Thanks to Shakespeare, we know that brevity is the soul of wit. Twitter seems determined to conjure that wit with its 140 character limit. We’re glad. Being brief can sharpen our thinking and allow our insights to shine more brightly than they might if we had more space to elaborate. Proving that point — here are twenty one perfectly concise and wise-beyond-their-length tweets that will provide an instant dose of inspiration to help you live and lead better.

What are some of your favorite inspirational tweets? Tweet us at @DougConant with hashtag #LeaderInspire to share the 140 character life lessons that have helped you on your leadership journey.

1. Simon Sinek on trust and empowerment:

When we tell people to do their jobs, we get workers. When we trust people to get the job done, we get leaders. — Simon Sinek (@simonsinek) September 25, 2014

2. Amy Cuddy on self-management:

Sometimes you have to get out the way of yourself so you can be yourself. — Amy Cuddy (@amyjccuddy) August 15, 2015

3. Adam Grant on leaving a legacy of contribution:

The greatest accomplishments aren’t by the people who do the most, but the people who do the most for others. — Adam Grant (@AdamMGrant) July 8, 2015

4. Elaine Perry with a Beckett quote on perseverance:

“Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again….” ~Samuel Beckett #leadership #inspiration #quote pic.twitter.com/KrZqD8UUDH — Elaine Perry (@elaine_perry) September 30, 2015

5. Vala Afshar on leading the life we truly want:

1. make a list of things that make you happy 2. make a list of things you do everyday 3. compare the list 4. adjust accordingly — Vala Afshar (@ValaAfshar) October 2, 2015

6. Susan Cain with a quote on what’s important:

“Three things in human life are important: the first is to be kind; the second is to be kind; and the third is to be kind.” ―Henry James

— Susan Cain (@susancain) July 29, 2015

7. Richard Branson on the power of business to help build a better world:

Profit & purpose are not mutually exclusive. Business is fundamental in creating a better future for all: http://t.co/l2im17n9FI — Richard Branson (@richardbranson) September 30, 2015

8. Alli Polin on taking action:

It’s great to share your opinion – but what are you going to do about it? Take action, make a change. #leadership #life — Alli Polin (@AlliPolin) October 6, 2015

9. Michael McKinney on the importance of purpose:

Your leadership should always be about something greater than you. — Michael McKinney (@LeadershipNow) September 17, 2015

10. Steve Gutzler on a winning vocabulary:

Leaders vocabulary: > I can > I will > I know > I will make the time > I’m grateful > I’m confident > I believe > It’s possible #leadership — Steve Gutzler (@SteveGutzler) September 30, 2015

11. Michelle Reina on the power of choice in each moment:

We do not have control over the behaviors of others; however, we do have control over how we choose to respond. — Michelle Reina (@DrMichelleReina) September 21, 2015

12. Oprah on learning from adversity:

“When Things Fall Apart ” is when we usually have the most to learn about ourselves. #SuperSoulSunday — Oprah Winfrey (@Oprah) October 19, 2014

13. S. Max Brown on valuing the people in our organizations:

Great leaders ask themselves: How can I make things better for those doing the work? — S Max Brown (@smaxbrown) August 24, 2015

14. Russell Simmons on working towards your goals:

Ask yourself if what you’re doing today is getting you closer to where you want to be tomorrow. — Russell Simmons (@UncleRUSH) September 30, 2015

15. Robin Sharma on continually pursuing learning and growth:

What makes a master a master is that they never think they’re masters. Always be growing. Always. — Robin Sharma (@_robin_sharma) October 2, 2015

16. Susan Mazza on staying focused:

Consciously choose to focus on the possibilities of the #future you are creating instead of listening to the voice of resistance. #focus

— Susan Mazza (@SusanMazza) September 10, 2015

17. John Maeda on being proactive:

Being known as a person of action (think, then act) will serve you better than being known as a person of *reaction*. — John Maeda (@johnmaeda) September 3, 2015

18. Marianne Williamson on taking a stand:

Living in a world that is constantly changing, stand for the things that do not change.

— Marianne Williamson (@marwilliamson) September 26, 2015

19. Martha Beck on getting out of your comfort zone:

By putting yourself in unfamiliar situations, you’ll see things w/fresh eyes, & solutions you may never have noticed will crop up. #joydiet — Martha Beck (@MarthaBeck) July 20, 2015

20. The late Dr. Maya Angelou on achieving greatness:

“Whatever you want to do, if you want to be great at it, you have to love it and be able to make sacrifices for it.” pic.twitter.com/wpVhXTT6Hd

— Maya Angelou (@DrMayaAngelou) July 23, 2015

21. Our fearless leader, Doug Conant, on leading change:

It takes time to create deep & sustainable change in an extraordinary way. Put in the work. #leadership — Doug Conant (@DougConant) June 16, 2015

(photo: death to the stock photo under this license)