Growing up in Russia, we had a saying for every occurrence, it seems. Our parents, teachers, and relatives reinforced them repeatedly, ingraining them into our being. I use these easy-to-remember sayings to help me live. I guess my life did come with an “instructions manual.”
Here are the 5 common sayings or rather idioms.
They may sound weird after the translation, but the message is still clear.
1. “WITHOUT EFFORT YOU WON’T EVEN PULL FISH OUT OF POND.”
This one is pretty clear – to get anything, you have to put in the effort. I also like the quote from Sara Blakely, Spanx founder, and CEO, “The difference between people who achieve their dreams and those who don’t is simple. It’s about action.”
2. “BETTER LATE THAN NEVER.”
This one is common in many languages and is so true! So follow your dreams and reach for those stars regardless of how old you are. Stop with the excuses! Be the example to follow.
3. “LIVE FOR A CENTURY, LEARN FOR A CENTURY.”
I am so grateful for my childhood in Russia. The love for books and learning was rooted in my being! When giving me life lessons, my parents often told me what book to read as a particular character was in a similar situation. They also cherished the wisdom of elders.
4. “EVERYTHING IS GOOD IN ITS TIME.”
But I want it now, lol! William Langland coined the term “patience is a virtue.” I have to remind myself that when my same-day Amazon delivery is late.
5. “MEASURE SEVEN TIMES, CUT ONCE.”
Although it originated from carpentry and needlework, I apply it to my emails. Once you hit send, it’s gone and can’t be undone. You will save time and effort by checking things over and over.
Do you have any sayings you keep going back to? I would love to hear new ones from different cultures.
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