or Reddit’s active subreddits, like r/YNAB. These platforms make it easy to join conversations, find motivation, and get practical advice from fellow budgeters.

To make things even easier, YNAB has its own YouTube channel packed with budgeting tips. You can also find other channels dedicated to YNAB that offer tutorials and personal budgeting stories, giving you both inspiration and practical insights from real users.

And if you’re feeling confident, you might even consider teaching others about YNAB’s rules and how to make the most out of budgeting.

How Can Using the YNAB App Help Financial Growth and Self-Improvement? 

YNAB has shown itself to be a powerful tool for anyone looking to make the most of their financial life, but it goes even further. It’s also great for helping you build a healthier relationship with money by:

• Shifting your perspective on expenses: YNAB changes how you view expenses. Instead of seeing them as burdens, you start seeing them as proactive steps to avoid future debt.
• Changing your financial mindset: The YNAB app takes the stress out of managing every penny. With its four rules, you’ll align spending with your goals and values, allowing you to enjoy your choices without guilt. Budgeting becomes a positive, everyday habit, which helps you feel more in control and less anxious about money.
• Helping you become confident about saving: YNAB boosts your confidence in saving. It lets you set money aside with certainty to focus on what matters most without second-guessing your choices.

Boost Your Budgeting Skills With the YNAB App  

It’s perfectly fine if you don’t have everything figured out right away. That’s exactly how this tool can help. With its four rules, you can tweak your plans and make budgeting work. Progress takes time, and you’ll get there eventually.

Exploring the YNAB app yourself is essential to grasp how it works. The hands-on experience will reveal how easy it is to navigate and how it can aid in achieving financial control. Mastering your finances is crucial for long-term success, and YNAB is designed to help you reach that goal. Sign up today for the free 34-day trial to start diving into your budget.

YNAB App Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How Do I Begin Using YNAB? 

Start by deciding you need a budget. Use YNAB’s resources, such as YouTube videos, live workshops or the Ultimate Getting Started Guide, to get a handle on the basics.

Is the YNAB App Free?

No, the app isn’t free. They offer a free 34-day trial, which gives you enough time to see if it’s a good fit for you. After that, there’s a subscription fee, but many users find the cost is worth it for the budgeting tools and financial insight YNAB provides. You can pay monthly or choose an annual subscription for a discounted cost. 

What Are the Pros and Cons of YNAB?

Pros:

1. YNAB encourages intentional spending by making you actively approve transactions and adjust your budget as needed.

2. The app is highly customizable, which allows you to tailor almost every aspect of your budget to fit your needs.

3. YNAB offers strong educational support with tutorials, live sessions and a helpful community to guide you.

Cons:

1. The YNAB app has a steep learning curve, especially for users new to its unique budgeting approach.

2. The app is not free and requires a subscription, which might be a drawback compared to other free budgeting tools.

3. It lacks features like detailed investment tracking and bill paying, so you might need additional tools for complete money management.

How Much Does YNAB Cost?

YNAB is $14.99 per month, with the flexibility to cancel anytime. If you prefer an annual plan, it’s available for $109 per year.

What Does the YNAB App Do?

YNAB gives you control over your money. It’s designed to help you plan ahead, so you’re not just reacting to financial surprises. YNAB helps you be more intentional with every dollar you earn, so you can break free from the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle and start making progress toward your financial goals.

This article was updated August 2025. Photo by Olha Povozniuk/Shutterstock.com

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He teaches that only massive, determined action can break the cycle of poor decisions and limiting beliefs. What bad habits are holding you back? What stories do you keep telling yourself?

Starting today, shut down negative thoughts and focus on achieving the dreams you know you’re capable of. Use these quotes as fuel to propel you forward.

This collection features some of Tony Robbins’ most powerful quotes—some iconic, some lesser known—all grounded in his teachings on success, mindset, identity and purpose.

Some of the Best Tony Robbins Quotes for Massive Motivation

Tony Robbins is synonymous with motivation. His powerful delivery, deep empathy and real-life strategies make his words resonate with people from all walks of life. The following quotes are some of his most iconic and ideal for anyone in need of a spark.

• “The path to success is to take massive, determined action.” —Tony Robbins
• “It is in your moments of decision that your destiny is shaped.” —Tony Robbins
• “If you do what you’ve always done, you’ll get what you’ve always gotten.” —Tony Robbins
• “Success is doing what you want, when you want, where you want, with whom you want as much as you want.” —Tony Robbins
• “The only limit to your impact is your imagination and commitment.” —Tony Robbins 
• “Most people fail in life because they major in minor things.” —Tony Robbins
• “Whatever you hold in your mind on a consistent basis is exactly what you will experience in your life.” —Tony Robbins
• “Your past does not equal your future.” —Tony Robbins
  

Related: Tony Robbins: The Holy Grail of Investing

Famous Tony Robbins Quotes on Change

Change is at the heart of Tony Robbins’ work. Whether it’s transforming your health, relationships or career, Robbins believes change starts from within—and can happen in an instant.

• “Change happens when the pain of staying the same is greater than the pain of change.” —Tony Robbins
• “The secret to handling change is to focus on progress. If you can make progress on a regular basis, then you feel alive.” —Tony Robbins
• “The truth is that we can learn to condition our minds, bodies and emotions to link pain or pleasure to whatever we choose. By changing what we link pain and pleasure to, we will instantly change our behaviors.” —Tony Robbins
• “Your life changes the moment you make a new, congruent and committed decision.” —Tony Robbins
• “Using the power of decision gives you the capacity to get past any excuse to change any and every part of your life in an instant.” —Tony Robbins
• “Lasting change is different than merely having a goal. You don’t always reach your goals, but you always get your standards.” —Tony Robbins 
• “Raising your standards is the number one thing that will change your life, business, finances and relationships in the long term.” —Tony Robbins
• “Progress equals happiness.” —Tony Robbins

Related: New World, New You: Tony Robbins Shows You How to Rise Above and Thrive

Inspirational Quotes From Tony Robbins on Focus & Mindset

Tony Robbins teaches that success begins in the mind. The way you think and what you focus on shapes your emotions, actions and ultimately your outcomes. Cultivating a resilient, empowering mindset is a major theme in his work.

• “Where focus goes, energy flows.” —Tony Robbins
• “Improving focus and concentration starts with changing your mindset.” —Tony Robbins
• “Visualize yourself late in life, sitting in your rocking chair and telling some younger people about your incredible life.” —Tony Robbins
• “The only way to create a breakthrough is to change your emotional state and rewrite your personal story.” —Tony Robbins
• “Determine what gives your life a sense of purpose, and connect everything you do back to that purpose.” —Tony Robbins
• “Focus on actionable strategies you can employ to be successful, such as making a Massive Action Plan (MAP).” —Tony Robbins
• “Think big, but set incremental SMART goals…. And don’t forget to celebrate your accomplishments.” —Tony Robbins
• “Carve out periods of time where you remove distractions from the picture.” —Tony Robbins

Fast fact: Tony Robbins has coached Serena Williams, Leonardo DiCaprio and Bill Clinton.

Positive Sayings by Tony Robbins About Taking Action

Tony Robbins emphasizes that transformation only occurs when we move, both mentally and physically. Taking action is the bridge between goals and achievement.

• “When the going gets tough, many people will choose to avoid, deny or escape… rather than insisting on success by taking unrelenting, massive action.” —Tony Robbins
• “Do you easily give up or resolve to follow through? The meanings we assign to events influence what actions we take as a result.” —Tony Robbins
• “It’s our decisions, not our conditions, that ultimately shape the quality of our lives.” —Tony Robbins 
• “At any moment the decision you make can change the course of your life forever.” —Tony Robbins
• “Success and failure are not overnight experiences. It’s the small decisions along the way that cause people to fail or succeed.” —Tony Robbins
• “Often we allow ourselves to become caught in a mental trap of seeing enormously successful people and assuming they are where they are because they possess some special gift.” —Tony Robbins
• “There is no secret you don’t already have access to. In truth, the greatest gift that extraordinarily successful people have over the average person is their ability to get themselves to take action.” —Tony Robbins

Fast fact: Robbins’ seminar “Date with Destiny” spans six intense days and can cost upwards of $5,000.

Words of Wisdom From Tony Robbins on Growth, Goal Setting and Identity

From finding your true purpose to building momentum, Tony Robbins is a master at helping people understand who they are and what they truly want. These quotes dig deeper into themes of identity, growth and clarity.

• “Setting goals is the first step in turning the invisible into the visible.” —Tony Robbins
• “Having goals is the fundamental key to success. Setting goals helps us grow and expand, pushing ourselves to transform in ways that, just maybe, we never imagined.” —Tony Robbins
• “It’s not about achieving the goal. It’s about who you have to become in order to achieve the goal. The juice is in the growth.” —Tony Robbins
• “Growth in days, not decades. Discover the proven path to getting everything you want.” —Tony Robbins
• “You have the ability to architect your life’s experience by setting goals for yourself and taking massive action to achieve them.” —Tony Robbins
• “The process of setting goals works a lot like your eyesight. The closer you get to your destination, the greater clarity you gain.” —Tony Robbins
• “Skill is a power that allows you to complete a goal, but psychology is the state that empowers you to create and maintain vision.” —Tony Robbins
• “Most people understand the power of setting goals…. But what if those goals are leading you somewhere you don’t want to go?” —Tony Robbins

Fast fact: Tony Robbins uses a technique he calls “priming” every morning; a mix of breathing, visualization and gratitude.

Let These Words From Tony Robbins Guide Your Next Step

Tony Robbins quotes aren’t just phrases to memorize, they’re guiding principles meant to be lived. You could be launching a business, rebuilding your mindset or simply seeking motivation, either way, Robbins offers clarity and confidence in every word. Use these quotes as daily affirmations or just a source of encouragement when you need to reignite your purpose.

With the right mindset, strong goals and massive action, anything is possible.

Photo from Stewart Cohen

The post Tony Robbins Quotes to Help You Find Success & Thrive appeared first on SUCCESS.

OpenAI describes their newest ChatGPT as “smarter, faster, and more useful,” and CEO Sam Altman is calling it the beginning of a new era for AI intelligence. He claims OpenAI’s achievements in developing this version “would have been nearly unimaginable at any previous point in human history” and says GPT-5 now has “PhD-level” intellect. That’s a bold declaration, so what’s really new about this update?

Writing and editing on GPT-5: Turn ideas into clear, compelling writing

ChatGPT has long been a trusted tool for professionals crafting first drafts, drafting emails, summarizing content or generating reports. It remains one of the most widely used platforms for writing and editing, relied upon by millions worldwide.

GPT-5 is shaping up to be an even stronger writing assistant, according to OpenAI. They describe it as their “most capable writing collaborator yet,” able to handle tricky writing challenges like unrhymed iambic pentameter or flowing free verse with much greater reliability. 

“GPT‑5 is much smarter across the board,” OpenAI says, highlighting improvements in coding, mathematics, multimodal understanding (MMU) and health. The model can now write and debug code more effectively, supporting a wider range of programming tasks. Its enhanced mathematical abilities allow it to handle more complex calculations and problem-solving with greater accuracy. 

GPT-5’s multimodal understanding lets it interpret and process diverse inputs like text and images, making it capable of tackling complex questions that draw on multiple data types. For professionals using ChatGPT in their daily work, this means less scrambling for other tools and less manual effort, as the AI can manage a wider range of formats seamlessly. 

OpenAI’s new model promises a breakthrough in error reduction

The biggest challenge with chatbots has always been reliability. ChatGPT has changed how millions work, but it still makes mistakes, sometimes spectacularly. Because it’s trained on vast amounts of data, not real understanding, it can only offer what it “knows.” And, sometimes, that knowledge isn’t enough. When faced with tricky questions, the AI can hallucinate, losing track of the conversation or confidently giving wrong answers.

OpenAI has spent a lot of effort reducing these hallucinations. Their latest model promises a big step forward. It’s designed to think more deeply and stay grounded in facts, cutting down errors and making the AI more dependable. “GPT-3 sort of felt to me like talking to a high school student… 4 felt like you’re kind of talking to a college student,” Altman said this week. “GPT-5 is the first time that it really feels like talking to an expert in any topic, like a PhD-level expert,” he added.

Altman did acknowledge that GPT-5 still has limitations in accuracy and performance—it still can’t learn continuously like a human or guarantee near-perfect accuracy. Despite these internal setbacks, ChatGPT’s use in the U.S. has just about doubled since 2023, even as many remain cautious about fully trusting its outputs. An April survey revealed that just 34% of Americans trust ChatGPT more than human experts when it comes to certain areas of knowledge or in-depth research. 

New GPT-5 model can offer health advice—within safety limits

Previous versions of ChatGPT often refused prompts that violated guidelines outright. GPT-5 takes a different approach: It tries to give the best possible answer within safety limits or clearly explains why it can’t help. This has positioned GPT-5 as a state-of-the-art health assistant that can offer advice when possible and advise seeking urgent medical attention if a problem is beyond its scope. 

GPT-5 isn’t a substitute for a doctor, but it can be an important starting point for anyone with internet access to identify potential health concerns. This early detection is especially valuable for those who might postpone seeking critical treatment for illnesses like cancer, sometimes without even knowing there’s a problem. Leveraging visual analysis and symptom tracking, the chatbot helps users take the first step toward finding solutions. OpenAI highlights GPT-5’s ability to provide more accurate, context-aware advice that considers the user’s background and geography, helping weigh options for what to do next.

Vibe coding gets a boost: GPT-5 handles complex projects in minutes

GPT-5 takes vibe coding (a method where users write code simply by describing their needs in natural language) to a whole new level. This breakthrough means that anyone, regardless of programming experience, can now create and adjust digital projects without ever touching a line of traditional code. 

By interpreting everyday speech and translating it into functional code, GPT-5 makes the digital world far more accessible, turning complex development tasks into simple conversations. With GPT-5, users can build everything from applications and websites to video games and more. It also offers significant advances in “agentic coding,” where the AI can autonomously create images or other assets on your behalf. 

Anyone can become a coder with ChatGPT-5

Not long ago, even beginner-level coding felt out of reach for many people. It took serious effort, brainpower and a solid grasp of the basics. Now, ChatGPT and other AI tools are helping bridge that gap, making it possible for anyone, regardless of experience, to get involved and start learning.

AI’s leap in coding capabilities isn’t just a boon for individual developers, it’s also rewriting the playbook for how corporations are operating in the digital age. With tools like GPT-5, a marketing department without a single software engineer can suddenly produce an interactive microsite for a product launch. A museum can commission a bespoke virtual tour, complete with embedded quizzes, animations and voiceovers, without hiring a specialist team. Retail brands can create immersive, gamified shopping experiences in weeks rather than months. 

With GPT-5, OpenAI has moved the needle once again, not by chasing flashy gimmicks but by tightening the fundamentals—reducing errors, expanding capabilities and smoothing the user experience. It’s not perfect, but it is unmistakably a leap forward in AI’s ability to understand, reason and create. Who knows what might come next?

Photo by Photo Agency/Shutterstock

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If something is authentic (such as a book or document) it means it is legitimate or true. The same goes for someone, but it also runs a bit deeper than that. An authentic person is someone who is genuine and lives in accordance with their own personality, beliefs and core values. In fact, we are all born authentic, but often lose pieces of ourselves as we navigate life. 

The challenge is not to let that happen. 

Showing up as your true self is one of the bravest and most beautiful things you can do. It allows you to grow as a person and build real relationships. It can help you realize success at work and in your personal endeavors. Additionally, authenticity is one of the core traits of an effective leader. 

All in all, as you go on your journey of discovering and honoring yourself, you can use this collection of authenticity quotes to guide you. They can help you accept your uniqueness and give you the courage to forge your own way in the world. 

‘Be Authentic Quotes’ to Embrace Your Inner Self

Many of us are familiar with the wise words “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” Though this well-known verse is likely paraphrased from author Oscar Wilde’s other quips (or written by someone else entirely), the concept itself is quite true. It’s a strong reminder for all of us to embrace our inner self.

You are wonderfully unique, shaped by your own innate traits, experiences and interactions. As a matter of fact, some might say you owe it to yourself—and those around you—to allow that inside light to shine through. This can be accomplished by exploring your strengths and weaknesses, establishing your core values and beliefs and by living in alignment with those findings. The following “be authentic” quotes will help you find the strength you need to fully embrace who you are at your core.

• “You’re born an original—don’t die a copy.” —John Mason, You’re Born an Original — Don’t Die a Copy
• “To be authentic is the highest form of praise. You’re fulfilling your mission and purpose on earth when you honor the real you. Your whole life becomes a prayer of thanksgiving.” —Oprah Winfrey
• “I must be myself. I will not hide my tastes or aversions. I will so trust that what is deep is holy, that I will do strongly before the sun and moon whatever inly rejoices me, and the heart appoints.” —Ralph Waldo Emerson, The Essay on Self-Reliance

• “Find out who you are and do it on purpose.” —Dolly Parton
• “Stay true to yourself. When you are authentic, you create a certain energy… people want to be around you because you are unique.” —Andie MacDowell
• “Fulfillment comes from within you, by being authentic to yourself.” —Cameron Diaz
• “How does one become more authentic? To be authentic is to strip away the layers of pretense we have adopted to please others. To be authentic is to abandon the senseless roles we play to meet the imagined expectations of society.” —Anthon St. Maarten

Related: 36 ‘Know Your Worth’ Quotes to Boost Your Self-Esteem

Quotes About Keeping It Real: The Power of Being Genuine

Authenticity means showing up and being real regardless of the situation or who’s watching. It’s about being honest and open, standing up for what you believe and not hiding behind a false narrative. However, this is easier said than done. In addition, it can be scary to be so vulnerable in a world full of judgment and criticism. But the benefits of sticking to your guns far outweigh the drawbacks. You will find more fulfillment, more confidence, stronger relationships and higher levels of lifetime success. 

In fact, these quotes about being genuine further illustrate what authenticity looks like in practice and how it can change your life for the better. 

• “Authenticity is a collection of choices that we have to make every day. It’s about the choice to show up and be real. The choice to be honest. The choice to let our true selves be seen.” —Brené Brown, The Gifts of Imperfection
• “When you are content to be simply yourself and don’t compare or compete, everybody will respect you.” —Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching

• “The most exhausting thing in life, I have discovered, is being insincere.” —Anne Morrow Lindbergh, Gift from the Sea
• “It is better to be hated for what you are than to be loved for what you are not.” —André Gide, Autumn Leaves 
• “For someone who is authentic, the daily default way of life doesn’t involve decisions or will power: the default is openness, there is no issue of control vs. transparency.” —Charles H. Green
• “Genuine people know who they are. They are confident enough to be comfortable in their own skin. They are firmly grounded in reality, and they’re truly present in each moment because they’re not trying to figure out someone else’s agenda or worrying about their own.” —Travis Bradberry
• “Live authentically. Why would you continue to compromise something that’s beautiful to create something that is fake?” —Steve Maraboli, Life, The Truth, and Being Free

Related: 50 Quotes About Strength: Words to Boost Your Inner Power

Authentic Leadership Quotes to Inspire 

One position where authenticity is absolutely vital is in leadership. Whatever the end goal may be—at work or in other areas of life—someone who is authentic will get you there faster and more efficiently. Why? Because these sorts of leaders build trust with those around them through honesty, consistency and transparency. They embody the principles they impart on others and create an environment of mutual respect where wisdom flows both ways. Most importantly, though, truly genuine leaders never forget the direction they are headed or why they started the journey in the first place. 

Learn more about what it takes to be an authentic leader from the profound words below, taken from accomplished business executives and leadership experts themselves. 

• “Once you find your authentic path and follow it, all the other puzzle pieces start to fall into place: the money, the job, the relationship.” —Sarah Ban Breathnach, Simple Abundance
• “The journey to authentic leadership begins with understanding the story of your life. Your life story provides the context for your experiences, and through it, you can find the inspiration to make an impact in the world.” —Bill George, Discovering Your Authentic Leadership

• “The most precious commodity any leader possesses is authenticity.” —Marcus Buckingham
• “Authenticity is when you say and do the things you actually believe. But if you don’t know WHY the organization or the products exist on a level beyond WHAT you do, then it is impossible to know if the things you say or do are consistent with your WHY. Without WHY, any attempt at authenticity will almost always be inauthentic.” —Simon Sinek, Start With Why
• “Instead, true leadership stems from individuality that is honestly and sometimes imperfectly expressed. They believe leaders should strive for authenticity over perfection.” —Sheryl Sandberg, Lean In 
• “Authentic leaders don’t wear a mask. They are vulnerable and reveal their true selves to the world. They demonstrate by example and are true to their word.” —Jeff Davis
• “Authentic leaders in every setting—from families to nation-states—aim at liberating the heart, their own and others, so that its powers can liberate the world.” —Parker J. Palmer, Let Your Life Speak

Sayings to Help Us Live an Authentic Life 

Living an authentic life is all about the choices you make every single day. You honor yourself and the values instilled in you when you continually hold yourself accountable, speak up when you need to and refuse to fit into a mold. These original, authentic self quotes from SUCCESS® are an everyday reminder not to lose hold or faith. Use them to inspire the real you. 

• “Your authentic self is a gift to the world. Don’t be afraid to show it off every single day of your life.” 
• “Revealing your true self is a beautiful kind of vulnerability.” 
• “Stop acting and be real. You may be surprised by how freeing and powerful authenticity feels.” 
• “True peace and happiness can only come from honoring yourself, not pleasing others.” 
• “Embrace your differences and idiosyncrasies, for those are your strengths.” 

• “Authenticity doesn’t have to be loud. Sometimes it’s just a silent commitment to stick to your values and be genuine, despite outside pressures.” 
• “As isolating as it may be in the moment, acting genuinely beats going with the flow every time.” 
• “Perfection isn’t just unrealistic, it’s impossible. So, why not try being real and raw instead?”
• “Authenticity means never putting up a front and always aligning out actions with our beliefs.” 
• “If your thoughts and ideas never clash with anyone else’s, chances are you aren’t living as your authentic self.” 

Quotes on Courageous Authenticity: Being True Despite the Pressure

In theory, living authentically sounds effortless—it is our natural state of being, after all. But, in reality, it takes quite a bit of willpower, boldness and even courage to be true to yourself. Lean on the following quotes focused on courageous authenticity and the beauty that can come from daring to be different. 

• “To be nobody-but-yourself-in a world which is doing its best, night and day, to make you everybody else-means to fight the hardest battle which any human being can fight; and never stop fighting.” —E.E. Cummings, “A Poet’s Advice”
• “Be courageous and authentic as you dream the world into being, for it is only with awareness and respect for the laws of the universe that miracles can and will be discovered, like many treasures hidden in plain sight.” —Colette Baron-Reid
• “Have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.” —Steve Jobs
• “Only the truth of who you are, if realized, will set you free.” —Eckhart Tolle, A New Earth
• “Dare to declare who you are. It is not far from the shores of silence to the boundaries of speech.” —St. Hildegard of Bingen

• “Be bold enough to live life on your terms, and never apologize for it.” —Mandy Hale, The Single Woman
• “Courage is when you dare to be yourself, in whatever ways you want to be. To not be afraid, to just do it.” —Loung Ung

Tips for Staying Authentic No Matter What Life Brings

You may find yourself in situations where you’re pressured to follow the crowd or in a room where your opinion is the only one that is different. These are the sort of scenarios that require you to be strong and steadfast in your beliefs. If you ever find yourself struggling, the following tips can help you to stand your ground and avoid falling into a trap of people pleasing or insincerity:

• Stay connected to your values and your “why.”
• Set healthy boundaries.
• Practice self-compassion and self-acceptance.
• Accept that not everyone you meet will align with your beliefs, and that’s okay.
• Always speak honestly yet respectfully.
• Create an encouraging support system.
• Trust your gut.

The Power of Living Authentically

Living your own life your way is not only freeing but transformative. In a world where conformity is the norm, it takes self-respect, courage and commitment to be authentic. But the effort is well worth it. Authenticity can unlock the door to deeper fulfillment, stronger relationships and success in all aspects of life. So, dare to be different even when everyone else is blending. Dare to be real even when it’s hard. And, most importantly, dare to be unapologetically you. 

Photo by Ground Picture/Shutterstock

The post Authenticity Quotes to Help Us Stay True to Who We Are appeared first on SUCCESS.

“We feature different authors every month,” inn creator and owner Marie Milton says, as she welcomes me into the suite’s well-stocked kitchen, which includes a few cookbooks by the stove. In the dining room, a wallpaper depicting a fantasy forest and matching hand-painted chairs help complete the immersive wonderland feeling. Fittingly, the inn’s three apartments are called The Foreword, The Prologue and The Epilogue, each seamlessly blending vintage charm with modern glamour, plus a pinch of serenity and magic.

The story behind the storybook inn

Milton created her unconventional inn as a tribute to her late mother, whose stage four stomach cancer left her only months to live. Yet, she proved doctors wrong, beating the odds for eight more years. “My mom was an immigrant from South Korea,” Milton shares. She “stood 4 feet, 10 inches tall, and she was 70 pounds of full, hard and sensational grit,” Milton says. “She wanted to stay alive as long as she could, to be here for her kids and her grandkids. Her oncologist was always shocked that she made it as far as she did.”

There was no standard treatment for such a late-stage cancer, so Milton’s mother joined clinical trials. For several years, mother and daughter regularly traveled from St. Augustine to Houston, where the treatments were administered. “We traveled out of state one to two times a month,” Milton says. Frequent travel like this can wear out even a healthy person, let alone a frail woman undergoing chemo. 

To get through, Milton’s mom imagined the two of them were going on a real journey. “Chemo makes you feel like shit, so I imagine like we’re going on a big trip all the time, just mother and daughter. Wouldn’t that be fun?” Milton says her mother used to say.

Learning to live in the moment 

Milton, who was a nurse raising two little boys with her husband who was still in school, in addition to being her mother’s sole caregiver, learned to move fast to get things done. Plus, while she traveled she was taking graduate courses online to advance her nursing career, so being fast and efficient was the only way to accomplish everything she had to do in a given day. Traveling with her mother changed her, though, with one particular moment that stuck with her forever. 

Milton was helping her mother settle for yet another round of chemo, once again rushing around, when her mother said, “Jeez, you always move so fast. Slow down. Take your time.” And while she didn’t explicitly say to cherish the moments we spend together, Milton realized she meant exactly that.

“My mom probably felt like the clock was ticking faster than she wanted, and by me moving fast, I did not want to make it seem like the world was moving fast for her either,” Milton says. So from that moment on, she started to slow down. 

“I made the most of our hotel journeys, stopping along the way for the beautiful skies, taking in the wide-open skies of Texas, with my little mama by my side,” she says. “The clock stood still for us, and we were in our world, mother and daughter, living, being ever so and eternally present.” The two went on to create the stories of their travels and form memories that would last long after one of them was gone.

Before she departed, Milton’s mother saw her daughter graduate with a master’s degree in nursing and celebrated her acceptance into the doctorate program. But then, the eight years of chemo finally took their toll, and her health worsened. “We made the most of the two-and-a-half months that she had left with us,” Milton shares. They celebrated her mother’s last birthday at age 66. “We took our time and loved each other, and time somehow, even then, stood still.”

The Three Stories Inn is born

During their hotel stays, Milton often thought how helpful it would be if there were places that provided overnight accommodations to patients. Using her graduate school training, she put together a business proposal for such a place and, to her surprise, won some funding. But then the pandemic happened, which changed patient care, and she had to switch gears. 

“I pivoted the business plan from not patients [but] to important life events like family reunions, anniversaries [and] weddings,” she says. She now knew better than anyone how fleeting these precious moments could be. She knew how important it was to make time stand still—and savor those moments.

Three Stories Inn grew out of that pivot, with the goal of giving guests a way to stop time long enough to enjoy spending it with those they love. “I went from the hospital to hospitality,” Milton quips, adding that the two concepts are close because both focus on people and connections. “Although this was different from the original business plan with patients, it did not mean it was less meaningful.”

Milton was thoughtful in picking the right property for her inn. She chose a historic building that was once home to Thomas Jefferson’s great-granddaughter, Maria Jefferson Eppes Shine. She remodeled it with utmost attention to the details, making sure the fantasy wallpaper matched the artfully carved furniture and plush throws. Even the wine coasters quote famous authors, putting one in a pensive mood. “There are moments when I wish I could roll back the clock and take all this sadness away, but I have the feeling that if I did, the joy would be gone as well,” reads one by Nicholas Sparks, author of A Walk to Remember.

A literary passion project realized 

Milton filled the apartments with beauty and books to encourage the guests to create their own narratives in an almost magical setting. Whether novels or photo albums, books tell stories, inspiring guests to create their own. Charmed by the concept, a local chef partnered with her, creating a fine French restaurant on the ground floor, fittingly named La Nouvelle, a French word that describes a short work of fiction known in English as a novella.

“The idea of a storybook place was created to pull travelers away from the hustle and bustle of life, leave their cares behind and create intentional and meaningful stories of their own,” Milton says. Soon, she welcomed guests celebrating all sorts of unique moments, from wedding anniversaries to divorce to toasting to sobriety.

“Traveling with my mom, I learned that the time we spend exploring the world with our loved ones is priceless, and the memories we make are irreplaceable,” Milton says. “I want my guests, many of whom are mother-daughters or BFFs or couples, to make memories they will never forget. Our lives are simply too short to not do so. If there’s one thing my mother taught me, it’s that.”

Photo by Lina Zeldovich

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When ads become content: The new norm for Gen Alpha

Unlike any generation before, Gen Alpha never experienced a time without pervasive digital influence. Social media is where entertainment and ads mix, sometimes reaching children who might not fully understand they’re being marketed to.

In the past, a child hearing, “No, you don’t need that,” from a parent learned to manage impulses tangibly and productively. The store aisle was a controlled environment, and adults helped set limits that felt real and immediate. 

But today’s reality is different, and on social media, that kind of guidance doesn’t exist for Gen Alpha. Children as young as age 8 or 9 are bombarded with powerful, direct and highly engaging visual corporate messages that turn products and commercial lifestyles into objects of near-obsessive admiration. For today’s young generation, the line dividing entertainment from advertising has effectively vanished. Corporate messages no longer knock before suggesting consumerism; now, they live inside the content itself with very little oversight or regulation.

Teens see thousands of targeted online ads every day

Children are uniquely vulnerable to marketing because their skills at critical thinking and impulse control are still developing. The constant stream of familiar faces, stories and product placements on social media can light up the same pleasure centers that drive adult buying habits, conditioning young minds to crave and consume in ways that can become deeply ingrained and addictive. 

Advertising for children has evolved into a multibillion-dollar industry. According to estimates shared by UNICEF, a typical 14-year-old encounters around 1,260 advertisements daily on social media. 

Brands track children’s online behavior using sophisticated algorithms and data analytics, allowing them to deliver personalized ads that target kids’ interests and emotions. This constant, tailored exposure creates strong desires in children, who then repeatedly ask their parents to buy the products—a phenomenon known as “pester power.” Parents, often giving in to avoid conflict, complete the cycle with the final purchase. 

Kids’ spending power reaches $101 billion annually in the U.S.

According to DKC, parents of kids ages 8 to 14 estimate that 42% of household purchases are swayed by their children, with Gen Alpha directly controlling $101 billion of consumer spending power. The average child in this age group has $67 a week to spend, equaling $3,484 a year—almost 50% more than in 2024, according to Axios. Gen Alpha is drawn to highly visual, interactive and community-driven entertainment. Popular platforms like YouTube, TikTok and gaming streams dominate their screen time, with many preferring short, snackable content that fits into their fast-paced digital lives.

Gen Alpha thrives on popular cultural messages that flow naturally into their everyday conversations. Living and breathing online culture, their social norms create a clear divide from Gen Z in the digital realm. This generation rejects straightforward marketing altogether. They want to see their purchases woven into stories they can follow and engage with. 

How brands speak directly to Gen Alpha through storytelling

To reach Gen Alpha, brands are moving beyond traditional ads to create immersive, narrative-driven content. MrBeast (Jimmy Donaldson) is one of the world’s top digital influencers, and among the wealthiest, proving how a single creator can build a brand worth hundreds of millions. As of 2025, his net worth is estimated to be at $1 billion, with annual earnings reportedly exceeding $100 million through YouTube ad revenue, sponsorships, merchandise and his own product lines. His success is a prime example of how creative content and smart marketing can lead to massive earnings. 

With over-the-top challenges and jaw-dropping generosity, MrBeast keeps his young fans glued to the screen. But look closer, and you’ll see brilliant marketing at work. From slick sponsorships to subtle plugs for his own brands, like Feastables and MrBeast Burger, every view is a sales opportunity.

While viral TikTok trends generate quick buzz, they rarely foster lasting loyalty. Instead, brands are becoming full-fledged media creators, producing original, high-quality videos and collaborating with influencers to build enduring digital communities that resonate with young audiences.

In today’s social media landscape, advertising has transformed into a sophisticated creative industry. Leading directors and social creators craft compelling stories that connect deeply with Gen Alpha, blending cinematic artistry with cultural relevance. This approach makes brand messages feel authentic and engaging, speaking directly to a generation raised entirely within the digital world.

For Gen Alpha, connection with brands isn’t transactional; it’s relational. This generation demands narratives that resonate and communities that feel real. Marketers today face a paradox with this demographic though: They must build relationships through storytelling and community, yet do so with heightened awareness that this audience is uniquely impressionable. Responsibility here isn’t a box to check—it’s a continuous, evolving commitment to respect the boundaries between engagement and exploitation in an environment where those lines so often disappear.

Photo by LightField Studios/Shutterstock

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Start early

There are multiple ways to contribute to your company without leading it. A year or two before you leave, reflect on which path will best fit your own needs—as well as your company’s. “Have open conversations early on,” says Trina Aguirre, founder and CEO of Executive Exit Plan. “People are sometimes fearful or guilty about leaving. But a lot of times, companies will want their advice.”

David Radin, creator of Time Management in the Age of AI and CEO of Confirmed, agrees that making decisions in advance and getting everyone on the same page is essential. As a Dale Carnegie consultant, he coaches clients with succession planning and works with founders and executive teams. In his experience, “If you wait until a company changes hands, it’s too late.”

While you’re still in your role, you can make an impact on your company by creating processes to help it operate easily with new leadership and go in the direction you envision once you step down. Developing these processes includes procedural documentation and cultivating the skill sets of people who will assume new responsibilities, says Radin.

Consider your options

One way to step down without stepping away entirely is to serve on the company’s board. “If you’re a CEO or already on the board, you can negotiate continuing to be a board member or becoming a board member if you’re not one already,” says Aguirre.

Some people, often retiring CEOs, choose not to be on the board. Instead, they might coach and hire their successor. “If you’re leaving on good terms and know you’re leaving 18 months in advance, you can train someone in the company or search for the person to replace you,” explains Aguirre. As a former payroll director turned career transition strategist, she helps high-achieving professionals—especially women—build profitable exit strategies from corporate careers. She encourages her clients to specify how long they will train successors, how long they will be available to their successors after leaving, and what they will receive in exchange.

Retiring individuals might also negotiate a contracting or consulting role with their company to wean themselves into retirement. In this case, you should start negotiating your compensation 18 to 24 months in advance and secure a written contract.

Depending on your preferences, you might choose to volunteer after stepping down from your role. You can volunteer to train other leaders, help with fundraising or remain involved in initiatives that you implemented within your organization, Aguirre suggests. If you are leaving your company in the middle of a campaign, it’s likely the board will offer you compensation for staying to finish the campaign.

Maintaining ownership by owning the stock but handing over leadership to someone else is another option, says Radin. A final possibility is becoming a brand ambassador who attends public events on the company’s behalf. If you have pre-existing relationships with business leaders and politicians, this role can be especially compelling for you and your company.

Present your case

Whichever route you choose, you’ll need approval, so start documenting your contributions to the company so that you can present an offer the board can’t say no to. Be strategic when explaining how your involvement is in the best interest of the company, Aguirre recommends. For instance, if you want to be a brand ambassador, don’t say, “I don’t want to leave. I’m attached.” Outline the benefits for the company. You can say, “I have relationships already from being the face [of the company]. I’ll leverage those connections to advance our mission.”

HR is not the decision-maker if you want to be a brand ambassador, Aguirre says. “Talk to the highest person in the company, or talk to whoever is taking over—whoever is perceived to be the decision-maker and can advocate for you.” You will probably present to the board too.

Remaining on the board after leaving the company also requires the board’s approval. Come to this meeting with a proposed succession planning contract, including the specifics of how you want to stay involved. “Highlight [the] incentive of [an] orderly transition,” Radin says. “They might only say yes if they think you add value that they don’t have or if you’re decreasing their risk.”

In cases where your company is being acquired, identify who is in control. “Sometimes high-level employees are decision-makers. Sometimes there’s an acquisition team,” Radin explains. If you want to stay involved, you need to talk to whoever is actually negotiating the deal. “It’s in both parties’ best interest for you to be as involved as they need you to be involved,” Radin says. “So you can ask the person you’re negotiating with, ‘What role do you want me to play?’”

If you’re interested in coaching, contracting, consulting or leading a campaign, hammer out the details in a written contract at least a year before your departure. Compensation for your time and assets should be part of this conversation. “[It should] never just be a verbal agreement,” says Aguirre. “Sometimes smaller firms don’t run by the book and do verbal side agreements because they’re friends, and that usually doesn’t work out… you need it in writing to have leverage.”

Step in without overstepping

Self-reflection is required throughout this process. “Why do you want to be involved?” Radin asks. “There are compelling reasons, like you don’t want to retire, you want to support the mission, you want to support people succeeding you or you have a package where you’re still compensated. But you need to ask yourself this.”

Knowing your reasons for staying involved will help you be careful about what you’re offering, Aguirre says. You should ensure that your proposed involvement is really what you want to do and that it aligns with the goals you have after leaving your company.

Mentally preparing to not be in charge anymore is important too. “You’re in control of the company in your mind, and when another leader takes your place and you still want to help, it’s not easy to let go,” Aguirre says. “The lines are blurred unless there’s a clearly defined plan for what you’re doing, for how long and what results you are delivering.”

She recommends finding someone to confide in, such as a therapist, as leaving a high-ranking leadership role can be challenging. “If you’re a CEO, that role is tied to your identity, so stepping down can be like mourning a loss,” she says.

Of course, stepping down also offers new opportunities and the potential to remain involved in some way. “If you believe it’s possible, it can happen,” Aguirre says. By starting early and developing a strategic way to present what you would like to do, the succession planning process can be incredibly rewarding.

Photo by hxdbzxy/Shutterstock. This article originally appeared in the July issue of SUCCESS+ digital magazine.

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