Top 5 Quotes I Live By

Looking back, I am influenced by many things. Whether it is my life experiences, challenges I've been through or people I've met, they have all impacted me to be the person I am now. As a designer and individual, these are some quotes that hold a lot of meaning to me and represent my beliefs.

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1. Hard work beats talent when talent isn't working hard.

My basketball coach would always echo this quote back when I was in 8th grade. Talent can only get you so far. What stands out more is not having talent, but working hard. It's been a few years since I've last played basketball, but these words have become more than just words he preached and words I choose to live by.

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2. Live life with no regrets.

My basketball coach's name was Coach Irv and he passed away a few years later due to cancer. Coach Irv would always say to live life with no regrets because you never know when it could be too late. I definitely didn't really take all this to heart until I had regrets—and it was too late. I now aspire to really learn to challenge myself and not take things for granted, while also making sure I'm always putting in my utmost effort.

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3. You miss 100% of the shots you don't take.

Some people think this quote comes from my basketball influence; however, I came across this quote through taking on leadership opportunities in a community service organization I serve with. You never know what's going to happen unless you try. Don't be afraid of failure. I exist to take risks, learn, grow and challenge myself both mentally and spiritually.

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4. Do what you love to do, because it will most likely be your job for the rest of your life.

Throughout my childhood, I was always taking art classes. It was fun and I was told I had talent, but I never thought to pursue art as a career until 6th grade when I signed up for a computer graphics class. In this class, our teacher would tell us that we should do what we love to do because it will most likely be our job for most of our life. Plus, it is a bonus when you get paid for doing what you love to do. This quote has really stuck with me since then because it was what made me want to pursue computer graphics as a career, and major in what I was passionate about at that time. I aspire to do what I love to do, make amazing work and have fun doing it.

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‍5. Happiness is not having what you want, but wanting what you have.

A quote my dad has printed and placed in random walls around my house. I'd see this quote on the bathroom wall with both Chinese and English translations, and wonder why my dad randomly put it there. While I find it very odd, this quote has definitely stuck. It is all about appreciation and gratitude. I believe it is really important to reflect, appreciate what you have in life and learn to give back to others—that is what will make you truly happy.

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While I definitely do not feel wise enough to be sharing quotes and my thoughts on them, hopefully I was able to connect with you a little and give some insight to my beliefs as a designer and individual.