Purposeful Direction Quotes

Give us a clear vision that we may know where to stand and what to stand for—because unless we stand for something we will fall for anything.

Knowledge is only potential power. It becomes power only when, and if, it is organized into definite plans of action, and directed to a definite end.

It doesn't really matter how fast you're going if you're heading in the wrong direction.

We embark unhesitatingly on the path, in a direction that is absolutely right and urgent, supported by everyone, in the knowledge that this path is but a learning process

If the ladder is not leaning against the right wall, every step we take just gets us to the wrong place faster.

But the 3% who have taken the time and exercised the discipline to decide on a destination and to chart a course sail straight and far across the deep oceans of life, reaching one port after another and accomplishing more in just a few years than the rest accomplish in a lifetime.

Definiteness of purpose is the starting point from which one must begin.

Every director is different and they all have different styles. I've worked with directors who were very specific and they gave a lot of direction. The one thing about Michael [Haneke]that I think is interesting is that he really has a reason for everything he's asking you. If you challenge it, he is open for discussion but he has a clear idea of what he wants with reasons why.

I wouldn't say there isn't a direct path to a successful career. There are people who knew exactly what they wanted to do from a very young age, weren't going to be diverted, and then they just went out and achieved it.

True freedom has more to do with following the North Star than going whichever way the wind blows. Sometimes it seems like freedom is blowing with the winds of the day, but that kind of freedom is really an illusion. It turns your boat in circles. Freedom is sailing toward your dreams.

When we are on our right path, we have a surefootedness.

I think the first and most important thing is that you've got to have a goal and a vision.

I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I intended to be.

You can't have a director say, "Just be you"; you have to have an aim. It's like when you throw darts, you have to know where the bullseye is. You can't just say, "No no no no no, drop the darts. Just stand. We're going to film you." You have to get there indirectly. You have to have me doing something, and then you can get "me."

A clear vision, backed by definite plans, gives you a tremendous feeling of confidence and personal power.