I recently added Cheshire Cat quotes to my collection of inspirational quotes. As a cat lover, these quotes are different from the other cat quotes I collect. The Cheshire Cat is a quirky character with a mischievous grin popularized by Lewis Carroll in his famous book Alice’s Adventure in Wonderland. It is one of the best known, best-loved, and most quoted of all the Wonderland characters.
Many think of the Cheshire Cat as Alice’s spirit guide, who directs Alice through many adventures to her final destination, the garden. You do not need to read the book to appreciate the Cheshire Cat. Since the book was published in 1865, it has inspired numerous musicals, films, theatrical performances, and ballets.
To be clear, at first glance, many of the Cheshire Cat quotes appear confusing. Indeed, some are built on faulty assumptions. However, I think some of these quotes from the book and other inspired works have relevant messages for women leaders. Here are 12 of my favorite Cheshire Cat quotes.
Cheshire Cat Quotes – Where to Go
“That depends a good deal on where you want to get to.”
Cheshire Cat, Alice’s Adventure in Wonderland, Lewis Carroll, 1865
Where do you want to go? How do you plan to get there? Are you there yet? And if so, do you want to go higher? Is it time to refocus or make a shift? I like this Cheshire Cat quote that puts the responsibility of getting where you want to go on you. Yes, there are obstacles in your way and haters who want to see you fail, but such is life.
To start a business or take your career to the next level, you must write down your goals, create an action plan, engage your network, and work hard for them to happen. As mentioned in a previous post, a goal is an intention followed by several action steps. And each of these steps must have a timeline and a measurable outcome.
I also believe that you should speak them out loud to God and the universe. Of course, that takes courage. Speaking my goals aloud also means talking to the women in my circle. I have a few women who hold me accountable, encourage me, and help me look for opportunities to live my dreams and make them happen. More importantly, these women pray for me and with me. Now, don’t get me wrong, I value the wisdom, advice, and mentoring from male friends and colleagues. However, the perspective and insights of women who have struggled and climbed the ladder are priceless.
Cheshire Cat Quotes – Create Your Own Order
“The proper order of things is often a mystery to me.”
Cheshire Cat, Alice’s Adventure in Wonderland, Lewis Carroll, 1865
There are two ways to view this Cheshire Cat quote. First, doing things in their proper order is essential for accomplishing our goals. There are few shortcuts in life, and nothing replaces showing up and doing the hard work. However, some of us find that showing up and doing the hard work is not enough. Indeed, many of us struggle with managing our priorities and organizing things in their proper order. Take the mystery out of doing things properly by learning to be more organized. And, if this is particularly hard for you, delegate it to someone else or hire someone to help you.
The second way of viewing this Cheshire Cat quote is to create a new way of doing things. The tried and true methods may not work for you. So, innovate and find your own “proper order” of doing things.
Cheshire Cat Quotes – Getting Back Your Mojo
“You used to be much more…muchier. You’ve lost your muchness.”
Cheshire Cat, Alice in Wonderland, Tim Burton, 2010
Where did your “muchier” go? Have you lost your mojo or passion? Why aren’t you still having fun? This is one of my favorite Cheshire Cat quotes because it reminds me not to lose myself in my pursuit of success. Yes, getting a business off the ground, writing a dissertation, or leading a high-performing team requires sacrifice. However, we lose our “muchness” by:
- Neglecting self-care
- Working harder but not smarter
- Spending little quality time with friends and loved ones
- Not making time to play
Cheshire Cat Quotes – Managing Your Time
“Somehow you strayed and lost your way, and now there’ll be no time to play, no time for joy, no time for friends – not even time to make amends.”
Cheshire Cat, Alice in Wonderland, Harry Harris, 1985
Have you ever asked yourself, “How did I end up here?” Or, have you ever thought, “This is not me. It is not who I was meant to be.” When you don’t plan well and lose track of time, you will fall behind. Unfortunately, once time is gone, you cannot recover it.
In his book, Win the Day, Mark Batterson notes that there are two words for time, chronos and kairos. Chronos is the time on your watch and the days on your calendar. It’s important to control your calendar, or it will control you. Chronos teaches you about being a good steward of your time. On the other hand, kairos is about “redeeming the time.” Kairos is about making the most of every opportunity. Kairos doesn’t keep time as much as it makes time. It’s about making time for:
- Play
- Self-care
- Family, friends, and the community
- Adventure
- Rest
Cheshire Cat Quotes – Change is Good
“I knew who I was this morning, but I have changed a few times since then.”
Cheshire Cat, Alice’s Adventure in Wonderland, Lewis Carroll, 1865
There were times when I woke up in the morning confused or anxious about a problem. However, my perspective changed and my mood improved as the day progressed. How? I gained some insights, looked at other viewpoints, and got advice from trusted friends.
Another way of viewing this Cheshire Cat quote is that you woke up in a good mood, but you had some shocks and unwelcoming news during the day. Unfortunately, you did not handle the issue well, said some nasty things, and created a bigger problem. If the latter is true, embrace your humanity, admit your mistakes, and start again tomorrow.
Cheshire Cat Quotes – Wandering is OK
“Not all who wander are lost.”
Cheshire Cat, Alice’s Adventure in Wonderland, Lewis Carroll, 1865
There are many paths to being successful. Many people have their lives well laid out, and are often shocked to hear that others do not have a 5-year plan for their life. However, these people are surprised and disappointed when their 5-year plan does not come together. Indeed, many professionals will tell you that where they are now is not where they planned to be five years ago.
In reality, many people end up with a nonlinear career path. They pivot and change directions several times. So, take time to wander and find your purpose and path. You’ll eventually get to where you are meant to be.
Cheshire Cat Quotes – We’re All Mad
“We’re all mad here. I’m mad. You’re mad.”
Cheshire Cat, Alice’s Adventure in Wonderland, Lewis Carroll, 1865
This is one of the most-beloved Cheshire Cat quotes. It’s important to admit that we’re all a little mad at times. OK, sometimes we’re a lot mad. The issue is that we are quick to point out the madness in others but refuse to see the madness in ourselves. We’re all mad, but hopefully, not on the same day.
Cheshire Cat Quotes – Dressed in Rage
“How fine you look when dressed in rage. Your enemies are fortunate your condition is not permanent.”
Cheshire Cat, Alice’s Adventure in Wonderland, Lewis Carroll, 1865
Have you ever lost your temper badly? What about flying into a rage? Well, there is anger, and then there is rage. Anger is a common, often healthy emotion that is neither good nor bad. On the other hand, rage is violent, uncontrollable anger. Many people mistakenly think that rage is about physical violence like hitting someone or throwing things. However, yelling and screaming at someone or calling them names can be just as harmful as physical violence. And let’s not forget about shredding someone’s reputation on social media. Yes, many people have perfected social media rage.
Rage is never a good look on anyone. In addition to destroying relationships and burning professional bridges, uncontrollable anger damages your physical and emotional health. If you have an anger issue, stop justifying it and blaming other people for triggering it. Admit you have a problem and get professional help.
Cheshire Cat Quotes – Pain and Success
“Only the insane equate pain with success.”
Cheshire Cat, Alice’s Adventure in Wonderland, Lewis Carroll, 1865
There is some nuance to this Cheshire Cat quote. You can have pain without being successful. However, you cannot be successful without pain. Being successful comes with numerous failures and painful lessons. Taking risks, being willing to change, and growing personally and professionally are precursors to success. The journey to success teaches us to cope with failure. Indeed, we learn to get up anyway and continue to push towards achieving our goals.
The most important question is not whether we experienced pain but did we learn the lessons from the inevitable pain.
Cheshire Cat Quotes – Different Ways to Say “No”
“I’d rather not.”
Cheshire Cat, Alice’s Adventure in Wonderland, Lewis Carroll, 1865
Do you have a hard time saying “no?” If so, it stems from an eagerness to please and be liked by others. After saying “yes,” deep down, we’re often resentful and angry that we did so. Think of it this way. Saying “no” allows us to decide where we put our time and energy.
Furthermore, a firm “no” helps to set healthy boundaries and prevent people from taking advantage of your good nature. Tap into wisdom, insights, and advice from a mentor to differentiate the good opportunities from the great ones. The Cheshire Cat unblinkingly looks at someone or a situation and says, “I’d rather not.” Saying a firm “no” takes practice. Here are several polite and not so polite ways of saying “no”:
- I’d rather not
- Nope
- Nah
- No way
- Not now
- Certainly not
- Hell no
- By no means
- No thanks
- You must be crazy
- Momma didn’t raise a fool
- I already made plans
- That doesn’t fit my schedule
- I have other commitments
- Remain silent with a blank look
Cheshire Cat Quotes – Be Informed
“The uninformed must improve their deficit, or die.”
Cheshire Cat, Alice’s Adventure in Wonderland, Lewis Carroll, 1865
Being uninformed means being unaware of something or not having the facts. Frequently, careers stall, businesses fail, and relationships suffer because we cannot or will not make necessary changes. The Cheshire Cat, professional athletes, successful entrepreneurs, and military leaders embrace the Patton Principle, also known as “improve or die.”
It is OK not to know everything. However, learning, practicing, preparing, and executing are necessary to get to the top. No excuses. Improve or die.
Cheshire Cat Quotes – Imagine the Possibilities
“Imagination is the only weapon in the war with reality.”
Cheshire Cat, Alice’s Adventure in Wonderland, Lewis Carroll, 1865
Imagining or daydreaming often provides a necessary respite from life’s failures, disappointments, and harsh realities. But imagination is so much more. Imagination influences everything. The things that we see, touch, and hear began in someone’s imagination. Indeed, this Cheshire Cat quote reminds us that our imagination is a powerful weapon. The imagination:
- Fosters creativity and innovation
- Ignites passion
- Envisions the future
- Creates a roadmap
- Generates new ideas
- Allows us to experience other viewpoints
It’s OK to look at the facts, but do not let them cloud your imagination.
Now, It’s Your Turn
I hope that you enjoyed these quirky, Cheshire Cat quotes for women leaders. Use them to get a jump start on a project or business. Or, use them to motivate and empower yourself to keep going. I think that you will enjoy reading about a few of our warrior women as well as 9 empowering quotes by Black women on being successful, 9 empowering quotes to make you fearless and 9 beautiful quotes on loving your body.
- Which one of these were your favorite Cheshire Cat quote?
- Please share one of your favorite leadership quotes in the comment section.
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