22 Quotes & Sayings By Russell Simmons

Russell Simmons is an entrepreneur and cultural leader. He is the co-founder of Def Jam Records, one of the most influential and iconic record labels of the past three decades. In addition to Def Jam, Russell has created a successful apparel line, produced award-winning films and television programs, created and managed a global digital media company called Rush Communications, and is also the founder and current chairman of the Board of Directors for American Express Company (NYSE: AXP). He is on the board of directors of Live Nation Entertainment Inc., Ecobee Inc., and The New School Read more

Russell is also a member of the Executive Committee at The Recording Academy.

The key ingredient to any kind of happiness or success...
1
The key ingredient to any kind of happiness or success is to never give less than your best Russell Simmons
2
No matter where you're from or what you've done, you're never stuck in a particular circumstance, relationship, or cycle unless you say you are. Russell Simmons
3
True happiness lies in being compassionate and appreciating the world and our circumstances, rather than being coldhearted and greedy. We often realize too late that our favorite moments are those spent simply with the people we love. In seeing the miracles that unfold around us every day. Eventually we all come to understand that our happiness is derived from being present in the moment. Why wait until the end of your life to discover this Truth? . Russell Simmons
4
To separate yourself from your weakness and look at it objectively is a very powerful thing. Russell Simmons
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I understand that for beginners it isn't that easy to sit down, close your eyes, and settle into stillness. Your thoughts have gotten used to making SO MUCH NOISE! They have enjoyed too much influence over you to simply fade the first time you try. Russell Simmons
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After my first experience via yoga, I became incredibly focused on experiencing that sense of stillness again. The stillness that reminded me that I could be a better person, a better friend, a better citizen of the world, as well as a better businessman. Russell Simmons
7
The beautiful thing about meditation is that it allows you to access that cool guy or girl inside of you that's waiting to come out. You'll be able to access the part of you that people like to be around. The part of you that feels upbeat about things. That feels like you're moving toward your goals without frustration and anxiety. That feels ecstatic to be alive! The more I meditate, the more I have these moments. Russell Simmons
8
Giving, not trading or selling, is the basis of success. The most rewarding thing you can do is just to give the world something good. And ultimately you will be paid so much more for that gift than it you had tried to trade it for something else. Russell Simmons
9
Respect your parents. What they tell you is true. Hard work, dedication and faith will get you anything. Imagination will drive itself. You can get anything you want, but you have to have faith behind all your ideas. Stick to your goals and have an undying faith. Russell Simmons
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I think I'm less afraid of failure than some others. Russell Simmons
11
People are afraid of failure - they don't like to work so hard and have people keep saying, 'No.' I think that's what people fear most. Russell Simmons
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You know, the diversity that America has is so special. It's starting to really become a cool thing for young people. Russell Simmons
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I go to yoga every day. I meditate every morning. Russell Simmons
14
If you give a good thing to the world, then over time your karma will be good, and you'll receive good. Russell Simmons
15
My little girls are the most beautiful women in the world. I am a lucky, lucky man. I will spend every day making sure that they know this. Russell Simmons
16
I mostly eat healthy. I just do. I'm not a vegan for health reasons - although obviously I'm 20 pounds lighter than when I started. I stayed 20 pounds lighter. I feel better. My friends say I look better. All that's true. But I'm a vegan for compassionate reasons. Russell Simmons
17
I try to keep a positive intention and use whatever resources I have to benefit others. I try to create businesses that I think are not hurtful. I try to do things that I think are helpful to the environment, to the animals, and to the planet. Russell Simmons
18
Art is a way to express yourself and through that you can escape a bad situation. Russell Simmons
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I want to promote poetry to the point where you got all the baldhead kids running around doing poetry, getting the music out of the way and having only words, the spoken word, and then see what happens. Russell Simmons
20
I think that diversity is key for the next American entrepreneurs. They want to be a part of this society where there is so much diversity they have to have people from all the experiences. Russell Simmons
21
I am very lucky that I have talented and creative people around me. Also, mediation has been a very big part of my freedom, because it allows me to watch all the things going on and allows me to focus. Russell Simmons