( CareerBuilder ) -- Just because icons like Albert Einstein and Thomas Edison are n't alive today , does n't mean their leadership lessons should be forgotten . And since history always repeats itself , there is some career advice that never seems to change . Here , we take a look at the leadership philosophies of iconic leaders and how they can help you get ahead in your own career . `` There are no secrets to success . It is the result of preparation , hard work and learning from failure . '' -- Colin Powell . Career lesson : When it comes to your career , it 's impossible to take the easy way out . Most of those who 've found success do n't have some secret connections that have helped them get ahead . Moving up in a company or building a business is always done the old-fashioned way -- by striving to do your best . `` I have not failed . I 've just found 10,000 ways that wo n't work . '' -- Thomas Edison . Career lesson : Not everyone gets it right 100 percent of the time , and the ability to rebound from career mistakes is just as important as getting it right the first time around . Companies are most interested in workers who can work through problems instead of giving up . `` Logic will get you from A to Z ; imagination will get you everywhere . '' -- Albert Einstein . Career lesson : These days , innovation is a buzzword , and knowing how to think outside the box is a valuable skill . Companies are n't simply looking to hire clones , so understanding how to differentiate yourself in a corporate environment is a plus . `` Finish every day and be done with it . You have done what you could ; some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in ; forget them as soon as you can . Tomorrow is a new day ; you shall begin it serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense . '' -- Ralph Waldo Emerson . Career lesson : There 's never a perfect day at work , and dwelling on past mistakes or having a negative attitude can prevent you from making progress . Remember that most of your superiors and managers have erred in the past but somehow managed to score that promotion . `` Choose a job you love , and you will never have to work a day in your life . '' -- Confucius . Career lesson : Just because a specific career is associated with a high salary or is in demand does n't mean you should pursue it . Picking a profession you 're genuinely interested in always makes it simpler to enjoy your work . `` Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions . Small people always do that , but the really great make you feel that you , too , can become great . '' -- Mark Twain . Career lesson : Finding great mentors and avoiding those who do n't believe in you is a must as you start your career . Whether it 's a bullying boss , a jealous co-worker or an unsupportive classmate -- there 's never a reason to be weighed down by negative opinions . `` The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena , whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood ; who strives valiantly ; who errs , who comes short again and again , because there is no effort without error and shortcoming ; but who does actually strive to do the deeds ; who knows great enthusiasms , the great devotions ; who spends himself in a worthy cause ; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement , and who at the worst , if he fails , at least fails while daring greatly , so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat . '' -- Theodore Roosevelt . Career lesson : Put your all in to your career -- sometimes you will fail , and sometimes you will succeed beyond what you could have imagined . Take risks , make sacrifices , learn from your mistakes and keep going . `` Every now and then go away and have a little relaxation . To remain constantly at work will diminish your judgment . Go some distance away , because work will be in perspective and a lack of harmony is more ready seen . '' -- Leonardo DaVinci . Career lesson : Sometimes , taking a break is just as important as working hard . Getting burned out will be a lot worse for your productivity than simply stepping back once in while . Alina Dizik researches and writes about job search strategy , career management , hiring trends and workplace issues for CareerBuilder.com . & copy CareerBuilder.com 2011 . All rights reserved . The information contained in this article may not be published , broadcast or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority .
Colin Powell : Preparation , hard work and learning from failure is way to success . Albert Einstein : `` Logic will get you from A to Z ; imagination will get you everywhere '' Mark Twain : `` Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions ''