The global outbreak of COVID-19 and consequent lockdown has had some significant implications on businesses around the world. From disruption of supply chain, dipped consumer demand, job losses, and crashed stock markets to almost complete stalling of economic and industrial activity, the extent of harm done is beyond belief. Undoubtedly, the times are unprecedented!

But as the phrase goes, “when the going gets tough, the tough get going.” The need of the hour is to  pull up our socks and navigate this crisis as effectively as possible, all the while being optimistic that there is indeed light at the end of the tunnel. Here are 15 quotes to help keep you motivated during these difficult times and make you believe that you will survive this storm:

1. When outside forces stand between you and your goal

“I can’t change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.” Jimmy Dean

2. When you need perspective on how to look at things

“I am a huge bull on this country. We will not have a double-dip recession at all. I see our businesses coming back almost across the board.” Warren Buffett

3. When you feel that you’re losing against circumstances

“You have power over your mind–not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.” Marcus Aurelius

4. When you have fears about what the future holds

“The best way to predict the future is to invent it.” Alan Kay

5. When your hard work seems to have been for nothing

“If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put the foundations under them.” Henry David Thoreau

6. When you and your team are not on the same page

“If two men on the same job agree all the time, then one is useless. If they disagree all the time, both are useless.” Darryl F. Zanuck

7. When you can’t seem to keep up with your to-do list

“The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting started is breaking your complex overwhelming tasks into small manageable tasks, and then starting on the first one.” Mark Twain

8. When you’re having a conversation with your team

“To talk well and eloquently is a very great art, but an equally great one is to know the right moment to stop.”Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

9. When you’re looking for some expert advice

“When I meet successful people, I ask 100 questions as to what they attribute their success to. It is usually the same: persistence, hard work, and hiring good people.” Kiana Tom

10. When you’re facing challenges with your management style

“Many people think of management as cutting deals and laying people off and hiring people and buying and selling companies. That’s not management; that’s deal making. Management is the opportunity to help people become better people. Practiced that way, it’s a magnificent profession.” Clayton M. Christensen

11. When you’re disheartened by customers’ negative feedback

“Your most unhappy customers are your greatest source of learning.” – Bill Gates

12. When you are thinking of letting someone go for a mistake

“Recently, I was asked if I was going to fire an employee who made a mistake that cost the company $600,000. No, I replied, I just spent $600,000 training him. Why would I want somebody to hire his experience?” Thomas Watson

13. When you’re uncertain of whether your business will survive

“As sure as the spring will follow the winter, prosperity and economic growth will follow recession.” Bo Bennett

14. When you are not sure of the necessary course of action

“So I think the winners in recession are the people who produce new technology that does things better, which people really want.” James Dyson

15. When you need assurance that you will get through this

“We’re still in a recession. We’re not gonna be out of it for a while, but we will get out.” Warren Buffett

Hope these were worth the read. Just keep working and remember… this too shall pass!