I think the reason I was successful is that I was never cynical.
Interpretation
Success comes from maintaining a positive and open-minded attitude.
In this quote, Carol Burnett attributes her success to her refusal to adopt a cynical mindset. By remaining optimistic and adaptable, she suggests that one can navigate challenges and seize opportunities more effectively, ultimately leading to success in various endeavors.
In practice
Using this quote in a motivational speech about overcoming obstacles.
My grandmother and I followed my mother here, to a house a block north of Hollywood Boulevard but a million miles away from Hollywood, if you know what I mean. We would hang out behind the ropes and look at the movie stars arriving at the premieres.
You have to have faith that there is a reason you go through certain things. I can't say I'm glad to go through pain, but in a way one must, in order to gain courage and really feel joy.
It's also selfish because it makes you feel good when you help others. I've been helped by acts of kindness from strangers. That's why we're here, after all, to help others.
I've always been optimistic. And I have a feeling that it happened because of going to all those movies with my grandmother in the '40s because there was no cynicism.
Edgy is fine - I'm not a prude by any stretch of the imagination - but what's wrong with a good ol' belly laugh? I miss that.
My favourite comedian, of course, is Tim Conway. He has a way about him - being that belly-laugh kind of funny, and he has the improvisational skills, too. I've never seen anybody better.
Luck has nothing to do with it, because I have spent many, many hours, countless hours, on the court working for my one moment in time, not knowing when it would come.
People who fail to accumulate money, without exception, have the habit of reaching decisions, if at all, very slowly, and of changing these decisions quickly and often.
I think I did pretty well, considering I started out with nothing but a bunch of blank paper.
I discovered a long time ago that if I focus on doing the right thing for the long term to improve the lives of consumers and customers all over the world, the business results will come.
People think that at the top there isn't much room. They tend to think of it as an Everest. My message is that there is tons of room at the top.
You long for success? Start at the bottom; dig down.
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