Barbara Sher's Quotes

Barbara Sher (14 August 1935 – 10 May 2020) was a speaker, career/lifestyle coach, and author. Her books sold millions of copies and were translated into many languages. She appeared on Oprah, The Today Show, 60 Minutes, CNN, and Good Morning America and her public television specials aired regularly in the United States. Sher lectured at universities, Fortune 100 companies and professional conferences all over the world.

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In 1976 she launched Success Teams. Trained leaders recruit groups of about 5 or 6 people and gain them through her 8-week workshop for “How to gain what you in reality want, even if you have no goals, no character, and you’re often in a lousy mood.” Members identify and pursue their wishes in a framework of mutual encouragement, support, ideas for overcoming obstacles, introductions to long-suffering contacts, and accountability for continued effort.

Sher’s book Refuse to Choose (Rodale 2006) is a step-by-step program designed for “scanners”, people like many interests who are unable to decide upon a single handing out for their lives.

All quotes from Barbara Sher sorted alphabetically:

Barbara Sher about Dreams:

And our dreams are who we are.

Barbara Sher about Leadership:

Doing is a quantum leap from imagining.

Barbara Sher about Change:

Change is not only likely, it's inevitable.

Barbara Sher about Love:

Every single one of us can do things that no one else can do - can love things that no one else can love. We are like violins. We can be used for doorstops, or we can make music. You know what to do.

Barbara Sher about Obstacles:

Imaginary obstacles are insurmountable. Real ones aren't.

Barbara Sher about Control:

It's essential to distinguish between events that are really beyond your control and events you caused yourself.

Barbara Sher about Obstacles:

Real obstacles don't take you in circles. They can be overcome. Invented ones are like a maze.

Barbara Sher about Dream:

Isolation is a dream killer.

Barbara Sher about Self-Esteem:

Resentment is weak and lowers your self-esteem.

Barbara Sher about Leadership:

The amount of good luck coming your way depends on your willingness to act.

Barbara Sher about Music:

We are like violins. We can be used as doorstops, or we can make music.

Barbara Sher about Sympathy:

The cure for sorrow is to learn something.

Barbara Sher about Moving On:

When you start using senses you've neglected, your reward is to see the world with completely fresh eyes.

Barbara Sher about Life:

You can learn new things at any time in your life if you're willing to be a beginner. If you actually learn to like being a beginner, the whole world opens up to you.

Barbara Sher about Life:

When you play it too safe, you're taking the biggest risk of your life. Time is the only wealth we're given.

Barbara Sher about Time:

You don't have to get it right the first time.

Barbara Sher about Life:

You must go after your wish. As soon as you start to pursue a dream, your life wakes up and everything has meaning.