Life can be challenging at times, leaving us feeling stuck, discouraged or in need of guidance.
In those moments, the wise words of others who have faced struggles and triumphed can provide a much-needed spark of inspiration.
A single quote has the power to shift your mindset and motivate you to keep pushing forward.
Let these 15 powerful, life-changing quotes from notable figures uplift you and give you the courage to chase your dreams, overcome obstacles and become the best version of yourself.
These nuggets of wisdom will serve as reminders that you have the strength within to accomplish amazing things.
1. “The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” — Nelson Mandela
This quote from the late South African president and anti-apartheid revolutionary Nelson Mandela encourages resilience in the face of adversity.
Failure and setbacks are inevitable parts of life, but what defines us is our ability to get back up and keep going.
Embrace your failures as opportunities to learn and grow.
2. “Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma – which is living with the results of other people’s thinking.” — Steve Jobs
Apple co-founder Steve Jobs reminds us in this quote to live life on our own terms.
Time is our most precious resource, so don’t squander it trying to fulfill others’ expectations.
Have the courage to follow your own path, think for yourself and define your own version of success.
3. “If you look at what you have in life, you’ll always have more. If you look at what you don’t have in life, you’ll never have enough.” — Oprah Winfrey
Media mogul Oprah Winfrey‘s quote is all about perspective and gratitude.
Instead of focusing on what you lack, appreciate the blessings, relationships and resources you do have.
Cultivating a mindset of abundance and thankfulness leads to greater happiness and contentment.
4. “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” — Eleanor Roosevelt
Former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt believed in the power of holding onto your dreams. Dare to envision the life and world you want to create.
Your dreams and aspirations, even if they feel distant, can become your reality if you have faith in them and work to make them happen.
5. “Do one thing every day that scares you.” — Eleanor Roosevelt
Another powerful quote from Eleanor Roosevelt, this one pushes us to face our fears regularly.
Embracing discomfort and challenging yourself to step outside your comfort zone is how you grow as a person.
Confront something that scares you each day, whether that’s speaking up in a meeting, trying a new hobby, or striking up a conversation with a stranger.
6. “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” — Mahatma Gandhi
This famous quote from Indian activist Mahatma Gandhi is a call to take personal responsibility in creating the change you want to see.
It’s easy to complain about the state of things, but true transformation starts within each of us. Embody the values, actions and kindness you wish were more prevalent.
7. “Believe you can and you’re halfway there.” — Theodore Roosevelt
President Theodore Roosevelt’s quote emphasizes the importance of self-belief.
Confidence in your abilities is a major key to success. When you change your thinking from “I can’t” to “I can,” you’ve already covered half the distance.
Trust that you’re capable and let that faith fuel your efforts.
8. “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” — Maya Angelou
Poet and civil rights activist Maya Angelou‘s words remind us that our impact lies in how we treat others.
More than your accomplishments or accolades, people will remember your kindness, compassion and the way you made them feel in your presence.
Prioritize making others feel seen, valued and uplifted.
9. “Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right.” — Henry Ford
This succinct quote from automobile magnate Henry Ford is a testament to the power of your thoughts and beliefs.
Your mindset matters immensely. If you believe something is possible, you’ll find a way to achieve it.
If you believe it’s impossible, that becomes your reality. Choose to believe in your capacity to succeed.
10. “Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value.” — Albert Einstein
Theoretical physicist Albert Einstein‘s quote offers a different perspective on success.
Instead of chasing after status, fame or fortune, focus on being of service and adding value to the world.
When you prioritize being useful and helpful to others, success becomes a byproduct.
11. “The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity.” — Amelia Earhart
Aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart knew that the hardest part of any endeavor is simply getting started.
Making the decision to take action is the biggest hurdle. After that, reaching your goal is a matter of persistence.
Don’t get stuck in indecision – just begin and commit to following through.
12. “The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson
Essayist and philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson‘s quote is an empowering affirmation of free will.
Your future is not set in stone – it’s up to you to decide who and what you want to be. You are always one decision away from an entirely different life.
Embrace your power to shape your destiny.
13. “Believe in yourself. You are braver than you think, more talented than you know and capable of more than you imagine.” ― Roy T. Bennett
This encouraging quote from author Roy T. Bennett urges you to have faith in yourself and your potential.
You likely have more courage, gifts and untapped abilities than you give yourself credit for.
Embrace self-love and don’t downplay your strengths. Believe you can achieve big things – because you absolutely can.
14. “If there is no struggle, there is no progress.” — Frederick Douglass
Abolitionist and author Frederick Douglass knew that growth rarely comes without challenge.
Struggles and obstacles, as uncomfortable as they may be, are often necessary for our development.
Reframe your mindset to view struggles as opportunities to evolve and progress to the next level.
15. “Happiness is not by chance, but by choice.” — Jim Rohn
Entrepreneur and motivational speaker Jim Rohn‘s quote reminds us that we have agency over our own happiness.
While we can’t control our circumstances, we can choose how we respond to them.
Make the intentional decision to find joy, practice gratitude and focus on the positive. Happiness is an inside job.
Key Takeaways
- Failure is an opportunity to learn and grow. Resilience is key.
- Live life on your own terms, not by others’ expectations.
- Focus on what you have, not what you lack. Choose gratitude.
- Believe in your dreams and your ability to achieve them.
- Do something that scares you every day to expand your comfort zone.
- Be the change you wish to see. Embody your values.
- Believe in yourself – that’s half the battle.
- Focus on how you make others feel. Lead with kindness.
- Your thoughts shape your reality. Think positively.
- Aim to be of value and service to others, not just successful.
- The hardest part is getting started. Just begin and be tenacious.
- You decide who you become. Embrace your free will.
- Believe in your own bravery, talents and capabilities.
- Struggles often precede progress. They help you grow.
- Happiness is a choice. Choose joy and gratitude.
Conclusion
Let these 15 powerful quotes be your companions as you navigate the joys and challenges of life in future.
Refer back to them anytime you need a dose of motivation, encouragement or shift in perspective.
You have within you everything you need to thrive – let these words of wisdom be a reminder of your incredible potential.
Here’s to a year of purpose, growth and becoming the best version of yourself!
