Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Economic Times
The Economic Times
Muskan Singh

Quote of the Day by Gigi Hadid: 'My mentality has always been, If I'm not the best at something, then I might as well be...'- Inspiring life lessons on why knowing your strengths can change your life by the American supermodel

Quote of the Day by Gigi Hadid: Success rarely comes from trying to be good at everything. More often, it comes from recognizing where your greatest strengths lie and having the courage to pursue them wholeheartedly. Gigi Hadid's quote is a reminder that life is not about mourning the dreams that don't work out. It is about discovering the ones that can take you even further.

Her words celebrate self-awareness, resilience, and the confidence to change direction without giving up on excellence. Instead of seeing limitations as defeat, she chose to see them as signs pointing her toward a different path. That mindset transformed her into one of the world's most recognizable supermodels.

Quote of the Day

"My mentality has always been, If I'm not the best at something, then I might as well be the best at something else. I realized that I wasn't going to be an Olympic volleyball player, but I knew I could model at that level." — Gigi Hadid

READ ALSO: Quote of the Day by Samuel L. Jackson: 'Painters get up and paint. Writers get up and write. I like to get up and act...'-Inspiring lessons on creativity, hard work, and success and why consistency beats talent every time by Pulp Fiction actor

Who Is Gigi Hadid?

Jelena Noura "Gigi" Hadid is an American fashion model who has become one of the defining faces of modern fashion. Born on February 20, 1995, in Los Angeles, California, she grew up in a family familiar with both business and fashion. Her father, Mohamed Hadid, is a real estate developer, while her mother, Yolanda Hadid, enjoyed a successful modeling career. Her younger siblings, Bella and Anwar Hadid, also entered the modeling industry.

Gigi's modeling journey began incredibly early. At just two years old, she was discovered by Guess co-founder Paul Marciano and appeared in Baby Guess campaigns before stepping away to focus on school.

During high school, Gigi excelled as captain of her varsity volleyball team while also competing in horseback riding. After graduating from Malibu High School, she moved to New York City, where she briefly studied criminal psychology before deciding to devote herself entirely to modeling.

Signing with IMG Models in 2013 marked a turning point in her career. She made her New York Fashion Week debut in 2014 and quickly became a favorite among major fashion houses and designers.

Over the following years, she appeared on countless magazine covers, walked for prestigious fashion brands including Versace, Balmain, Moschino, Max Mara, Tommy Hilfiger, Fendi, and many others, while also earning the title of International Model of the Year from the British Fashion Council.

Her career became a perfect example of how dedication, adaptability, and confidence can transform natural talent into worldwide success.

READ ALSO: Japanese Mindset: 'Datsuzoku'- The Japanese philosophy that helps you break free from monotonous routine and rediscover life

What Does This Quote Really Mean?

"My mentality has always been, If I'm not the best at something, then I might as well be the best at something else." At first glance, the quote sounds highly competitive. But beneath it lies an important lesson about self-awareness. Gigi is not saying that everyone must become the absolute best. She is saying that every person has unique strengths. Instead of forcing herself to pursue a dream that didn't align with her greatest abilities, she redirected her energy toward something where she could truly excel. She accepted reality without lowering her ambitions. Rather than asking, "Why didn't my first dream work?" She asked, "Where can I become exceptional?" That simple shift in thinking changed her life.

READ ALSO: Quote of the Day by BTS star Jimin: 'If your heart has grown bigger, that also means you have let go...'- Inspiring life lessons on freedom, letting go and why happiness begins when you empty your heart of negativity

The Power of Knowing Your Strengths

Many people spend years trying to succeed in areas that simply don't match their natural abilities or passions. They continue because they fear changing direction would mean failure. Gigi's story proves otherwise. Changing your goal is not quitting. Sometimes it is the smartest decision you can make. Recognizing your strengths requires honesty.

Building on them requires courage. Together, they create opportunities that may never have existed otherwise.

Gigi Hadid's Career Reflects Her Mindset

Before becoming one of the world's most recognizable models, Gigi had dreams of competing in volleyball at the highest level. Eventually, she realized that another path offered greater possibilities. Instead of viewing that realization as disappointment, she embraced a new challenge with complete commitment. She returned to modeling, signed with IMG Models, worked tirelessly, and steadily built an international career.

Her achievements did not happen overnight. Magazine covers, runway shows, advertising campaigns, and global recognition all came after years of preparation, professionalism, and persistence.

Her journey reminds us that success is rarely about luck alone. It grows from consistent effort applied in the right direction.

READ ALSO: Quote of the Day by Steve Jobs: 'It takes a lot of hard work to make something simple'- Thought-provoking life lesson on simplicity, innovation, hard work and what it takes to be successful by the co-founder of Apple and a pioneer of the microcomputer revolution

Life Lessons We Can Learn from Gigi Hadid

1. Know Where Your Strengths Lie

Everyone has different talents. The key is identifying what you naturally do well and investing your energy there.

2. Changing Direction Isn't Failure

Sometimes the dream you leave behind creates room for an even bigger dream. Success often begins with letting go of expectations that no longer fit.

3. Excellence Requires Commitment

Talent opens doors. Discipline keeps them open. Becoming exceptional demands consistent work every day.

4. Confidence Comes From Self-Awareness

Believing in yourself becomes easier when you truly understand your abilities. Self-awareness creates genuine confidence.

5. Keep Growing

Even after becoming successful, Gigi continued exploring new creative opportunities through collaborations, photography, and design. Growth never really ends.

Why This Quote Matters Today

Modern life constantly encourages comparison. Social media makes it easy to believe everyone else has already found their purpose. Many people continue chasing careers simply because others expect them to. Gigi's quote encourages a different mindset. Instead of comparing yourself with others, compare yourself with your own potential. Ask where your unique abilities can make the greatest impact.

The goal isn't to copy someone else's journey. The goal is to build your own. Gigi Hadid's quote reminds us that success isn't about refusing to change direction. It is about having the wisdom to recognize where our greatest opportunities truly exist. Life doesn't always unfold exactly as we imagine. Sometimes our first dream teaches us valuable lessons before leading us toward something even better. Whether your passion lies in sports, business, science, art, or any other field, the most important step is committing yourself fully once you've found where you truly belong. Success isn't determined by the dream you started with. It's determined by what you choose to do when life points you toward a new one.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.