Leslie Calvin “Les” Brown is a former TV host, bestselling author, and once a high school outcast who rose to become one of the world’s most celebrated motivational speakers.
Famous for his mantra “It’s possible!”, Brown inspires millions to chase their dreams—no matter how unlikely they may seem.
Born with his twin brother in an abandoned building in Liberty City, Miami, and later adopted by a single cafeteria worker, Les’s early life was marked by poverty, rejection, and being labeled “educable mentally retarded” in grade school. But with unwavering support from his adoptive mother and the life-changing encouragement of a high school teacher, he rewrote his story.
From a janitor and radio DJ to state legislator and nationally syndicated TV host, Brown’s relentless drive and optimism became the foundation of his legacy.
Here are some of the most notable Les Brown quotes and sayings that shows his thoughts and views about life, courage, determination, and more.
Fun fact: Les Brown was once fired from his first radio job—only to return as the station’s star on-air personality.
Table of Contents
Famous Les Brown Quotes
Les Brown’s most iconic quotes are repeated around the world. They’ve become mantras for overcoming obstacles and believing in your dreams.
Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.
— Les Brown, public speech
This quote reminds us to aim high and not fear failure; the journey itself brings unexpected rewards.
Too many of us are not living our dreams because we are living our fears.
— Les Brown, motivational seminar
Fear is the barrier to greatness. Les Brown’s message is to push past those fears to unlock your potential.
You don’t have to be great to get started, but you have to get started to be great.
— Les Brown, speech: “It’s Not Over Until You Win!”
Action is the foundation of success. Brown encourages everyone to take the first step, however imperfect.
Les Brown Quotes on Success & Achievement
Success, according to Les Brown, is less about luck and more about effort, mindset, and relentless self-belief.
Help others achieve their dreams and you will achieve yours.
— Les Brown, seminar on purpose
Service to others is a recurring theme; true fulfillment comes from lifting others as you climb.
Success is not something you pursue. Success is something you attract by the person you become.
— Les Brown, interview with Success Magazine
Personal growth is the real path to achievement. Brown teaches that inner transformation brings outer rewards.
Align yourself with people that you can learn from, people who want more out of life, people who are stretching and searching and seeking some higher ground in life.
— Les Brown, keynote speech
The right community is essential—surround yourself with driven, positive people.
Les Brown Quotes on Overcoming Fear & Failure
For Les Brown, fear is the only thing that can truly hold us back. Embracing fear, instead of avoiding it, is a central lesson in his teachings.
Too many of us are not living our dreams because we are living our fears.
— Les Brown, repeated theme in multiple speeches
This quote echoes throughout his work: fear is a self-imposed prison that can be escaped by taking action.
Most people fail in life not because they aim too high and miss, but because they aim too low and hit.
— Les Brown, speech on goal setting
Don’t play it safe—real growth comes from stretching your comfort zone.
Fear does not have any special power unless you empower it by submitting to it.
— Les Brown, interview, “Live Your Dreams”
Les Brown challenges us to see fear for what it is: a story, not a destiny.
Les Brown Quotes on Dreams & Potential
Brown’s life is proof that anyone can rise above their circumstances. His words inspire us to dream big and claim our own greatness.
Live out of your imagination instead of out of your memory.
— Les Brown, “Live Your Dreams”
Imagination fuels change. Don’t let the past define your future.
You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.
— Les Brown, “Live Your Dreams”
There’s no deadline for growth. Reinvention is always possible.
As you reach your goals, set new ones. That is how you grow and become a more powerful person.
— Les Brown, motivational event
Continual goal-setting is key to an empowered life.
Les Brown Quotes on Persistence & Resilience
Life knocks everyone down, but Les Brown insists that resilience is what determines our future.
When life knocks you down, try to land on your back. Because if you can look up, you can get up.
— Les Brown, signature phrase
Hope and resilience go hand in hand—never lose sight of what’s possible.
Forgive yourself for your faults and your mistakes and move on.
— Les Brown, radio interview
Resilience includes self-compassion. Progress means not dwelling on setbacks.
Make sure when you fall you land on your back because if you can look up, you can get up.
— Les Brown, seminar catchphrase
Resilience isn’t about never failing—it’s about never giving up.
Les Brown Quotes on Belief & Self-Confidence
Self-belief is at the core of Les Brown’s teachings. You must see value in yourself before anyone else will.
Other people’s opinion of you does not have to become your reality.
— Les Brown, “Live Your Dreams”
Break free from other people’s limitations and define your own worth.
Believe that you possess a basic goodness, which is the foundation for the greatness you can ultimately achieve.
— Les Brown, interview with Les Brown Institute
Every person holds untapped potential—belief is the first step.
You are the only real obstacle in your path to a fulfilling life.
— Les Brown, closing keynote
The journey always begins within.
Make Today Count—Inspired by Les
Les Brown’s words remain a beacon of hope and possibility for anyone facing adversity or seeking change. His timeless wisdom reminds us that greatness is a choice—one we make every day through belief, effort, and resilience. Return to these quotes whenever you need a reminder: “It’s possible!”
