Everybody starts at the top, and then has the problem of staying there. Lasting accomplishment, however, is still achieved through a long, slow climb and self-discipline.
Meaning of the quote
Everyone begins with high hopes and dreams, but the real challenge is maintaining that success over time. True, long-lasting achievements require patience, dedication, and self-discipline. It's not about reaching the top quickly, but rather steadily climbing your way there through hard work and determination.
About Helen Hayes
Helen Hayes was an acclaimed American actress who had an extensive career spanning over 80 years. She was known as the ‘First Lady of American Theatre’ and was the second person and first woman to achieve the prestigious EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony) status. Helen Hayes was also the first person to win the Triple Crown of Acting and received numerous other prestigious awards and honors throughout her distinguished career.
More quotes from Helen Hayes
One has to grow up with good talk in order to form the habit of it.
American actress (1900-1993)
The worst constructed play is a Bach fugue when compared to life.
American actress (1900-1993)
Age is not important unless you’re a cheese.
American actress (1900-1993)
I’m leaving the screen because I don’t think I am very good in the pictures and I have this beautiful dream that I’m elegant on the stage.
American actress (1900-1993)
There’s a little vanity chair that Charlie gave me the first Christmas we knew each other. I’ll not be parting with that, nor our bed – the four-poster – I’ll be needing that to die in.
American actress (1900-1993)
Mere longevity is a good thing for those who watch Life from the side lines. For those who play the game, an hour may be a year, a single day’s work an achievement for eternity.
American actress (1900-1993)
The truth is that there is only one terminal dignity – love. And the story of a love is not important – what is important is that one is capable of love. It is perhaps the only glimpse we are permitted of eternity.
American actress (1900-1993)
The hardest years in life are those between ten and seventy.
American actress (1900-1993)
If you rest, you rust.
American actress (1900-1993)
The story of a love is not important-what is important is that one is capable of love. It is perhaps the only glimpse we are permitted of eternity.
American actress (1900-1993)
Stardom can be a gilded slavery.
American actress (1900-1993)
Childhood is a short season.
American actress (1900-1993)
Everybody starts at the top, and then has the problem of staying there. Lasting accomplishment, however, is still achieved through a long, slow climb and self-discipline.
American actress (1900-1993)
People who refuse to rest honorably on their laurels when they reach retirement age seem very admirable to me.
American actress (1900-1993)
Legends die hard. They survive as truth rarely does.
American actress (1900-1993)
From your parents you learn love and laughter and how to put one foot before the other. But when books are opened you discover that you have wings.
American actress (1900-1993)
We relish news of our heroes, forgetting that we are extraordinary to somebody too.
American actress (1900-1993)
When traveling with someone, take large does of patience and tolerance with your morning coffee.
American actress (1900-1993)
Actors cannot choose the manner in which they are born. Consequently, it is the one gesture in their lives completely devoid of self-consciousness.
American actress (1900-1993)
Every human being on this earth is born with a tragedy, and it isn’t original sin. He’s born with the tragedy that he has to grow up… a lot of people don’t have the courage to do it.
American actress (1900-1993)
The good die young but not always. The wicked prevail but not consistently. I am confused by life, and I feel safe within the confines of the theatre.
American actress (1900-1993)
Only the poet can look beyond the detail and see the whole picture.
American actress (1900-1993)
There is only one terminal dignity – love.
American actress (1900-1993)
I cry out for order and find it only in art.
American actress (1900-1993)
Actors work and slave and it is the color of your hair that can determine your fate in the end.
American actress (1900-1993)