The price of inaction is far greater than the cost of making a mistake.
Meaning
Not acting is often worse than failing.
Best Failure Quotes with Meaning
Share image
Preview of the image used when this quote is shared on social networks.
About the author
(born 1956) is an American business executive known for her leadership at eBay and Hewlett-Packard. She played a key role in transforming eBay into a global e-commerce platform. Whitman is recognized for her strategic thinking and leadership in technology and business. She has also been involved in public service and philanthropy. Meg Whitman continues to influence leadership and corporate governance.
Why This Quote Matters
What makes this line memorable is how plainly Meg Whitman states the case for Growth. The lesson resists shortcuts—Not acting is often worse than failing.
Most people don’t need more information here—just a reminder, repeated. Small and steady beats sudden and short-lived, every time.
How to Apply This Quote in Life
Revisit Trust at the end of each day, even in one sentence. Notice where you already practice this without labeling it; then widen that path.
Small loops beat big promises; keep the bar low enough to show up again tomorrow. That’s a fair test of whether the idea holds up in your life.
Related quotes
-
“If you want to fly, you have to give up the things that weigh you down.”
Meaning: Morrison emphasizes letting go of negativity, fear, and limitations. Freedom and growth require releasing burdens that hold you back. -
“The present is not a potential past; it is the moment of choice and action.”
Meaning: The present moment is where decisions are made and life unfolds. It should not be seen as something that will only matter later, but as the most important time for action. -
“No progress is possible without sacrifice.”
Meaning: Growth demands giving up comfort and making efforts. -
“Practice isn't the thing you do once you're good. It's the thing you do that makes you good.”
Meaning: Skill comes from consistent effort, not natural talent alone. -
“Excellence happens not by chance but through a habit of continuous improvement.”
Meaning: Consistent effort over time creates excellence. -
“Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself.”
Meaning: It emphasizes personal growth. -
“Strength is built through resilience in the face of adversity.”
Meaning: It explains that overcoming challenges develops inner strength and determination. -
“Leadership is about making others better as a result of your presence.”
Meaning: True leadership involves empowering others and creating lasting positive impact. -
“Confidence grows when we take action instead of avoiding challenges.”
Meaning: Action builds confidence. -
“Leadership is not about control, it is about creating an environment where others can perform at their best consistently.”
Meaning: Leadership builds performance.