While there are many articles, blogs, speeches, editorials and other items to read when you want to get inspired or motivated, some days you only have a few moments to get there. Maybe you had one of those kitten posters encouraging you to just hang in there, or you’ve fully embraced the vision board. Perhaps you just like seeing them occasionally on Twitter or in your Instagram feed. Regardless of how you choose to get inspired, there are a few quotes we’ve found to be highly effective at pulling us out of ruts and lighting a fire under us. We’ve pulled together a list of 10 of our favorite motivational quotes to help you do the same.
My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.
Maya Angelou
We’d say that Maya Angelou certainly lived her life by this quote! Some days, it’s all you can do to knock out the necessaries on life’s to-do list. However, we can’t live our lives like that day in and day out. If all you’re doing is checking items off, you might want to think of ways to thrive instead of just survive. Maybe it’s a big life change, like a new job or even a fresh city. Perhaps is a hobby or just a new route home from work. Find some way to laugh a little more and feel a bit more alive day to day.
It doesn’t matter how slow you go as long as you don’t stop.
Confucius
If you’ve ever decided to take a hike straight uphill, you might be familiar with just how true this quote feels. If you find yourself feeling bad about how long it takes you to finish something difficult, try to shift your focus onto how proud you should be of the fact that you actually took the initiative to begin in the first place. More importantly, if you make the journey there more enjoyable then time sure can fly.
Embrace uncertainty. Some of the most beautiful chapters in our lives won’t have a title until much later.
Bob Goff
The idea that we can predict every stage of our life if we were to sit down and write it out as soon as we hit adulthood is pretty silly. Not only do we not know the tiny details, we likely have huge chapters that we didn’t even know would exist thrown in there. This doesn’t mean that it’s pointless to plan ahead, rather that you will always have some surprises on the horizon.
To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Trying to find a balance between being stubbornly unresponsive to the needs of others without becoming someone you’re not can feel like a huge task, but it’s an important one. On days when you feel a bit too much like a doormat, remember that you’re allowed to be the unique and wonderful you.
Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.
Oscar Wilde
Perhaps a shorter and wittier version of the last quote, this one reminds us that we’re expected to have differences from one another.
Your self-worth is determined by you. You don’t have to depend on someone telling you who you are.
Beyoncé
Between school, work, romantic partners, friends, family and others, you might find yourself becoming a little too dependent on their opinion of you. No matter how large your support network is, they can’t always be the ones to be propping up your feeling of self-worth. As soon as you put that responsibility back in your own hands, you’re able to far happier.
Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing we’ll ever do.
Brené Brown
Maybe this is a naive look at history, but it seems like it’s harder than ever to love ourselves in the digital age. We’re open to criticisms online and through social media from peers and strangers alike. Regardless, loving ourselves, even if we have things we want to change about our lives, is indeed brave in the face of it all sometimes.
You have power over your mind―not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.
Marcus Aurelius
This one is tough to accept, but it’s often a necessary part of good mental health. We don’t mean that you shouldn’t try to change the world. Quite the opposite, in fact! But in terms of actual control over emotions or actions, you only have power over your own
Think big thoughts, but relish small pleasures.
Jackson Brown Jr.
Dreaming big is an important part of a happy life for many, but it’s easy to left yourself be disappointed with anything less than the best. Set achievable bars for happiness and you’ll find yourself living a more comfortable life.
The grass is greener where you water it.
Neil Barringham
Quit looking over at what another person (including alternate-universe-you) has as if that is the thing that will bring you ultimate joy. Now, it may very well be that a little bit of envy can steer you onto a good life path, but it’s going to take work to get there regardless.
