25 Motivational Quotes You Didn't Know You Needed to Read
Powerful words to get you going and light your inner fire
By Sanjana Gupta
Updated on September 11, 2024
We all have those days when the will to do anything seems out of reach. Whether we’re feeling stuck in a rut, overwhelmed by our to-do list, upset by a recent setback, or just plain blah, it’s normal to lose our momentum from time to time.
Sometimes, all it takes is a little nudge or a spark of inspiration to get us going again. That’s where motivational quotes come in—these simple yet powerful words can give us a push when we need it most.
“Motivational quotes remind us that we can do hard things when we need to. They also remind us that we're not alone, that others also have trouble getting things done sometimes,” says Aimee Daramus, PsyD, a clinical psychologist at Clarity Clinic, Chicago.
Motivational quotes remind us that we can do hard things when we need to. They also remind us that we're not alone, that others also have trouble getting things done sometimes.
— AIMEE DARAMUS, PSYD
We've compiled a collection of motivational quotes that will inspire you to get going. When your energy and creativity levels are low, these quotes by famous people will remind you to keep at it until you achieve your goals. Remember, you’ve got this!
At a Glance
25 Motivational Quotes
If you can dream it, you can do it.
— WALT DISNEY
Keep your eyes on the stars, and your feet on the ground.
— THEODORE ROOSEVELT
You’ve got to get up every morning with determination if you’re going to go to bed with satisfaction.
— GEORGE LORIMER
The elevator to success is out of order. You’ll have to use the stairs, one step at a time.
— JOE GIRARD
I never dreamed about success. I worked for it.
— ESTÉE LAUDER
Success is not final; failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.
— WINSTON CHURCHILL
It’s not whether you get knocked down. It’s whether you get up.
— VINCE LOMBARDI
It is only when we take chances that our lives improve.
— WALTER ANDERSON
Opportunities don’t happen, you create them.
— CHRIS GROSSER
Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.
— THEODORE ROOSEVELT
When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too.
— PAULO COELHO
Don’t wish it were easier. Wish you were better.
— JIM ROHN
He who conquers himself is the mightiest warrior.
— CONFUCIUS
Either you run the day or the day runs you.
— JIM ROHN
It is never too late to be what you might have been.
— GEORGE ELIOT
Hard times don’t create heroes. It is during the hard times when the ‘hero’ within us is revealed.
— BOB RILEY
Don’t let the bastards grind you down.
— MARGARET ATWOOD
One of the differences between some successful and unsuccessful people is that one group is full of doers, while the other is full of wishers.
— EDMOND MBIAKA
Do the best you can. No one can do more than that.
— JOHN WOODEN
People often say that motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing—that’s why we recommend it daily.
— ZIG ZIGLAR
Perfection is not attainable. But if we chase perfection we can catch excellence.
— VINCE LOMBARDI
Love your family, work super hard, live your passion.
— GARY VAYNERCHUK
A man who has committed a mistake and doesn’t correct it is committing another mistake.
— CONFUCIUS
If you’re not positive energy, you’re negative energy.
— MARK CUBAN
I’d rather regret the things I’ve done than regret the things I haven’t done.
— LUCILLE BALL
How to Use Motivational Quotes for Daily Inspiration
Motivational quotes can be helpful because life can be exhausting sometimes, and we have to do things that we don't like, says Dr. Daramus. “It's easy to do things that are exciting, like playing with your pet or watching a good movie, but when you have to do something that's not interesting to you, then you have to find a way to motivate yourself.”
These are some strategies that can help you use motivational quotes for a daily dose of inspiration:
Select quotes that align with your goals: Pick quotes that speak to you and align with what you're trying to achieve. Start your day with a quote: Begin your day by reading or writing a motivational quote that resonates with you. It can be a great way to set a positive tone for the day. Use visual reminders: Place motivational quotes on your mirror, fridge, desk, computer, or phone screen. This way, they will serve as constant reminders to stay focused and motivated. Recite quotes as mantras: Certain quotes can become your go-to phrases during stressful or challenging times. Repeat them like a mantra to calm your mind or boost your confidence. Incorporate quotes into journaling: When you write in your journal at the end of the day, reflect on a quote and write how it applied to your experiences. This helps deepen its meaning and keeps you connected to your motivation. Share quotes with others: When you find a quote that resonates with you, share it! Whether it’s with friends, colleagues, or on social media, spreading positive words helps create strong bonds.
What to Do When Quotes Aren’t Enough
Reflect on your feelings: Sometimes we rely on quotes to help us feel better without addressing the issue that’s bothering us and holding us back. If you're feeling stuck or demotivated, take some time to reflect on what's going on. For instance, factors like stress and burnout can take a major toll on your motivation levels.
Revisit your goals: If your motivation is fading, it may be time to revisit your goals. Are they still meaningful to you? Do they need to be adjusted? Being passionate about what you’re doing can be a powerful source of motivation. Take small action steps: Motivation often follows action, not the other way around. Instead of waiting to feel inspired, set clear, achievable goals, and break them down into actionable steps, says Tatiana Rivera Cruz, MSW, LCSW, a therapist at ADHDAdvisor. Taking action, even if it's small, can help build momentum and eventually lead to a bigger sense of accomplishment. Change your environment: Sometimes, a change of scenery can spark creativity and motivation. Try working in a different location or taking a short break. Focus on self-care: When we’re physically or mentally drained, no amount of motivational words can move us. Take a step back and assess whether you’ve been neglecting your self-care. Sometimes rest, relaxation, and recharging are exactly what you need to regain your motivation. Seek support: Seek support from mentors or peers, says Cruz. Sometimes we need more than a motivational boost—we need connection, advice, perspective, or emotional support to help us move forward.
Parting Words
