As a culture, for generations, we’ve been presented with signs full of messages and slogans for inspiration. From ads on billboards to office walls, there has always been a motive to sell a better self. Between 1923 and 1929, Mather & Co. of Chicago created and distributed some of the first employee-motivational posters to companies across the United States. These eye-catching pieces of art glamorized discipline and gave workers the incentive to stay the course to achieve success. Over 350 posters were made over the course of the run, with many of them relaying values through the narrative of sports. Here we feature some of our favorites that help guide our own principles.